Female student aplying make-up to a female model.A male student is checking working using an ipad.

Make-up and Hair artistry 

Higher National Diploma

Accredited by University College Birmingham

Award

HND

Duration

1 year full-time

UCAS Code

W45D

Entry

September 2027

Fees

View fees

Department of Creative Industries
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The UK film and TV production industry saw £5.6 billion in production spending in 2024, supporting jobs and opportunities across departments, including hair and make-up

BBC production spend in the West Midlands (including Digbeth) is set to almost double from £24m to £40m per year by the end of 2027, boosting local screen-industry activity

If you want to take your hair and make-up skills to the next level and prepare for professional work in the creative industries, this course is for you. The Make-up and Hair Artistry HND is designed for students progressing from an HNC or equivalent who want to build advanced skills for a career in film, television, fashion, theatre, editorial, special effects (SFX) or freelance make-up artistry.

On this course, you will develop professional hair and make-up techniques, while learning how hair and make-up are used for character creation and visual storytelling. You will work on complex, industry-style briefs that reflect real working environments, helping you build confidence, professionalism and the ability to meet industry standards.

You will explore specialist areas, including period and contemporary hairstyling, textured hair, wig making, editorial and high-fashion make-up, and special effects (SFX) such as prosthetics and bald caps. Teaching is highly practical, with workshops and test shoots, and you will build a professional portfolio to support progression into employment, freelance work or a BA degree in a related creative subject.

Why should I choose this HND in make-up and hair artistry?

  • INDUSTRY‑FOCUSED TRAINING – Build on your HNC skills with advanced training designed to reflect real industry workflows across film, television, fashion and the wider creative industries
  • REAL‑WORLD CREATIVE BRIEFS – Work on complex, industry-style briefs that prepare you for professional working environments, helping you meet employer and client expectations with confidence
  • ADVANCED PRACTICAL SKILLS – Develop high‑level technical expertise through hands‑on learning using specialist facilities, professional products and advanced make‑up and hair techniques
  • PORTFOLIO‑DRIVEN LEARNING – Create a strong, industry‑ready portfolio supported by tutors with extensive professional experience, ensuring your work meets current industry standards
  • INNOVATION & SPECIAL EFFECTS – Explore advanced SFX, prosthetics, and digital design processes, encouraging creativity, experimentation, and contemporary practices used in film, TV, and fashion
  • CAREER & PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES – Study within a growing creative hub with strong links to the film and TV industry, benefiting from industry engagement, guest speakers and live projects, with clear progression routes into employment, freelance practice or further study

Our facilities

Our creative courses provide a balance of theory, digital and practical training. You will have the opportunity to develop a range of skills on campus in our specialist, purpose-built facilities.

Course breakdown

 

  • Year 1

Core Modules

Personal Professional Development

This module enables students to take a proactive and reflective approach to their personal and professional development within a creative industry context. It supports learners in evaluating their current skills, knowledge, and professional identity, and in setting clear, achievable goals to inform future career progression. Students will develop and apply contextual knowledge by researching industry sectors, roles, and professional pathways relevant to their discipline. This understanding will inform decision-making and the creation of a focused personal progression plan. Through industry-informed briefs and self-directed projects, students will explore professional approaches to creative problem-solving, developing strategies that respond effectively to complex challenges and evolving professional contexts. The module places strong emphasis on advancing technical knowledge and practical skills, encouraging students to refine their craft in line with industry standards. Learners will evaluate their technical development through reflective practice, identifying strengths and areas for improvement to support continued professional growth. Professional behaviours, ethics, and working practices are embedded throughout the module. Students will develop an understanding of workplace expectations, freelance practice, and professional conduct, including time management, reliability, adaptability, and collaboration. Effective communication skills are also a key focus, with students developing confidence in presenting ideas, documenting work, and communicating professionally with peers, tutors, and industry audiences. By the end of the module, students will have produced a range of professional development materials, such as reflective journals, portfolios, and progression plans, preparing them for employment, freelance practice, or progression to further study.

Professional Project

This module enables students to plan, develop, and realise a substantial professional creative project in response to an industry-focused brief. It provides learners with the opportunity to apply contextual research, creative thinking, technical expertise, and professional working practices to produce a resolved outcome that reflects current industry standards. Students begin by applying contextual knowledge through in-depth research into relevant creative, historical, cultural, and industry influences to inform their response to a professional brief. This research underpins the generation and development of ideas, supporting informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle. Creative problem-solving is central to the module, with students exploring, testing, and refining concepts through experimentation and critical evaluation. The module places strong emphasis on the application of advanced technical knowledge and skills. Students are expected to work independently and professionally to produce high-quality outcomes that demonstrate technical competence, attention to detail, and creative intent. Effective project planning and time management are essential, with students required to demonstrate professional behaviours, organisation, and adaptability when responding to challenges. Professional communication is embedded throughout the module. Students document and present their project development and final outcomes using appropriate formats and industry conventions. This may include visual presentations, portfolios, written reflections, and verbal presentations tailored to professional audiences. By completing this module, students will strengthen their ability to manage creative projects from concept to completion, producing professional-standard work that supports progression into employment, freelance practice, or further academic study.

The modules listed above for this course are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date and informed by industry as well as the latest teaching methods. On occasion, we may need to make unexpected changes to modules – if this occurs, we will contact all offer holders as soon as possible.

Key information

Entry requirements

Academic: HNC Make-up and Hair Artistry or equivalent.

Work-based: We also give equal consideration to applicants who are currently in work and wish to apply to University College Birmingham. To apply, you must have at least 3 years of relevant work experience demonstrating management or supervisory duties. Your application must also include a reference from your line manager supporting your entry to higher education. For further details, please contact Admissions.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

The programme will be delivered using a variety of methods including theory lectures, demonstrations, practical activities and reflective learning. You will have the opportunity to interact with guest speakers and leading specialists from industry to develop knowledge and enhance your technical skillset. Independent reading and research will be engaged with to ensure an interactive and personalised learning experience.

Example of a typical teaching week:

  • Small group teaching – 12 hours
  • Large group teaching – 6 hours
  • Tutorials 1-2 hours

You will also need to commit around 10 hours per week for individual study time.

Assessment 

Estimated breakdown of assessment for this course:

  • Coursework – 60%
  • Practical assessment – 40%
  • Written exams - 0%

The demonstration of practical ability will be assessed through a range of coursework and practical assessment methods.

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2025-2030.

Timetable

We understand that you need to balance study with work, so wherever possible lessons will be timetabled into 2-3 days a week, although you may wish to attend independent workshops across the week.

Uniform and kit costs

This course requires a uniform and kit costing approximately £500, depending on the items you purchase. (Prices are subject to change each year – exact costs and information on how to order required items will be provided to you prior to enrolment).

Kick-Start Scheme

As a new student studying this course full-time, you will receive £300 per year through our Kick-Start Scheme (UK students only, eligibility criteria applies). This scheme will support your studies and future career by contributing to course-related materials, uniform or selected items on campus. You may also qualify for an additional £500 per year.

Find out more about the Kick-Start Scheme here.

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Work placements

Work placements play an important role in our HND Make-up and Hair Artistry course, giving you valuable real-world experience and the opportunity to apply your advanced skills in a professional environment. Helping you build confidence, strengthen your technical and professional practice, expand your networks, gain insight into current working practices in the creative sectors. 

You are encouraged to take a proactive approach to securing placements, with guidance available from the HIRED team to help you find opportunities that align with your individual career goals. At HND level, placements may involve more sustained or specialist roles, requiring a high level of professionalism, adaptability, and commitment.

These opportunities may be short-term or project-based and may require travel, reflecting the realities of the industry and helping you develop independence and resilience. Through ongoing collaboration with employers and industry partners, these experiences will strengthen your portfolios and help lay the foundations for a successful and sustainable career in the hair and make-up industry.

Work alongside experts in your sector

A snapshot of some of the employers we have worked with:

  • Birmingham Fashion Council
  • Andrew Kruczek Photography
  • Youneek productions
  • QTMS - Queensbridge Musical and Theatrical Society
  • West Midlands Police
  • Keele Medical University
  • CREW Birmingham
  • Ukiyo Modelling Agency

"Through intensive hands-on practice, research-led projects, and professional guidance, students refine specialist skills in hair and make-up for character transformation and visual storytelling. Students respond to complex briefs, work collaboratively, and develop a strong understanding of professional workflows."

Deborah Freeman Interim Head of Department for Creative Industries

Career opportunities

The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

Make-up artist

£40,000

Teacher of hair and make-up

£33,874–£51,111 per year 

Wigs, hair and make-up technician

Variable depending on experience

Special effects prosthetic supervisor

£40,000 + per year 

Make‑up artist advertising and editorial

£28,000–£45,000 per year 

Want to take your studies to the next level? Completing the Higher National Diploma will enable you to move on to degree courses such as our Prosthetics for Screen and Stage BA (Hons) / FdA or Hair and Make-up Business Management BA (Hons) / FdA.

HIRED

We are here to support your career goals every step of the way. 

Find out more

Led by Michelle, an experienced UCB lecturer and industry practitioner, this HND offers hands‑on, industry‑standard training in make‑up, hair, special effects and digital skills.
You can gain real‑world experience, professional confidence and creative versatility to succeed in the creative industries.
Undergraduate students

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