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Excel behind the scenes with our BA(Hons) Creative Hair and Media Makeup Degree. This creative course, delivered in our bespoke makeup facilities within a working television studio, allows you to develop a wide range of skills demanded by the competitive media makeup industry. This programme has strong industry links and an emphasis on practical learning to prepare you for a successful career as a makeup artist in a range of settings such as film and TV, fashion and theatre. Our recent graduates have gained work on productions such as Prime Suspect, Maleficent 2, Cruella, Peaky Blinders, Gentleman Jack and for companies including Opera North, The Grand Theatre, Fenty, MAC Cosmetics and Urban Decay.
TYPICAL OFFER
UCAS Tariff Points: 32 UCAS tariff points from one A-level (or equivalent qualifications), in a relevant subject
A Levels: 2xD grades, one of which must be in a relevant subject.
BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma: MP, MPP grade in relevant subjects.
Access to HE Diploma: Overall pass with 60 credits, with 24 credits to be at a Merit grade in a relevant subject.
VTCT Level 3 Diploma: Pass in a relevant subject.
T Levels: Acceptable in a relevant subject.
IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.
International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria.
Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from mature applicants who may not have met the academic criteria but can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.
*21 years and over at the start of the course
RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).
References: An appropriate reference desirable.
Our programme blends academic study with industry insight to provide a comprehensive understanding of the industry. We encourage professional development, so as you study, you’ll gain valuable industry experience. You will be taught in a variety of ways including lectures, demonstrations, sketchbook workshops, critiques, discussions and presentations, while building your professional portfolio.
As you study, you’ll have the opportunity to choose optional modules to learn the specialist skills you desire from our experienced lecturers, such as special effects and prosthetics makeup, fashion and editorial makeup, body art, creative hair styling and wig knotting, giving you a wide and varied breadth of skills in different sectors. You’ll have opportunities to showcase at events and work backstage on productions and shoots, helping you to build your professional portfolio. We regularly invite industry experts; previous guest speakers have included Kate Benton (Last Kingdom, Hugo, Love Actually), Stuart Bray (Game of Thrones, Doctor Who), Dan Wood (Boohoo.com) and Laura Lawrence (Peaky Blinders) to deliver talks or to run makeup masterclasses.
This course is subject to validation by Luminate Education Group
Training takes place in our bespoke facilities at Prime Studios, located next to ITV, as well as in our newly built Mabgate Campus. Leeds boasts a thriving fashion scene with a rich history, giving you the opportunity to gain practical experience at local events such as the Leeds Fashion Ball and Leeds International Festival, as well as at national trade shows like IMATS and the United Makeup Artists Expo.
As part of the wider Creative Arts department, you'll benefit from a collaborative ethos fostered through our Creative Arts Network platform and social events. You’ll have opportunities to make valuable contacts and collaborate with creative students across, performance and production, graphic design and art, enhancing your projects and developing the skills to work effectively as part of a creative team.
We are proud to work with:
We are part of Screen Yorkshire’s Connected Campus initiative which works to forge closer links between TV and Film professionals, production companies, broadcasters and students. Through this initiative you will have access to a range of boot camps, masterclasses and special events, including visits to live sets and studios, industry workshops, visiting speakers and the opportunity to gain feedback on your work from industry professionals. The scheme is encouraged and supported by the broadcasters based in the region, including Channel 4, the BBC and ITV.
We are also members of Film Buddy UK who offer bespoke employability services to encourage, inspire and assist students directly into work experience placements and employment within the Film, Television & Creative Media Industries. UC Leeds Creative Arts students have free registration with the company throughout their studies and have access to live Q and A’s with some of the world's leading specialists, mentoring support, access to work experience opportunities and FB-1, an online catalogue of interviews and podcasts with specialists from the screen industries.
Modules may include:
Fundamental Techniques for the Inclusive Artist
This module introduces students to the fundamental practical techniques necessary for the professional hair and makeup artist. This module is designed to build knowledge and understanding of skills to build students’ confidence in working with diverse clients and models as well as developing their practical and creative skills.
Character Design and Application
This module will introduce the skills required to design and create character makeup suitable for lens-based media. The module encourages a creative approach and practical understanding of the process of make-up design with special effects for fashion and editorial and prosthetics sectors.
Creative Professional
To be successful in the industry creatives need to constantly refine and develop their work, network with other practitioners and keep abreast of current trends and working practices. During this module, students will look inwards and produce a personal development plan, which will be referred to and updated throughout the programme.
Creative Hair and makeup
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to creative hair and make-up design techniques. This will allow students to develop an understanding of the processes of constructing and exhibiting artistic hairstyles and make-up effects that are appropriate to the context; whilst understanding the relationship and necessity of applying both hair and make-up skills to create a comprehensive look.
Historical influences in Hair and Makeup
This module will develop students’ research and independent study skills to form critical analysis and interpretation of historical periods through the perspective of hair and make-up.
Working in the Makeup Industry
Throughout a series of taught sessions, students will explore theories to inform industry practices within the relevant creative industries and their importance in relation to their chosen sector. Students will also develop an understanding of experiential learning through a series of guest workshops, thus providing a framework for which the student sets out the learning objectives to be met during a work-based opportunity.
Managing a Showcase Event
In this module students will be given the opportunity to propose and design a creative project displaying both portfolio work and live installation to an audience, building entrepreneurial skill and giving them an individual artistic presence.
Prosthetics Makeup for Film and TV
Optional module – The purpose of this module is to introduce the techniques and processes for the making and application of prosthetic led characterisation. This includes gaining confidence and independence with industry led current skills and processes of life casting, flat moulding, colouring and application specifically for Film and TV productions.
Creative Postiche (optional module)
This module introduces students to facial postiche making to meet the requirements of a set client brief within a chosen context. Students will develop an appreciation of the essential skills needed to construct and dress facial hair pieces using complex techniques creatively.
Fashion Makeup Trend Forecasting (optional module)
This module aims to communicate key knowledge and understanding relating to trend forecasting and its place within the media makeup industry. The ability to identify current trends is an essential tool to accurately predict future desires of brands and consumers. Identifying the latest trends and creating innovative makeup designs is fundamental to the role of a modern-day makeup artist.
Advanced Fashion and Editorial techniques (optional module)
The purpose of this module is to develop students’ creative makeup skills with a focus on the fashion and editorial industries. With teaching of advanced techniques, including body art, this module will allow students to create work according to current industry standards and expectations.
Avant Garde Hair and Wig Techniques (optional module)
The module aims to deliver the fundamental skills required when providing bespoke hairpieces and hair styling for fashion and photographic work.
Cutting for Continuity (optional module)
The module aims to develop hairdressing skills that reflect and represent the multicultural backgrounds of actors when working as a makeup artist on set. The module has been designed to enable students to develop appropriate hair cutting, styling and barbering skills to meet the needs of the film and TV industry.
The optional modules available will be determined at the start of the academic year.
Professional Practice
The Professional Practice module is designed for you to plan, manage, and produce an impactful event, unlocking new opportunities to network within the creative hair and media makeup industry. You will learn the art of self-promotion to ensure that you have all the tools required to become a successful practitioner within the media makeup industry.
Studio Practice (Film, TV and Prosthetics or Fashion & Editorial)
In this 40-credit module you will have the opportunity to explore current industry trends and concepts such as identity, expression, and intersectionality within the social and political context of contemporary culture. The module integrates theory and practical skills, providing you with the opportunity to develop both academic depth and professional proficiency.
Final Project
The Final Project module provides you with the opportunity to conduct independent research and build project management skills. You will conduct research investigation into a relevant aspect of study which will be supported by our supervision system. You will complete research tasks that will support your chosen concept and will include critical analysis of literature and trends. You will take responsibility for the content and direction of your creative work ensuring final outcomes are suitable for the media makeup industry.
All students are expected to undertake relevant work-related learning experience as part of the programme of study. The length or type of work experience is not prescribed. It is expected that students will be required to purchase a professional equipment kit to meet industry expectations.
Benefits of studying with us:
A range of assessment methods will be used throughout the BA (Hons) Creative Hair and Make-up qualification.
You will be assessed using the following methods:
Assessment tasks are designed to ready students for employment in line with industry expectations, for example through presenting and communicating creative ideas, developing digital skills in the presentation of reports, working collaboratively with creative teams, managing projects/timescales and collating a professional portfolio and digital branded assets to help you stand out to employers and gain work in specialist industries.
The live event will also provide opportunities to show work to industry specialists and will provide opportunities to develop networking and communication skills.
TYPICAL OFFER
UCAS Tariff Points: 32 UCAS tariff points from one A-level (or equivalent qualifications), in a relevant subject
A Levels: 2xD grades, one of which must be in a relevant subject.
BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma: MP, MPP grade in relevant subjects.
Access to HE Diploma: Overall pass with 60 credits, with 24 credits to be at a Merit grade in a relevant subject.
VTCT Level 3 Diploma: Pass in a relevant subject.
T Levels: Acceptable in a relevant subject.
IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.
International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria.
Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from mature applicants who may not have met the academic criteria but can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.
*21 years and over at the start of the course
RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).
References: An appropriate reference desirable.
To support you with practical aspects of course, you will need a professional makeup and hair kit which uses the highest quality and professional standard products from industry reputable brands.
To ensure that you obtain the best deal possible, for industry recognised professional branded quality products that will set you up in your future career, your kit will be ordered through the College.
As we recognise this is a lot of money to pay upfront at the start of your course, we have made arrangements for you to be able to apply for this cost to be added to your tuition fee loan from Student Finance England, which would mean that your loan would be for £9250 for Year 1 of the programme. If taking this option please note that your kit can only be issued to you once proof of your loan is received by the college.
Optional expenses may include:
Unleash your creativity across our brand-new, purpose-built Mabgate Campus and Prime Studios - inspiring environments designed for visionary artists. Mabgate Campus features industry-standard facilities including make-up and photography studios, digital and Mac suites, and lecture theatres.
Alongside this, Prime Studios is a fully functioning professional studio used for fashion shoots, commercials, and music videos, offering hands-on, industry-led experience. Together, both locations mirror real-world creative practice, giving you the freedom, tools, and energy to master your craft.
Progression may include postgraduate study or master’s degree including the MA Creative Practice (Prosthetics Makeup Pathway)
You will also be perfectly equipped to enter employment in a range of different settings.
Job opportunities may include:
For the latest version of the University Centre Leeds Regulations please click here.
Applications are open for 2026 entry.
To apply directly to study at University Centre Leeds as an international applicant, please visit our 'How to apply' page and complete the steps.
You can also apply through UCAS.
For more information please visit our 'How to apply' page.
Course fees for Undergraduates are £14,000 (GBP)
For 2026 Entry: Scholarship available £4,000 (GBP) all courses.
For more information about fees and scholarships, please click here.
Please see our entry requirements page for additional requirements as an international student
International students will study 5 additional hours on top of the regular timetable.
For more information about visa and immigration, please click here.
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Access your University Centre Leeds Prospectus now.
