ITEC Level 3
Makeup & Hair Diploma Course
7 Month
Private Training Academy
Our Short module courses comprise the 7-Month Course
Enrolling now for Longcross Academy starting 21 September 2026 to 22 April 2027 and Elstree Academy from 19 October 2026 to 20 May 2027.
Leaving School?
We are interviewing prospective students for our 2-year Btec diploma course 2026/2027 intake.
Book an appointment: +44 (0) 20 4611 2172
2-year BTEC Course 2026
Elstree: 21 September 2026 to 06 July 2028
Longcross: 28 September 2026 to 13 July 20282-year BTEC Course 2027
Elstree: 20 September 2027 to 05 July 2029
Longcross: 27 September 2027 to 12 July 2029
7-month ITEC Course 2026
Longcross: 21 September 2026 to 22 April 2027
Elstree: 19 October 2026 to 20 May 2027
3-Day Special Effects Taster Course
Elstree - 4, 5, 6 August
Longcross - 3, 4, 5 August 2026
3-Day Instaglam Taster Course
Elstree - 4, 5, 6 August
Longcross - 3, 4, 5 August 2026
About the Course
The 7-month Make-up and Hair Course covers the fundamental skills needed to work as a professional hair and make-up artist in film, TV, Stage, and Fashion. Over the 7 months, you will learn a broad range of topics, including period make-up and hair, special effects, wig knotting, basic haircutting and styling, airbrushing, bridal and fashion make-up, and hair.
This practical course encompasses the ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Fashion, Theatre and Media Make-up, which is recognised by employers worldwide and ideal for overseas students.
The course runs continuously over 7 months, rather than according to academic term times. Classes may be combined with other groups for the benefit of the students. It has been designed to fit the shorter time scale needs of people looking to make career changes or those with family commitments who still want the reassurance of relevant and professional training. It is also suitable for those wishing to refresh and update their skills. (See modules) Previous experience is not a requirement.
At the start of the course, you will receive a complimentary make-up and hair kit containing the essential products and equipment you will need to get started. There is an additional list of items that you will be required to purchase before starting the course. After that, all necessary consumables, products, and equipment will be supplied.
Upon completing this course, students may wish to progress on to the 32 week Hairdressing and Barbering Course: VTCT Level 2 Diploma in Women’s and Men’s Hairdressing.
Please note: This course offers a condensed method of training compared to the comprehensive syllabus of the 2-year Make-up and Hair Academy Course: BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Production Arts- Make-up.
Full time practical training within a film studio
7-Month Course Fees
Deposit:
£2,000 + VAT
Fees:
Deposit + 4 instalments of £2,250 + VAT
We can arrange payment plans to suit your circumstances.
In accordance with new government legislation, all courses are now subject to VAT as of January 1st. 2025.
7-Month Course Details and Start Dates
Qualification: ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Fashion, Theatre, and Media Make-Up
Duration: 7 months
Longcross Course Dates:
2026: 21 September 2026 to 22 April 2027
Elstree Course Dates:
2026: 19 October 2026 to 20 May 2027
Training times:
Monday–Thursday, 10:30–16:00
Students may be required to attend 6* Fridays for ITEC preparation classes
Fees: Deposit £2,000 + VAT followed by four instalments of £2,250 + VAT
Interest-free payment plans are available on all our full-time BTEC and ITEC courses.
You will NOT be required to pay the full fees before the start of the course.
A deposit is required to secure your place, followed by the remaining balance divided into termly payments or instalments spread over the duration of the course.
Included: Brushstroke Make-Up and Hair Kit
Excluded: Make-up brushes, Exam fee, Photographer’s fee (portfolio) and additional equipment (see list)
7 Month Makeup Course Syllabus
Below are the course modules for our 7 Month ITEC Level 3 Diploma. Please note that the order of the modules can be subject to change.
Module A – Media Makeup and Hair (12 Weeks)
- Basic makeup and hair techniques for film, TV and stage
- Period Makeup and Hair, focusing on one iconic look for each period.
- Working on each other and using real hair lace wigs, human hair and training heads
- Theatrical Makeup and Hair
- Camouflage make-up, including covering tattoos and balancing skin tone
- Business Skills – continuity, script breakdown, budgeting and CV writing
Module B – Special Effects Makeup (2 Weeks)
This module focuses on directly applied make-up special effects techniques using a range of specialist products and flat moulds. You will learn how to create a variety of realistic wounds, injuries, and dramatic effects essential for storytelling in film, TV, stage, and other media. Through practical, hands-on sessions, you’ll gain expertise in designing and applying effects that enhance character portrayal and bring creative visions to life. This intensive two-week module provides you with the technical skills and artistic insights needed to excel in the dynamic field of special effects makeup.
Module C – Airbrushing and Editorial Techniques (1 Week)
- Spray brush control and technique, including full make-up application
- Colour matching, highlighting, contouring, concealing and correcting
- Maintenance and cleaning of compressor and spray brush
Module D – Fashion Makeup and Hair (8 Weeks)
- Basic fashion make-up techniques
- Contemporary stylised period make-up and hair techniques
- Make-up for upcoming seasons and latest fashion trends
- Session styling for hair
- Afro and Multitextured hair styling
- Smokey eyes: working with different shapes and colours
- Red carpet and celebrity make-up
- Glamour make-up for photographic, editorial and catwalk
- Working with different materials and creating different effects, ie, feathers and gold leaf
- Matte, gloss and wet make-up
- Personal fashion portfolio development
Module E – Hair Knotting (1 Week)
In this module, you will learn the art of hair knotting, focusing on techniques for creating and styling moustaches and the dressing and application of facial hair. The course covers traditional and contemporary knotting methods, ensuring you understand the nuances of texture, volume, and form. Through practical exercises and demonstrations, you’ll gain the confidence to recreate detailed and realistic hair styles that enhance character appearance and contribute to overall makeup artistry.
Module F – Basic Hair Dressing and Barbering (2 Weeks)
- Product, tools and equipment knowledge
- Terminology, geometry, methodology
- Basic cutting skills for ladies
- Basic barbering using thinning scissors, clippers and trimmers
- Blow-drying and finishing techniques
Module G – Bridal Makeup and Hair (2 Weeks)
Classic and contemporary bridal make-up and hair techniques
- Learn classic and contemporary bridal make-up and hair techniques
- Consultation techniques for the bride, bridesmaids, and party to ensure a successful wedding day
- Learn safety in applying makeup for the bride and maids.
- Learn how to promote yourself to get wedding bookings
- Learn business essentials including pricing.
FAQ's About 7-Month ITEC Makeup & Hair Course
Longcross Studios: 15 September 2025 to 16 April 2026
Elstree Studios: 06 October 2025 to 07 May 2026
Attend an interview.
No prior experience required; training starts from fundamentals and builds progressively.
If you haven't achieved grades in English or Maths, you can still enrol and retake those GCSEs concurrently.
Module A - Media Makeup and Hair (12 weeks):
Basic makeup and hair for film, TV, stage; period makeup and hair; theatrical makeup; camouflage techniques; business skills including continuity and script breakdown
Module B - Special Effects Makeup (2 weeks):
Directly applied SFX techniques, realistic wounds and injuries using specialist products
Module C - Airbrushing and Editorial Techniques (1 week):
Spray brush control, colour matching, highlighting, contouring
Module D - Fashion Makeup and Hair (8 weeks):
Contemporary fashion makeup, red carpet looks, editorial and catwalk makeup, Afro and multitextured hair styling
Module E - Hair Knotting (1 week):
Creating and styling moustaches, dressing and application of facial hair
Module F - Basic Hair Dressing and Barbering (2 weeks):
Basic cutting skills, barbering techniques, blow-drying and finishing
Module G - Bridal Makeup and Hair (2 weeks):
Classic and contemporary bridal techniques, consultation skills, business essentials
You will need to purchase additional items separately including makeup brushes and equipment from a provided list. After that, all necessary consumables, products, and equipment will be supplied during the course.
Module A (Media Makeup - 12 weeks), Module B (Special Effects - 2 weeks), Module C (Airbrushing - 1 week), Module D (Fashion Makeup - 8 weeks), Module E (Hair Knotting - 1 week), Module F (Basic Hairdressing - 2 weeks), or Module G (Bridal - 2 weeks).
However, completing the full 7-month course gives you the complete ITEC Level 3 Diploma qualification.
Attendance at up to 6 Friday ITEC preparation classes
Active participation in practical hands-on sessions across all modules
Professional attitude and adherence to health & safety protocols
Completion of portfolio work and practical assessments
Preparation for ITEC examinations and practical assessments
This qualification is particularly ideal for overseas students and is well-respected in the international makeup and hair industry.
1-Year Hairdressing and Barbering Course (VTCT Level 2 Diploma in Women's and Men's Hairdressing)
Direct entry into the makeup and hair industry for film, TV, stage, and fashion
Freelance work as a professional makeup and hair artist
Specialisation in bridal, fashion, or special effects makeup
Further advanced training or specialised courses
The 7-month course covers fundamental skills across all key areas, while the 2-year course provides more in-depth training, advanced techniques, and additional qualifications (HNC and ITEC options).
Both courses provide professional training, but the 2-year course offers more comprehensive coverage and industry preparation.
Balance: 4 instalments of £2,250 + VAT each
Total course fee: £11,000 + VAT
Additional costs: Make-up brushes, ITEC exam fee, photographer's fee for portfolio, and additional equipment from provided list
VAT has applied to all courses as of 1 January 2025 in line with government legislation.
Interest-free payment plans are available to suit your individual circumstances.
You are not required to pay the full balance upfront—the deposit secures your place, and the remainder is divided into instalments spread over the course duration.
All necessary consumables, products, and equipment during the course (after initial kit)
Expert tuition across 7 comprehensive modules
Access to industry-standard facilities at Longcross or Elstree Studios
ITEC preparation classes (up to 6 Fridays)
Training in fundamental skills for film, TV, stage, and fashion work
Business skills training including continuity, script breakdown, and CV writing
Portfolio development support throughout the course