Make up and Hair Artistry

OVERVIEW
Are you passionate about creative hair and make‑up and ready to begin your journey into the creative industries? This Make-up and Hair Artistry HNC is designed to help you develop a strong foundation for a career in film, television, theatre, fashion and media, or progression to further study.

On this course, you will build essential professional hair and make‑up skills, while learning how hair and make‑up contribute to character creation and visual storytelling. You will explore both historical and contemporary practices, enabling you to design bespoke looks and respond confidently to creative briefs in line with industry expectations.

You will be introduced to specialist areas, including special effects (SFX), prosthetics and digital techniques, with opportunities to explore how emerging technologies are shaping the future of the industry. Teaching is highly practical and delivered through hands‑on workshops, research‑led projects and creative design development.

Throughout the course, you will also develop transferable skills such as creativity, problem‑solving, teamwork and adaptability, supporting progression into employment, freelance practice or progression onto the Make‑up and Hair Artistry HND.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?


- INDUSTRY‑FOCUSED TRAINING – Develop core professional skills through industry‑inspired training that reflects current workflows across film, television, fashion and the wider creative industries


- REAL‑WORLD CREATIVE BRIEFS – Work on practical, industry‑style briefs that mirror real working environments, helping you understand professional expectations and build confidence from the outset


- PRACTICAL HANDS-ON SKILLS – Gain essential technical expertise through hands‑on learning in specialist facilities, using professional products and industry‑standard make‑up and hair techniques


- PORTFOLIO‑BASED LEARNING – Begin building a professional portfolio throughout the course, supported by tutors with extensive industry experience, ensuring your work meets current industry standards


- INNOVATION & SPECIAL EFFECTS – Explore contemporary practices including introductory SFX, prosthetics and digital design processes, encouraging creativity, experimentation and forward‑thinking approaches used in film, TV and fashion


- CAREER AND PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES – Study within a growing creative hub with strong links to the film and TV industry, benefiting from industry engagement, guest speakers and enrichment opportunities, with clear progression routes into employment, freelance practice or further study, including progression onto the HND


FACILITIES
Our creative courses provide a balance of theory, digital and practical training. You will have the opportunity to develop a range of skills on campus in our specialist, purpose-built facilities.

CAREERS AND PROGRESSION
Examples of careers you could pursue following this course:


• Film and TV make-up artist



• Wigs, hair and make-up technician



• Make-up artist advertising and editorial



• Teacher of hair and make-up



• Special effects prosthetic supervisor



For updates please refer to our website www.ucb.ac.uk

At University College Birmingham, you'll learn from expert lecturers with access to a network of employer connections and world-class facilities.

With one of the most diverse student bodies in the UK, the university have invested a huge £200 million into their facilities, which include their Health Skills and Simulation Suite, Human Performance Laboratory, Centre for Sustainable Construction and Business School, giving students the chance to gain practical experience and prepare for their future careers.

You'll also be living in one of the best student cities in the UK. With a student population of over 80,000, Birmingham is brimming with student hotspots. Bars, pubs and clubs are dotted around the city, alongside beautiful green spaces, shopping options and business hubs. You'll also be in the home of some of the best food in the UK, with Birmingham being the home of the balti!

University College Birmingham's brilliant student support teams will help you throughout your studies. They offer one-to-one academic support, development sessions and skills workshops alongside health and wellness support. Students also have access to student experience mentors to help them reach their potential.

Register interest today and find your place at University College Birmingham!