BTEC Level 3 Makeup & Hair Diploma Course: 2-Year

What to expect from our 2 Year BTEC course

Before you decide to enrol on our 2 Year BTEC Diploma in Make-up and Hair, which is equivalent to 3 A Levels, we want to give you a clear and honest insight into what the course involves, what we expect from our students, and what you can expect from us.

Our aim is simple. To train you to become industry-ready, confident and professional, with the practical skills and knowledge needed to progress towards working as a make-up trainee, assistant, make-up artist and towards the role of supervisor or designer on major productions.

Our graduates have gone on to work on productions and with organisations such as Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros., Paramount, and many more.

Brushstroke has been established for 36 years and students have usually come to us through recommendation. We are proud to have been the first leading private media make-up and hair school to operate within a film studio, so we like to think we set the standard for others to follow. If we could patent our information and the way we train our students, we would.

Why we prefer to meet you before enrolment

We do not believe in staged open days where everyone receives the same presentation. We prefer to meet you personally. That gives you the chance to meet our lecturers, speak with current students and see them working during a normal day, visit the working make-up rooms, ask the questions that matter to you, understand exactly what the course involves and discuss your ambitions with us. It also allows us to advise whether we believe the course is right for you.

We are looking for promising candidates who will represent themselves and Brushstroke professionally.

Once your place has been offered we will require a deposit to secure it. A payment schedule is then provided, whether you prefer to pay termly or through an agreed payment plan.

Places are limited, and we begin taking enrolments up to two years ahead because this course is also designed as a continuation of education for students leaving school.

Qualifications and portfolio

Throughout the two years we focus not only on practical skills but on preparing you for the reality of working professionally. You will develop an industry ready portfolio, including your BTEC portfolio evidence.

ITEC is optional, with an additional registration fee. The BTEC registration fee is discussed before enrolment.

If you miss training because you have been given approved make-up or hair work experience, you can return to cover the subjects missed. This matters because you need to complete the required coursework and receive certification from Brushstroke, as well as your BTEC or ITEC qualification.

Once you graduate our aftercare continues. We believe in supporting our graduates and you are welcome to return and practise subjects you have previously learnt.

If you are under 18, parents, guardians and carers can be copied in on all correspondence sent to the student. If you are over 18 we need your approval first.

It’s not just makeup and hair

Being a good make-up and hair artist is only part of becoming successful. Throughout the course, you also gain insight into the business and organisational side of your future career, including budgeting, script breakdowns, scheduling, call times, invoicing, social media, promoting and photographing your work, lighting effects, working confidently within teams and understanding what is expected of you on a professional job.

You will also learn to break down a script, working out what each character needs, when they need it, and how a look has to change across a storyboard. Alongside that, you will keep continuity records so a look can be matched exactly days or weeks later, and you will learn how lighting changes the way make-up reads on camera, which is one of the biggest differences between working on set and working anywhere else.

Photoshoots and industry opportunities

During your training, opportunities may include professional photoshoots with models, leading designer and fashion industry sessions using their products, industry seminars, guest professional sessions, occasional goodie bags and discounts on major make-up brands. We hold a list for students covering Pro Artist student discount applications, including MAC, Bobbi Brown and Charlotte Tilbury.

Professional photoshoots may involve an additional fee paid directly to the photographer. Students are asked to have their own work checked by a lecturer before posting photographs on social media.

Where the 2 year course can take you next

Once you have graduated there is an option to return and work towards your HNC, a nine month Higher National Certificate, and then your HND, a nine month Higher National Diploma, which is more theory alongside hands on work. It gives you further insight into becoming a designer or supervisor, building on what you have already learnt.

Further education after the 2 year course is not essential. Many of our students go on to achieve their dream and begin building their careers directly within the industry, using everything from their training to step into the world of hair and make-up and progress towards supervisor level. Everything is possible, but you need to be motivated and want it.

If you would like further information or to book a visit, call us on 0204 611 2172 or 020 8324 2669, or fill in our enquiry form.