Makeup Artistry HND

Course overview

This course aims to start students on a path into the TV, Film or Theatre industry. Focusing heavily on the less-expected areas a make-up artist needs to succeed – written theory and hairstyling – the course is ideal for those who want to understand the job of a working make-up artist on set or backstage. Through research projects, essays, hair and wig styling and practical make-up application classes, students will learn about a make-up artist's disciplined and fast-paced career. Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS) has exceptional facilities and you will have access to industry studios and professional make-up equipment.

*Please note that this course has no fashion, glam, social media or personal make-up skills – it is best suited to those interested in the backstage/on-set arts. If you are interested in fashion make up you may wish to apply for our HNC Fashion Make Up course*

Essential Characteristics for this Career Path;

• You must be happy to work on others (and have others work on you whilst in class)
• You must be confident and friendly when interacting with others and being in their personal space
• You must be comfortable in a busy, noisy environment
• You must have as much interest in hair as makeup (the course is 50/50 and the job is too!)
• You must have a strong interest in – and knowledge of – TV, Film and Theatre
• Dedication to the subject and an interest in character creation
• A strong natural artistic ability (crafting, sketching, painting, sculpting etc)

What you will learn

Year One
The basics of make up application for photography, stage and characters. Hairstyling including vintage styles, photographic set styling. Basic special effects and the sculpting and casting of prosthetics. Historical research, portfolio development, essay writing and independent written study. Investigative research into product safety and sustainability, continuity and working backstage.

Year Two
Advanced skills including bodypainting, character makeup, full character styling. Wig styling and period drama skills, work placements. Life casting and prosthetic production, continuity and working on set.

Placement information

• You will be given the opportunity to take part in a variety of work experience opportunities during your course

How the course is assessed

• Through practical demonstration e-folios and theoretical/research assignments

Number of days per week

• 3 days

Entry requirements

• Applicants must have either a qualification at SCQF level 6 (such as Higher, NC or vocational qualifications) or previous relevant experience (qualified hairdresser, significant work as a MUA).
• The ability to use basic software packages (Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook) is essential
• A strong personal statement and interview 

Please note, that you are required to buy a makeup kit to support your studies. The price may vary, but is usually around £500 and must be purchased in time for the beginning of your studies.  The kit contains a lot of specialist items for the units we study and we negotiate discounts with suppliers to get you the best deal possible. Students also pay a studio fee (more information given at Interview) of up to £150. We encourage students to check their eligibility for student loans from SAAS and apply early for support.

We never want finances to stand in the way of your education, so you can also find details about discretionary funding from the college.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

• Please include in your personal statement your reasons for wanting to study this course (250 words minimum), your favourite genre out of TV, Film or Theatre – explaining your choice (250 words minimum) and what attributes you will bring to the course should you be offered a place.
• If you are successful in the application stage, you will be asked to attend an interview and possibly an artistic skill test as well. We encourage all students to bring examples of any artistic ability to their interview; for instance, make-up pictures, sketches, paintings, crafts, costumes, sculptures etc

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

• BA (Hons) Makeup for Media and Performance and a variety of other makeup artistry degree courses 
• Further short courses in photography, hairdressing, beauty or body art  

Career options

• Freelance make-up artist
• Work on TV and Film sets
• Theatre work