HNC (Higher National Certificate) Level 4: Performing Arts (Technical Arts) Optional- can only be studied alongside the
2-Year Make up & Hair BTEC
Level 3 Diploma Course
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
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What is the HNC Qualification Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Performing Arts (Technical Arts)?
For those wishing to study the HNC Qualification, you would need to enrol by the end of your first term on the 2-year BTEC Course.
The 2-year BTEC Diploma Level 3 course will give you the knowledge, practical experience, and confidence to pursue a career in the make-up industry as a professional make-up artist for Theatre, Fashion, Television and Film.
If you decide to work towards the HNC Qualification during the 2-Year BTEC Course this will further the technical skills required to work as a specialist hair and makeup artist, a special effects makeup artist, or a wig or makeup designer.
Full time practical training within a film studio
Entry Requirements
Students must be working towards their BTEC Level 3 Qualification to be able to enrol on the Level 4 HNC.
During the first term students who have expressed an interest in the HNC Level 4 will have a tutorial where you will need to show a willingness to be committed to carrying out further in-depth research in design, hair and make-up, production arts, production theory, industry knowledge, and business skills.
Subjects covered on the 2-year BTEC Level 3 Diploma course are second to none and tailored to industry requirements. The HNC Qualification is optional although students need to be very motivated to be able to produce extra in-depth research in their own time as well as extra study days in addition to our 2-Year BTEC Course hours. If you haven’t got the motivation or academic ability to do extra research, then we suggest you do not enrol on the HNC Qualification and continue working towards the 2-year BTEC Level 3 Diploma Course as this will still provide you with proper training and is a 100% industry relevant course. We have a very high success rate with our graduates. See students’ achievements.
Module/ Unit Information
The 2-Year BTEC Diploma Course content is regularly reviewed to reflect changes in the industry. For those who wish to successfully complete the HNC (alongside their 2-Year BTEC), they will require the accumulation of 120 credits from the modules studied. HNC modules include:
General Pathway
| Unit | Name of Unit | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | The Performing Arts Industry | 15 credits |
| Unit 2 | Professional Development | 15 credits |
| Unit 21 | Production Communication | 15 credits |
| Unit 10 | Investigation of Specialism | 15 credits |
| Unit 25 | SFX 1 | 15 credits |
| Unit 28 | Hair and Makeup Application | 15 credits |
| Unit 30 | Fashion and Fashion Editorial Hair and Makeup | 15 credits |
| Unit 31 | Period Hair and Makeup | 15 credits |
Educational Aims of the Programme
If you decided to take the HNC Level 4 programme within the 2-Year BTEC Level 3 Diploma Course, this HNC programme provides students with further integrated knowledge of Hair and Make-up within the TV, Film, Theatre and Fashion Industries.
The broad aims of the programme are as follows:
- To provide a higher education foundation for a range of creative hair and makeup artists within the various sectors of the industry.
- To provide specialist studies in areas of Hair and Makeup design in which
students intend to seek their own employment. - To provide flexibility, up-to-date knowledge, techniques and skills as well as motivation as a basis for future studies and career development.
- Special emphasis is placed on the individual to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in professional working life.
- During your 2-year course, you will be taught by active makeup artists within the industry and assessors whose expertise and knowledge are matched to the content of the modules on the HNC Level 4 course.
Self Study Time – Out of Course Hours
Your self-study will involve reading, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and preparing for assessments.
Assessment
Assessment methods include a range of coursework such as essays, reports and
portfolios, overall performance and your final project.
- Assessment is continuous throughout the academic year and is in the form of photographic work, blogs and research.
- All grades from formal assessments during your 2-year training count towards your HNC module mark.
- All assessments are spread across the 2 years to make the workload manageable. The coursework will be based on portfolio work.
Further Qualifications
After successfully completing your BTEC Level 3 and HNC Level 4 it is optional for you to continue to work toward your HND Level 5. Please see further details: https://brushstroke.co.uk/hnd-level-5-makeup-course/
- Award: Edexcel Pearson Higher National Certificate in Performing Arts (Technical
Arts) RQF Make-up and Hair - Awarding body: Edexcel Pearson
- Course duration: 2 years taken concurrently with the BTEC Level 3 Diploma Course including additional Fridays.
- Fees: £4,000, additional HNC Qualification fee. This can be paid over the duration of your remaining BTEC Level 3 termly payments.
- Course leader: Anita Perrett
2 Year Makeup & Hair Diploma Course
BTEC & ITEC Level 3
(HNC Level 4 Optional)
FAQ's About HNC Level 4 Makeup & Hair Course
It's an Edexcel Pearson Higher National Certificate in Performing Arts (Technical Arts) RQF Make-up and Hair that furthers the technical skills required to work as a specialist hair and makeup artist, special effects makeup artist, or wig/makeup designer.
Students must be working towards their BTEC Level 3 qualification to be able to enrol on the Level 4 HNC.
During the first term, students who have expressed interest in the HNC Level 4 will have a tutorial where you'll need to demonstrate willingness and commitment to carrying out further in-depth research and study.
You must demonstrate willingness to be committed to carrying out further in-depth research in design, hair and make-up, production arts, production theory, industry knowledge, and business skills.
Students need to be very motivated to produce extra in-depth research in their own time as well as attend extra study days in addition to the 2-Year BTEC Course hours.
Unit 1: The Performing Arts Industry (15 credits)
Unit 2: Professional Development (15 credits)
Unit 21: Production Communication (15 credits)
Unit 10: Investigation of Specialism (15 credits)
Unit 25: SFX 1 (15 credits)
Unit 28: Hair and Makeup Application (15 credits)
Unit 30: Fashion and Fashion Editorial Hair and Makeup (15 credits)
Unit 31: Period Hair and Makeup (15 credits)
Extra in-depth research completed in your own time
Additional study days (including Fridays) beyond the regular 2-Year BTEC Course hours
Self-study involving reading, individual and group projects, library research, coursework assignments, and assessment preparation
If you don't have the motivation or academic ability for extra research, we recommend focusing solely on the 2-Year BTEC Level 3 Diploma Course.
Coursework such as essays, reports, and portfolios
Overall performance assessment and final project
Continuous assessment throughout the academic year in the form of photographic work, blogs, and research
All grades from formal assessments during your 2-year training count towards your HNC module mark
Assessments are spread across the 2 years to make the workload manageable, with coursework based on portfolio work.
Provide integrated knowledge of Hair and Make-up within TV, Film, Theatre, and Fashion Industries
Offer a higher education foundation for creative hair and makeup artists across various industry sectors
Provide specialist studies in Hair and Makeup design areas where students intend to seek employment
Deliver flexibility, up-to-date knowledge, techniques, and skills as a basis for future studies and career development
Develop essential skills, techniques, personal qualities, and attitudes for successful professional performance
HND Level 5 Diploma: Performing Arts - Make-up
Advanced career opportunities as a specialist hair and makeup artist
Roles as a special effects makeup artist
Positions as a wig or makeup designer
Higher-level positions within the TV, Film, Theatre, and Fashion industries
Duration: 2 years taken alongside the BTEC course, including additional Fridays and extra study days
The course leader is Anita Perrett, and you'll be taught by active makeup artists and industry assessors whose expertise matches the HNC module content.
This additional fee can be paid over the duration of your remaining BTEC Level 3 termly payments.
This represents excellent value for a higher education qualification that significantly enhances your career prospects in the makeup and hair industry.
Active makeup artists currently working within the industry
Qualified assessors whose expertise and knowledge are matched to the content of the HNC Level 4 modules
Course leader Anita Perrett, who oversees the HNC programme
Industry professionals who bring real-world experience and current industry practices to your education
Are highly motivated and committed to additional study and research
Have the academic ability to handle in-depth research projects
Want to specialise as a hair and makeup artist, special effects artist, or wig/makeup designer
Are seeking higher education qualifications for career advancement
Can commit to extra study days and self-directed learning beyond regular course hours
If you prefer to focus solely on practical skills, the 2-Year BTEC Level 3 Diploma provides excellent industry-relevant training with a very high graduate success rate.
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