Our Hair and Beauty courses focus around specialist make-up and theatrical hair and media make-up, set up to provide you with the advanced knowledge needed to practically apply a wide range of hair and make-up techniques.
We work in partnership with many local companies, businesses and schools, giving you the opportunity to put your skills to the test in an industry environment. You will take part in commercial work, creating characters on theatre productions, designing high-end fashion make up for fashion shows and working with medical professionals to create casualty effects at the Lifewise Centre.
Alongside practical and theoretical study you will also have the opportunity to attend masterclasses and workshops, as well as attending trade shows, exhibitions and competitions such as Matchfit, The National Federation of Hairdressing, Warpaint Make-up and World Skills UK.
You will study in well-equipped studios and workshops, ranging from make-up, hair and special effects studios, to photography studios, IT suites, as well as access to a comprehensive Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). You will be taught by a team with strong reputations as practicing professional designers or researchers, as well as visiting lecturers, a dynamic programme of industry speakers, and international visits.
“I work freelance within this industry, keeping my skills current and up-to-date to teach my students. I am a World Skills UK Ambassador, which means I open doors for students to compete at an extremely high standard.”
Katie AsgariCurriculum Team Leader in Theatrical Hair and Media Make-up
FUTURE CAREERS IN HAIR AND BEAUTY
The hair and beauty sector is ideal for those who are interested in advising others with styling and have a creative flair.
Make-up Artist
Average salary - Variable*
Make-up Artists apply make-up and style hair for people appearing on camera or in front of a live audience.
Day-to-day tasks**:
Research and design make-up and hairstyles
Work to production designers’ notes and instructions
Tidy and style hair, be on set to redo make-up and hair
Create special effects make-up
Take notes and photos for reference
Remove make-up and keep wigs and hairpieces in good condition
Working environments
You could work at a TV studio, in a theatre, on a film set or at a film studio.
*EMSI 2021 **nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
Photographic Stylist
Average salary - £24,000
Photographic Stylists use clothes, props and accessories to stage sets and create the right ‘look’ and mood for a photo shoot.
Day-to-day tasks**:
Receive instructions (the ‘brief’) from the Photographer or Art Director and come up with ideas
Decide on the best clothes, accessories and backgrounds to achieve the desired look
Arrange a set, dress models and make any adjustments
Keep a stock of fashion or home accessories
Build good relationships with shops, prop suppliers, PR agencies, photographers and models
Keep up to date with trends
Working environments
You could work on a film set, in a creative studio, from home or in an office. Your working environment may be physically active, you’ll travel often and you may spend nights away from home.
*EMSI 2021 **nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
In-demand skills that commonly appear in job descriptions for roles within the hair and beauty sector include*:
Customer Service
Sales
Communication
Enthusiasm
Self-Motivation
What our students say
“I work freelance within this industry, keeping my skills current and up-to-date to teach my students. I am a World Skills UK Ambassador, which means I open doors for students to compete at an extremely high standard.”
Katie AsgariCurriculum Team Leader in Theatrical Hair and Media Make-up
