AGE

16-18

START DATES

September 2026

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

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

DURATION

One year, two days a week

FEES & FUNDING

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

Level 3 Diploma

Hair & Media Make-Up

This course is 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.

Full details Apply Now
Open quote marks

A lot of our lecturers were beauty experts and had so much experience in the industry which really helped

Taisha Sherwood, Level 2 Diploma Hair & Media Make-up alumni and Make-Up Freelancer

Course Overview

Level 3 Diploma in Hair & Media Make-Up

Our Level 3 Diploma in 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. It is ideal for progression from our Level 2 Diploma in Hair & Media Make-up. 

You’ll learn to do fashion and photographic make-up, airbrush and camouflage make-up and body art, as well as develop creative hairdressing and styling skills and learn how to apply eyelash extensions. The course also covers client care and communication skills, lash and brow treatments, mood board making, health and safety and general industry knowledge.  

You need to have gained a Level 2 qualification in a related field, such as Beauty Therapy or Hair & Media Make-up to apply for this course. 

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 
  • Media Make-up (including Special Effects Make-up)   
  • Airbrush Make-up 
  • Camouflage Make-up 
  • Semi-permanent Lashes
  • Style & Dress Hair 
  • Creative Hairdressing
  • Fashion and Photographic Make-up
  • Health & Safety
  • Knowledge of Beauty Industries
  • Face and Body Art

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 3 Diploma in Hair and Media Make-up

Entry Requirements 

Aged 16-18

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

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. 

There are limited GCSE resit places available for those studying at Level 3. 

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 2026 

Duration & Timetable 

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. 

TERM DATES 2025/26

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

TERM DATES 2026/27

TBC

16-18

Course fees: fully funded

Materials & kit fees: £190*

Uniform fees: fully funded

*Kit fees and contents shown are a guide based on the kit supplied for 2025/26 and may be subject to change for 2026/27. 
Your kit includes:* 
  • Cine-Wax 10G – Neutral
  • Wound Filler 15ml – Dark
  • Spirit Gum 12ml
  • HD Pro Gum Remover 50ml
  • Powder Puff White 7cm
  • Stipple Sponge Coarse- Pore
  • Translucent Powder 20g – TL1
  • Make-Up Brush Set – Includes a Highlight Brush, Concealer Brush, Foundation Brush, Blending Brush, Eye Liner Brush, Lip Brush, Eye Shadow Brush.
  • Prosthetic Piece – Witch Set
  • Supracolor Palette 12 Colors – B
  • Disposable Mascara Wands (25)
  • Dermacolor Camouflage Creme Palette 12 Colors – A
  • Liquid Latex 100ml
  • Ultra Foundation Stacker – Nr 4
  • Double Ended Plastic Sculpting Tool
  • Make-up Blending Plate
  • Clear Make-up Bag

For more information, see our Fees & Funding page. 

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. They will also help you access current vacancies across the UK, working with over 700 industry partners. 

Apply Now