HNC (Higher National Certificate) Level 4: Performing Arts (Technical Arts)
Optional – a 9 month course studied after a BTEC Level 3 Diploma
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 - 26, 27, 28 October
Longcross - 26, 27, 28 October
3-Day Instaglam Taster Course
Elstree - 26, 27, 28 October
What is the HNC Qualification Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Performing Arts (Technical Arts)?
For those wishing to study the HNC Qualification, it is preferred that you inform the office of your interest by the end of your 2-year BTEC Course.
The 2-year BTEC Diploma Level 3 course will give you all 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 after the 2-Year BTEC Course, this will further your understanding and technical skills required help progress to designer level.
Full-time practical training within a film studio
Entry Requirements
Students must have their BTEC Level 3 Qualification to be able to enroll on the Level 4 HNC.
On completion of the Diploma course, students who express 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 in 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. 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
This 9 month HNC course is regularly reviewed to reflect changes in the industry. For those who wish to successfully complete the HNC (after 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 decide to take the HNC Level 4 course, this program 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 for future studies and career development.
- Special emphasis is placed on the individual to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and affability is essential for successful performance in professional working life.
- During the HNC 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.
- 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/makeup-courses/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: 9 months full time, Monday to Thursday, taken after your BTEC Level 3 Diploma.
- Fees: £12,000 + VAT.
- 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 specialist, or wig/makeup designer.
Students must have their BTEC Level 3 qualification to be able to enroll on the Level 4 HNC.
On completion of the Diploma course, students who express 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.
You must demonstrate willingness and motivation 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.
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
Self-study involving reading, individual and group projects, library research, coursework assignments, and assessment preparation
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
Coursework is 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 positivity for successful and 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 specialist
Positions as a wig or makeup designer
Higher-level positions within the TV, Film, Theatre, and Fashion industries
Duration: 9 months. Three Terms.
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.
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 a further understanding in how to specialize, even if it were to be more toward a certain subject taught on your previous training, such as special effects, or wig/makeup designer
Are seeking higher education qualifications for career advancement
Can commit to self-directed learning beyond regular course hours
An honest opinion:
If you prefer to focus solely on your career after the practical hands-on skills that the 2-Year BTEC Level 3 Diploma provides, along with excellent industry-relevant training, producing very high graduate success rate, to then enroll on an HNC and HND courses, meaning more expenditure which can cause stress to gain further certificates, it is NOT necessary to achieve your dream, you need to work your way up that ladder in your own time to accomplish that designer level. A lot of our graduates manage it without any further qualifications after the 2-Year Diploma course which is equivalent to 3 x A levels.
Practice makes perfect and you can never learn too much, from starting as trainee, even up to being a supervisor. If the HNC course is something that you would like to do but want to get out into the wide world sooner, remember we have after care for all our graduates to support them to refresh their skills.
Please see students’ achievements.
Our Tutors
Proper professional training from our tutors will set you on the road to becoming a skilled makeup artist.
Leaving School?
Leaving school at 16 means you can train as a makeup artist with Brushstroke.
Changing Career?
Changing career to become a makeup artist is within your reach – with Brushstroke training behind you.
Makeup Artist Roles
There’s a range of makeup artist roles to chose from. From film and TV to stage, theatre and photographic shoots – which one fits you?
Explore our Courses
Information
2 Year Makeup & Hair Course BTEC Level 3
(Optional HNC + ITEC Qualifications)
VTCT Level 2 Certificate in Barbering
HND Level 5 Diploma: Performing Arts- Make-up
7 Month Makeup & Hair Course (ITEC Level 3 Diploma)
6 Month ITEC Makeup & Hair Course for International Students Only