AGE

16-18

START DATE

September 2025

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Level 2 qualification in Beauty Therapy or Hair & Media Make-up

DURATION

1 year

FEES & FUNDING

Fully funded for 16-18, Materials & kit fees: £190

Level 3 Diploma

Theatrical, Special Effects, Hair & Media Make-up

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.

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We cover a range of different skills, the basics of makeup, hair colouring and styling

Heidi, LCBT Hair & Media Makeup Tutor

Course Overview

Level 3 Diploma in Theatrical, Special Effects, Hair & Media Make-up

Our Level 3 Diploma in Theatrical, Special Effects, Hair & Media Make-up is designed to teach you all the skills you need to work on film, TV and magazine shoots at an advanced level. You will learn to do fashion and photographic make-up, airbrush and camouflage make-up and body art, as well as creative hairdressing, styling skills and eyelash extensions. The course also covers client care and communication skills, health and safety and general industry knowledge.

You need to have gained a Level 2 qualification in a relevant field, such as Beauty Therapy or Hair & Media Make-up to apply for this course. Practical learning takes place in LCBT’s purpose-designed make-up rooms, where you will learn from tutors with years of expertise in film, TV and theatre make-up, hair and styling. 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

  • Working with Colleagues within the Beauty Related Industries
  • Monitor & Maintain Health & Safety Practice in the Salon
  • Creative Hairdressing Design Skills
  • Design & Apply Face & Body Art
  • Fashion & Photographic Make-up
  • Apply Airbrush Make-up to the Face
  • Media Make-up,
  • Apply Prosthetic Pieces & Bald Caps
  • Style & Fit Postiche & Camouflage Make-up

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

You will complete an externally-set and marked exam, unit assignments, a portfolio of evidence and practical assessment days.

Awarding Body & Qualification

City & Guilds of London Institute

Level 3 Diploma in Hair and Media Make-up

Entry Requirements

Aged 16-18

Level 2 qualification in Beauty Therapy or Hair & Media Make-up

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: £190

Uniform fees: fully funded

 

If you are aged 19 or over, please see our 19+ Level 3 Diploma in Hair and Media Make-Up.

 

Your kit includes:

  • Cine-Wax 10G – Neutral
  • Wound Filler 15ml – Dark
  • Spirit Gum 12m
  • HD Pro Gum Remover 50ml
  • Powder Puff White 7cm
  • Stipple Sponge Coarse – Pore
  • Translucent Powder 15g
  • Prosthetic Piece – Witch Set
  • Supracolor Palette 12 Colors
  • Disposable Mascara Wands (25)
  • Dermacolor Camouflage Creme Palette 12 Colors
  • Liquid Latex 100ml
  • Ultra Foundation Stacker
  • Double Ended Plastic Sculpting Tool
  • Make-up Blending Plate
  • Clear Make-up Bag
  • Digital Complexion Starter Kit (8 trial size products)

On completion of this course, you will have the advanced technical skills to be employed as a make-up artist or stylist in film, TV and theatre, or even set up your own business as a freelance make-up artist.

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 media industry. You’ll also have access to our online Job Shop with current vacancies across the UK.

Apply Now