HND Level 5 Diploma: Performing Arts – Make-up

This course is an optional 1-year extension of the 2-Year BTEC Make-up & Hair Course. This is equivalent to the first and second years of a university degree.

Prospectus
Showing prospective students around (including school holidays) for enrollment in 2026 & 2027. For availability or to book a visit, call +44 (0) 20 4611 2172 or email us at [email protected]

2-year BTEC Course 2026
Elstree: 21 September 2026 to 06 July 2028
Longcross: 28 September 2026 to 13 July 2028

2-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

HND Level 5 Diploma In Makeup – How Can It Help Me In My Career?

We are pleased to announce that we now offer the BTEC, HND Level 5 diploma: Performing Arts- Make-up. 

This specialist diploma course is a one-year extension of the 2-year BTEC Make-up & Hair Course, which is equivalent to the first and second years of a university degree.

Throughout the 2 Year BTEC Make-up and Hair Course it is essential that students complete the required core units to achieve their Level 3 and Level 4 before progressing onto the third year of the HND Level 5.

For those of our students wishing to continue onto the HND Level 5, we require enrolment at the end of the first year, as extra work will need to be undertaken in the second year of the two year BTEC course. 

Taught by industry professionals, this unit-based course incorporates a range of theory and practical classes and focuses on topics such as Professional Development, Production Communication, and Stage Craft. In addition, there will be elements of independent learning such as research, coursework, portfolio work and assessment preparation.

Internal assessment is carried out over the duration of the course ensuring a manageable student workload.

More detailed information about this course will follow soon, however in the meantime please contact us to register your interest. 

Full time practical training within a film studio

Creative Hair Design - Photoshoot Week at Brushstroke Make Up School
Prospectus
makeup course
Prosthetic Makeup Courses - 600x800 (15)

HND Makeup Course Units 

UnitName of UnitCredits
Unit 1The Performing Arts Industry15 credits
Unit 2Professional Development15 credits
Unit 21Production Communication15 credits
Unit 10Investigation of Specialism
15 credits
Unit 25SFX 115 credits
Unit 28Hair and Makeup Application15 credits
Unit 30Fashion and Fashion Editorial Hair and Makeup
15 credits
Unit 31Period Hair and Makeup15 credits

HND Makeup Course Units 

UnitName of UnitCredits
Unit 32Creative Research Project30 credits
Unit 33Working in the Performing Arts Industry15 credits
Unit 55Management Role15 credits
Unit 61Hair and Makeup Design15 credits
Unit 65The Freelance Makeup Artist15 credits
Unit 60Costume Design15 credits
Unit 66SFX215 credits
Prospectus
Square Hair - HND In Makeup Artistry

HND Level 5 Diploma Makeup Course Checklist

Qualification: HND Level 5 Diploma in Production Arts (Make-Up)

Duration: 1 year’s full-time

Entry Requirement: 2 Year Make-up and Hair Course: BTEC Level 3 diploma (or equivalent)

Course Dates Longcross Studios: 29 September 2025 to 09 July 2026

Course Dates Elstree Studios:  22 September 2025 to 03 July 2026

Times: Monday-Thursday, 10.30-16.00

Fees: Deposit £2,000 followed by 3 termly payments of £3,000

Methods of payment:  BACS, cheque, bankers draft and debit/credit card

Complementary equipment: Brushstroke Make-Up and Hair Kit

Study progression: 32-week Fast Track: VTCT Level 2 Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing and Men’s Barbering

Note to all HND Applicants

You need to complete your 2-year BTEC Diploma Course to attend the HND higher national diploma course. 

2 Year Makeup & Hair Diploma Course
BTEC & ITEC Level 3
(HNC Level 4 Optional)

 

Learn More

FAQs About HND Level 5 Makeup & Hair Course

The HND Level 5 Diploma: Performing Arts – Make-up is a specialist diploma course that represents a one-year extension of the 2-year BTEC Make-up & Hair Course.

This qualification is equivalent to the first and second years of a university degree and provides advanced training for makeup and hair artistry in the performing arts industry.
The HND is a 1-year full-time course. Classes run Monday to Thursday, 10:30am to 4:00pm.

Longcross Studios: 29 September 2025 to 09 July 2026

Elstree Studios: 22 September 2025 to 03 July 2026
You must have completed the 2-Year Make-up and Hair Course: BTEC Level 3 diploma (or equivalent).

Students must complete the required core units to achieve their Level 3 and Level 4 before progressing onto the HND Level 5.

For students wishing to continue onto the HND Level 5, enrolment is required at the end of the first year, as extra work will need to be undertaken in the second year of the BTEC course.
The HND includes continued modules from HNC Level 4 plus additional advanced units:

Continued from HNC (Level 4):
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)

Additional HND Level 5 Units:
Unit 32: Creative Research Project (30 credits)
Unit 33: Working in the Performing Arts Industry (15 credits)
Unit 55: Management Role (15 credits)
Unit 61: Hair and Makeup Design (15 credits)
Unit 65: The Freelance Makeup Artist (15 credits)
Unit 60: Costume Design (15 credits)
Unit 66: SFX2 (15 credits)
The course is taught by industry professionals and incorporates:
  • A range of theory and practical classes
  • Focus on topics such as Professional Development, Production Communication, and Stage Craft
  • Elements of independent learning including research, coursework, portfolio work, and assessment preparation
  • Full-time practical training within film studio environments
The HND uses a unit-based assessment system with internal assessment carried out over the duration of the course.

This approach ensures a manageable student workload while maintaining high academic standards.

Assessment methods include coursework, practical projects, portfolio development, and research assignments spread throughout the year.
Students wishing to continue onto the HND Level 5 must enrol at the end of their first year of the 2-year BTEC course.

This early enrollment is necessary because extra work will need to be undertaken in the second year of the two-year BTEC course to prepare for the HND level.

Contact the school to register your interest and discuss your progression pathway.
The HND Level 5 significantly enhances your career prospects by providing:
  • University-level qualifications (equivalent to first and second years of a degree)
  • Advanced specialist training in makeup and hair artistry
  • Management and business skills for leadership roles
  • Freelance expertise for independent career paths
  • Advanced special effects and design capabilities
  • Higher earning potential and senior position opportunities
  • Foundation for further academic progression if desired
The HND Level 5 qualification opens doors to advanced career opportunities:
  • Senior makeup artist positions in film, TV, theatre, and fashion
  • Makeup department head or supervisor roles
  • Freelance makeup artist with advanced business skills
  • Costume and makeup designer positions
  • Special effects makeup specialist roles
  • Management positions within the performing arts industry
  • Teaching and training opportunities in makeup artistry
  • Entrepreneurial opportunities running your own makeup business
Yes. Students receive a complimentary Brushstroke Make-Up and Hair Kit as part of their course package.

This ensures you have access to professional-grade tools and products needed for the advanced level of work required in the HND programme.

Additional specialised equipment may be required for specific projects and will be specified during the course.
Deposit: £2,000

Balance: 3 termly payments of £3,000 each

Total course fee: £11,000

This represents excellent value for a higher education level qualification that significantly enhances your career prospects and earning potential in the makeup and hair industry.
Payment methods accepted:
  • BACS bank transfer
  • Cheque
  • Bankers draft
  • Debit/credit card
The course fees are structured to be manageable with a deposit followed by termly payments, allowing you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies.
After completing the HND Level 5, you can:
  • Enter directly into senior positions in the makeup and hair industry
  • Progress to university to complete a full degree (as the HND is equivalent to the first two years)
  • Pursue the 32-week Fast Track VTCT Level 2 Diploma in Women's Hairdressing and Men's Barbering for additional specialisation
  • Start your own makeup artistry business with advanced business and management skills
  • Pursue teaching qualifications to become an instructor in makeup artistry
  • Specialise further in areas like prosthetics, costume design, or advanced special effects
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