16-18
September 2026
Recommended minimum Grade 3 in GCSE English & Maths
1 year
Fully funded for 16-18; Uniform & kit fees: £385*
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 has set me up in my confidence massively
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.
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.
You’ll be taught at our brand new Fashion Street campus in Shoreditch – find out more about it here. Your practical learning will take place in our purpose-designed make-up and hairdressing rooms.
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.
Practical assessment, task assignments and online examination.
City & Guilds of London Institute
Level 2 Diploma in Hair and Media Make-up
Aged 16-18
We recommend a minimum of grade 3 (or equivalent) in GCSE Maths and English.
We believe in education for all, and that grades should not limit your choices. If you don’t think you will achieve the recommended minimum grades, you can still apply – we’ll review your achieved grades and may be able to offer you an alternative.
If you haven’t achieved a minimum grade 4 in GCSE English and/or Maths, you will need to complete the relevant GCSEs alongside your studies for half a day per subject, per week. This will be embedded into your course and is a mandatory government requirement.
Evidence of your legal right to study in the UK will be required. LCBT is unable to provide any assistance with visa applications.
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.
September 2026
One year, two days a week. Due to very high demand for our courses, some groups may run on a Saturday to enable us to accommodate as many students as possible.
If you need to resit GCSE English or Maths, you will study for an extra half a day per subject, per week.
AUTUMN TERM
Academic transition week = Week commencing 1st September 2025
Term starts = Week commencing 8th September 2025
Half term = Week commencing 27th October 2025
Term ends = Week commencing 15th December 2025
Winter break = Week commencing 22nd December 2025
SPRING TERM
Term starts = Week commencing 5th January 2026
Term ends = Week commencing 23rd March 2026
Spring break = Week commencing 30th March 2026
SUMMER TERM
Term starts = Week commencing 6th April 2026
Term ends = Week commencing 6th July 2026
TBC
Course fees: fully funded
Materials & kit fees: £350*
Uniform fees: £35
For more information, see our Fees & Funding page.
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. They will also help you access current vacancies across the UK, working with over 700 industry partners.
Progression options include:
The ideal next step to a career in hair and media make-up for those aged 16-18, allowing you to build on the skills learned at Level 2. You’ll learn all about fashion and photographic make-up, creative hairdressing and media make-up.
Level
3
Entry
requirements
Level 2 qualification in Hair & Media Make-up or Beauty Therapy
Duration
1 year
Funding
Fully funded for 16-18; Uniform & kit fees: £290*
This course is the ideal starting point for anyone wanting to pursue a career in beauty therapy, and you will complete this programme with the essential skills and techniques to prepare you for progression onto a Level 3 course to become a fully qualified beauty therapist.
Level
2
Entry
requirements
Recommended minimum Grade 3 in GCSE English & Maths
Duration
1 year
Funding
Fully funded for 16-18; Uniform & kit fees: £205*
Start your career in hairdressing with this course that teaches you the fundamental skills and techniques required for hair stylists and colourists, including fashion cutting and learning how to style and finish African hair.
Level
2
Entry
requirements
Recommended minimum Grade 3 in GCSE English & Maths
Duration
1 year
Funding
Fully funded for 16-18; Uniform & kit fees: £240*