16-18
September 2025
Proficient in English reading, writing, listening and speaking
1 year
Fully funded for 16-18, Materials & kit fees: £170
This course is the ideal introduction to hair styling and make-up for the dynamic world of film, TV and theatre, and teaches you a broad range of essential skills and techniques to start a career as a make-up artist or hair stylist.
LCBT is different to any other college because of the opportunities that are given
The Level 2 Diploma in Hair & Media Make-up is designed to help you take your first steps towards a career as a make-up artist or hair stylist. You’ll learn the basic techniques to create a variety of make-up and hair looks suitable for film and TV, catwalk and theatre. We’ll teach you how to create an image for your client based on a variety of themes, alongside a range of hair styling techniques including temporary and semi-permanent colour, plaiting, twisting, vertical rolling and blow-drying.
You’ll also learn how to perform lash and brow treatments, create body art and make-up application techniques for daytime, evening and special occasions as well as for photography. You’ll gain an understanding of professional client care and communication, health and safety and growing your general knowledge about the beauty industry.
Practical learning takes place in LCBT’s state-of-the-art make-up rooms, and you’ll be taught by lecturers with extensive make-up and styling experience in the film and TV industries. We will provide you with a uniform to wear whilst you are at college. You will need to purchase the kit to practice techniques for a small fee.
Units
Enrichment
You’ll gain practical industry experience and have the opportunity to attend or take part in beauty industry shows, events and careers fairs to help build your knowledge, experience and professional network.
Assessment
Practical assessment, task assignments and online examination.
Awarding Body & Qualification
City & Guilds of London Institute
Level 2 Diploma in Hair and Media Make-up
Entry Requirements
Aged 16-18
Proficient in English reading, writing, listening and speaking.
If you haven’t achieved a minimum grade 4 in GCSE English and/or Maths, you will need to complete Functional Skills or the relevant GCSEs alongside your studies. This will be embedded into your course and is a mandatory government requirement.
Overseas Applicants
Evidence of your legal right to study in the UK will be required. LCBT is unable to provide any assistance with visa applications.
Important Information
We are a diverse college and you may be in a group with students of all genders. You will be required to perform and receive all treatments with students on your course. If you cannot have certain treatments performed for medical reasons please ensure you let us know when you apply.
Start Dates
September 2025
Duration & Timetable
One year, two days a week, including occasional weekends and evenings.
If you need to resit GCSE English or Maths or complete Functional Skills, you will study for an extra 3–6 hours per week, per subject.
16-18
Course fees: fully funded
Materials & kit fees: £170
Uniform fees: fully funded
Your kit includes:
The Level 2 Diploma in Hair & Media Make-up gives you an excellent foundation in the skills required to work as a professional make-up artist or hair stylist. You could consider progressing onto a Level 3 course to further your career and expand your knowledge and experience.
Our careers advisors can help you decide on the route that is right for you and offer coaching and guidance to support you in securing a job in the make-up industry. You’ll also have access to our online Job Shop with current vacancies across the UK.
Progression options include:
Designed as a complete introduction to professional make-up and styling techniques, you will learn a broad range of skills in make-up application and hair design and build a portfolio of different looks to help start your career.
Level
2
Entry
requirements
Relevant Level 1 qualification or 5 GCSEs at Level 4-9, including English and Maths
Duration
1 year
Funding
Fully funded for 16-18, Materials & kit fees: £170
Designed for those wishing to pursue a career in film, TV and theatre hair and make-up, this course builds on the skills learned at Level 2 to develop a portfolio of advanced techniques and industry knowledge.
Level
3
Entry
requirements
Level 2 qualification in Beauty Therapy or Hair & Media Make-up
Duration
1 year
Funding
Fully funded for 16-18, Materials & kit fees: £190
Designed especially for those wishing to start a career in hair and media make-up without any prior experience or qualifications, and includes the necessary Level 2 units so that you don’t have to spend extra time and money to start your career.
Level
19+
Entry
requirements
Proficient in English reading, writing, listening and speaking
Duration
1 year
Funding
£3,345 (loans available), Materials & kit fees: £190, Uniform fees: £23