Top Makeup Courses in London
Offering professional makeup courses in London for 34 years, Brushstroke remains the leading private makeup training academy in the UK. Located at two famous film and TV studios, we train students for makeup careers in film, TV, theatre, or fashion, helping them achieve national and international qualifications.
BTEC Level 3, HNC, HND, ITEC + VTCT Certified Qualifications
Longcross, a NETFLIX Studio
Elstree Film & TV Studios
Private Training Academy
Leaving School?
We are interviewing prospective students for our 2-year BTEC diploma course 2025/2026 intake.
Book an appointment: 01344 635522
Showing prospective students around (including school holidays) for enrolment in 2025 & 2026. The 2-year BTEC Make up & Hair Course starts 22 September 2025 at Elstree Studios or 29 September 2025 at Longcross Studios.
For availability or to book a visit, call +44 (0) 1344 635 522 or email us at [email protected]
3-Day Special Effects Taster Course
Elstree - 17, 18 & 19 February 2025
Longcross - 18, 19 & 20 February 2025
Elstree - 17, 18 & 19 February 2025
Longcross - 18, 19 & 20 February 2025
What’s happening In our Makeup Courses Currently?
Our makeup courses are private fee paying, with limited spaces, so we need to make sure we take on the right students to attend our classes; they need to be enthusiastic to learn and want a career in the industry, leaving with a BTEC Level 3 Makeup & Hair Diploma plus an option to take a HNC. Below is a list of recent productions that our graduates and current 2-year BTEC students have been working on.
- Wicked (2024 film)
- Father Brown Series 12 (BBC)
- Apocalypse Slough: ‘A Murder They Hope Mystery’ (GOLD)
- Antiques Roadshow (BBC)
- Romeo and Juliet (Duke of York’s Theatre)
- Renegade Nell (Disney+)
- The Brit Awards 2024 (O2)
- Dancing on Ice (2024)
- Golda (2023)
- Mr Bates vs The Post Office (ITV)
- ITV Racing
- Juice (BBC 3)
- The Gentlemen (Netflix)
- Blood Actually: A ‘Murder, They Hope’ Mystery (GOLD)
- Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
- Wicked Little Letters
- Argylle
- Eastenders (BBC) – Contracted make-up and hair trainees. Recent Eastenders contracts given to our 2 Year Elstree Graduates, Megan Allerton and Tahiyya Ali.
- A Quiet Place: Day One (2024 film)
- Sonic The Hedgehog 3 (2024 Film)
- Wonka (2023)
- Napoleon (2023)
- Barbie (2023)
- Maestro (NETFLIX)
- Bridgerton (NETFLIX)
- The Witcher (NETFLIX)
- The Crown: Series 6 (NETFLIX)
- 1000 Blows (Disney)
- Harvest (Feature film)
- Strictly Come Dancing (BBC)
- This Morning (ITV)
- National Television Awards
- Guessable?
- Family Fortunes
- Murder They Hope
Train at Famous UK Film and TV Studios
Longcross a NETFLIX Studio
ELSTREE STUDIOS
Our Accredited Makeup Courses
Make-up and Hair Course (BTEC & ITEC Level 3 Diploma)
This BTEC Level 3 Diploma course is recommended for ages 16+ to continue education from school, college or university.
Next Start Date at Elstree Studios: 22 September 2025
Next Start Date at Longcross Studios: 29 September 2025
(Enrolment for this course is open now)
Times: Mon-Thurs (10:30 to 16:00)
Deposit £3,000 Followed by 6 X termly payments of £4,000
We can arrange payment plans to suit your individual circumstances.
Level 2 VTCT Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing and Men’s Barbering Fast Track Full-Time (32 weeks)
This is an optional course as an extension of our 2-year BTEC Makeup and Hair course, giving you the skills to start work as a stylist.
Next Start Date at Longcross Studios: 15 Sept 2025
(Enrolment for this course is open now)
Times: Mon-Thurs (10:30 to 16:00)
Fees: Deposit £2,000 Followed by 3 X termly payments of £2,500
7-Month Makeup and Hair Course (ITEC Level 3 Diploma)
This shorter 7-month makeup & hair course is ideal for those wishing to have a change of career.
Next Start Date at Longcross Studios: 15 September 2025
Next Start Date at Elstree Studios: 06 October 2025
(Enrolment for this course is open now)
Times: Mon-Thurs (10:30 to 16:00)
Fees: Deposit £2,000 Followed by 4 X instalments of £2,250
HNC (Higher National Certificate) Level 4 (Performing Arts – Technical Arts)
This optional course can only be studied alongside the 2-Year BTEC Level 3 Diploma Course at Longcross Studios or Elstree Studios.
For those wishing to study the HNC Level 4 Qualification alongside the 2-Year BTEC Level 3 diploma course, you would need to enrol by the end of your first term on the 2-year BTEC Course.
Next Start Date at Longcross Studios: 29 September 2025
(Enrolment for this course is open now)
Times: Mon-Thurs (10:30 to 16:00)
Additional HNC qualification fee: £4,000. This can be paid over the duration of your remaining BTEC Level 3 termly payments.
HND Level 5 Diploma
(Performing Arts – Makeup)
This course is an optional 1-year extension of the 2-year BTEC Makeup & Hair Course. This is equivalent to the first and second years of a university degree.
Next Start Date at Longcross Studios: 29 September 2025
Next Start Date at Elstree Studios: 22 September 2025
(Enrolment for this course is open now)
Times: Mon-Thurs (10:30 to 16:00)
Fees: Deposit £2,000 followed by 3 X termly payments of £3,000
Short Makeup and Hairdressing Courses
A selection of short module courses that comprise the 7-month course.
Next Start: Please contact for Module Course Dates at Longcross or Elstree Studios
(Enrolment for this course is open now)
Times: Mon-Thurs (10:30 to 16:00)
Fees: Short course modules are priced individually. Click below for more details.
6-Month Makeup and Hair Course
For International Students Only
The 6-month Make-up and Hair Course (23 weeks) covers the fundamental skills you will need to work as a professional hair and make-up artist in film, TV, Stage, and Fashion. It’s exclusive to international students.
Longcross Studios: 15 September 2025 (for 23 weeks)
(Enrolment for this course is open now)
Times: Mon-Thurs (10:30 to 16:00)
Fees: Deposit £2,000 followed by 4 X termly payments of £2,250
3 Day Special Effects Taster Course
Ideally, for prospective students 14 to 18 years of age
This is a perfect stepping stone before attending our 2-year professional BTEC makeup and hair course commencing September/October.
Next Start Longcross Studios: 17, 18, 19 February 2025
Next Start Elstree Studios: 18, 19, 20 February 2025
(Enrolment for this course is open now)
Times: 10:30 to 15:30
3-Day Instaglam Taster Course
Ideally, for prospective students 14 to 18 years of age
This intensive 3-day makeup course is designed to teach you the basics of makeup application and help you develop skills to decide whether to become a professional makeup artist or boost your following on Instagram.
Elstree Studios: 17, 18, 19 February 2025
Longcross Studios: 18, 19, 20 February 2025
(Enrolment for this course is open now)
Times: 10:30 to 15:30
Make-up Training At Our Two World Famous Film Studios
Brushstroke is the first makeup training academy to offer students training and aftercare in two national film studios. Situated in Surrey and North London we cover the whole of the city of London with very easy direct access from surrounding counties.
Longcross a NETFLIX Studio
Our Surrey Makeup Academy
Longcross Film Studios is one of the UK’s largest film studios. With huge stage buildings ranging from 2,000 to 13,000 square feet, and over 200 acres of backlot space, it is a truly phenomenal setting for epic feature films and TV shows. Productions filmed here include Aladdin, Alice in Wonderland, Fast & Furious 6, Captain Phillips, Thor 2, John Carter and numerous others including Call The Midwife, Warhorse, Death on the Nile, Killing Eve 3 and The Witcher. Longcross Studios is also now the new home for our make up courses. Longcross is a quick train journey from London Waterloo taking you right into the studios.
Elstree Film & TV Studios
Our North London Makeup Academy
Widely regarded as London’s No. 1 film studio, the birthplace of Star Wars, and some of the most famous films worldwide. Elstree Studios, our new home for our make up courses, is opening a wide set of opportunities for Brushstroke makeup artists. Some of the productions shot at Elstree studios include Little Mix – The Search, Big Brother, Love Island, The Voice, Dancing on Ice, Eastenders, Suffragette, The King’s Speech, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, World War Z, The World’s End, Paddington, and The Crown. Getting here is easy – it’s just 20 minutes from central London with a 10-minute walk to the studios.
Our Facilities at Longcross and Elstree
A Selection of Our Graduates’ Success
Makeup Training in Film Studios
Brushstroke was the first-ever makeup school to run from a film studio. We have now moved 10 minutes away from Shepperton Studios to Longcross Film Studios and Elstree Television and Film Studios, with an additional administrative office in Pinewood Studios. Longcross offers students much more extensive facilities than our original home in Shepperton, in a self-contained building of 5’000 sq ft, and with 65’000 wig stock split between our two studios. Longcross is a quick trip on the Reading to Waterloo line, with direct access to the studios from the Longcross platform. Our Elstree studio facilities are a quick 10-minute walk from Elstree and Borehamwood Station.
Compared to universities, Brushstroke’s make-up courses offer more practical training hours and industry-standard certification (see student achievements).
Our Graduates on Eastenders
It’s good to see our graduate makeup designer (Karon Mathers) and all the makeup assistants, who are also our graduates – Demi, Izzy and Olivia. Here they are appearing on the credits of Eastenders again. It’s especially nice to see them on this episode of the Jubilee staring Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
Training for Makeup Careers in Film, Fashion, TV and Stage
Brushstroke is a natural choice for aspiring makeup artists. We specialise in providing longer courses that train students with the necessary skills to launch successful careers as a professionally trained makeup artist in the film, TV, and fashion industry. In fact, many of the students on our certified make up courses have gone on to successful careers makeup assistants to designers. Our graduates are currently working within these studios (as well as around the globe) on productions like Eastenders, The Crown, Dancing on Ice, The Voice, and many other productions.
Bafta Scholarship Award
Accredited Make up Courses In London
Brushstroke Make-up School has provided the highest calibre makeup courses and professional make-up artist training for careers in film, theatre, and stage for over 34 years. We are London’s top makeup training academy offering national and international makeup qualifications, including BTEC (Level 3 Diploma), ITEC (Level 3 Diploma), VTCT (Level 2 Diploma), and HND (Higher National Diploma – Level 5).
In fact, we were voted by The Stage as one of the “best training routes for getting into hair and makeup for stage and screen”. Our private makeup courses range from makeup diplomas with BTEC, ITEC, VTCT and HND makeup qualifications to short makeup courses that give in-depth training on skills like special effects (SFX) makeup and prosthetics. Our students leave Brushstroke with excellent preparation for a successful career in makeup artistry.
Brushstroke was the first-ever makeup school to run from a film studio. We have now moved 10 minutes away from Shepperton Studios to Longcross Film Studios and Elstree Television and Film Studios, with an additional administrative office in Pinewood Studios. Longcross offers students much larger facilities than our original home in Shepperton, in a self-contained building of 5,000 sq ft and with 65,000 wig stock split between our two studios. Longcross is a quick trip on the Reading to Waterloo line, with direct access to the studios from the Longcross platform. Our Elstree studio facilities are a quick 10-minute walk from Elstree and Borehamwood Station.
Compared to the University, Brushstroke’s makeup courses offer more practical training hours and industry-standard certification (see student’s achievements).
Full time practical training within a film studio
Brushstroke is now in collaboration with the BBC encouraging diversity within the make up television industry through a training scheme.
Hallmarks of Brushstroke Makeup School
Shepperton Film Studios
Brushstroke was the first makeup school to be based at a film studio. In our 30 years at Shepperton film studios, our former home, it offered our students access to the starlight and glamour of some the worlds most-loved films and media talent.
Working With Celebrities
One of the great things about studying at Brushstroke is that you are bound to brush paths with celebrities. Our students have worked around the globe with celebrities for red carpet, magazines, music video and cat walks including fashion week.
Pinewood Film Studios
Pinewood Film Studios is one of our administrative offices. The career options for makeup artists graduating from Brushstroke are endless; from films and TV to Westend stage shows, to your favourite soap. Brushstroke provides you with the platform to build your skills for a successful career.
☎ Office Number: 01753656542
Our Makeup Courses (BTEC, ITEC, VTCT & HND)
Brushstroke offers a wide range of professional makeup courses for all age groups, including further education in BTEC, ITEC, VTCT, and HND diploma qualifications. We take on students from the age of 16. Brushstroke leads the way with the largest makeup training facilities in Europe based at Longcross and Elstree Studios. Our industry-ready tuition is also structured around the needs of our individual students, including time off for other studies.
Professional Makeup Training
Brushstroke makeup school has a reputation for insightful and in-depth makeup artist training that turns our students into sharp and versatile professionals. Brushstroke professional makeup training is of the very highest standard delivered by our tutors who are themselves professional makeup artists working in different parts of the entertainment world. Our students receive the amount of relevant practical, hands-on teaching that only a specialist training provider such as Brushstroke can provide.
Student Work
Brushstroke makeup artist training will give you every opportunity to get on the credits of some of the biggest films and most-loved TV programmes – just like many of our tutors and students. This includes international students who benefit from Brushstroke training through our diploma courses and short makeup courses. Our purpose-built makeup training facilities are the largest in the UK and Europe and located within the dynamic film complex of Longcross Studios and Elstree Studios. So you’ll be immersed in the world of entertainment right from the start.
A varied career and a good living await you as a school leaver or career changer. All you need is enthusiasm, a willingness to succeed. And of course Brushstroke makeup artist training.
Brushstroke In The Press: Absolutely Hertfordshire
Brushstroke was recently featured in Absolutely Hertfordshire where we were delighted to be mentioned as the ‘first make-up training company to be based within a film studio’. To read the full article, which discusses our accredited ITEC, BTEC, and VTCT courses, click the link below and flick through to page 113.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are makeup courses suitable for 'older' students?
Makeup courses are suitable for people in all different age groups and at different stages in their lives – from those leaving school to older people changing careers. Often, it depends upon the amount of time you have to spare which is why we have courses of varying lengths.
Which make up courses are your most popular?
Our most popular courses are the 2 Year Make-Up and Hair Course (BTEC, ITEC level 3 diploma) and our 7 Month Make-Up & Hair Course (ITEC level 3 diploma.) This is because in each course, students receive in-depth training across a broad syllabus and, of course, graduate with nationally-recognised qualifications.
Students who complete the 2 Year BTEC Make-up & Hair Course can progress on to the 1-year VTCT Hairdressing & Barbering Course or the HND Level 5 Diploma in Production Arts- Make-up.
Students who complete the 7-month ITEC Make-up & Hair Course can progress onto the 1-year VTCT Hairdressing & Barbering Course.
Where can I park at Elstree Studios?
How do I choose the best course for me?
Hopefully, this website will give you a taster of the kind of make-up artist roles available to you with Brushstroke training. Then we suggest you get in touch with us and arrange a visit to the Brushstroke. We’ll show you round, introduce you to some students and tutors, and help you find a course that suits you.
Do you take students under the age of 18?
Yes we accept students from the age of 16+.
16 year olds, who have to remain in full time education until they reach the age of 18, can enrol on our Brushstroke courses and gain useful BTEC and ITEC make-up qualifications.
What are my chances of getting a job after I finish my Brushstroke course?
Much better than someone who hasn’t trained at Brushstroke! Apart from having really valuable skills, you’ll benefit from Brushstroke’s excellent reputation and links with the world of entertainment. Many of our students having attended our diploma courses are now working in film, TV, stage and fashion all over the world.
Is there accommodation at Elstree Film and TV Studios?
Is there accommodation available at Longcross Studios?
Yes, we have a managed property in Staines-Upon-Thames which is ideal for students studying at Longcross Studios. The property is adjacent to Staines railway station, where there is a direct train to Longcross railway station (12 minutes/3 stops) accommodation for Brushstroke students.
Will you still pass on work opportunities to us once we have completed our Brushstroke course?
Absolutely! We like to stay in contact with all of our students and keep up to date with their progress so we are able to pass on any relevant opportunities. Brushstroke has a very high success rate with placements and work experience. For example, our make-up tutors are often in need of trainees, and past Brushstroke students often come across job opportunities.
What is Brushstroke Life-long Learning?
Brushstroke ‘Life-long learning’ is how we support our past students and their ongoing development. They can catch up or refresh themselves at either of our studio locations on any subject completely free of charge – either joining a class or getting guidance from one of our tutors. After all, once a Brushstroke make-up artist, always a Brushstroke make-up artist.