Makeup Course FAQ’s

Hopefully, this website will give you a taster of the kind of make-up artist roles available to you with Brushstroke training. Then we suggest you get in touch with us and arrange a visit to the Brushstroke. We’ll show you round, introduce you to some students and tutors, and help you find a course that suits you.

Our most popular courses are the 2 Year Make-Up and Hair Course (BTEC, ITEC level 3 diploma) and our 7 Month Make-Up & Hair Course (ITEC level 3 diploma.) This is because on each course, students receive in-depth training across a broad syllabus and, of course, graduate with nationally-recognised qualifications.

Students who complete the 2 Year BTEC Make-up & Hair Course can progress on to the 1 year VTCT Hairdressing & Barbering Course or the HND Level 5 Diploma in Production Arts- Make-up.

Students who complete the 7 month ITEC Make-up & Hair Course can progress onto the 1 year VTCT Hairdressing & Barbering Course.

Yes we accept students from the age of 16+.

 16 year olds, who have to remain in full time education until they reach the age of 18, can enrol on our Brushstroke courses and gain useful BTEC and ITEC make-up qualifications.

Much better than someone who hasn’t trained at Brushstroke!  Apart from having really valuable skills, you’ll benefit from Brushstroke’s excellent reputation and links with the world of entertainment. Many of our students having attended our diploma courses are now working in film, TV, stage and fashion all over the world. 

Absolutely! We like to stay in contact with all of our students and keep up to date with their progress so we are able to pass on any relevant opportunities. Brushstroke has a very high success rate with placements and work experience. For example, our make-up tutors are often in need of trainees, and past Brushstroke students often come across job opportunities.

Brushstroke ‘Life-long learning’ is how we support our past students and their ongoing development. They can catch up or refresh themselves at either of our studio locations on any subject completely free of charge – either joining a class or getting guidance from one of our tutors. After all, once a Brushstroke make-up artist, always a Brushstroke make-up artist.

You’ll find details of fees and payment structure on individual course pages.

Yes – and there are some make-up course funding options. Please contact Brustroke for more details.

Brushstroke course fees cover professional training of the highest standard from some of the most skilled and experienced make-up tutors working today. It is the most relevant training you’ll ever need to become a versatile make-up artist. The fees also include equipment and products necessary to complete your course, plus your own personal make-up and hair kit containing our recommended essentials. (There is also an additional equipment list – heated rollers, training heads, etc – which students buy separately.)

Yes, because it demonstrates you’ve completed a course and have the necessary skills and knowledge as a result. With our BTEC, ITEC, VTCT & HND diploma courses you can also have confidence in the fact that the syllabuses are government-approved as well as industry-focused.

Our classes start at 10.30 am – 4 pm. However, Brushstroke is open 9 am – 5 pm, so students are always welcome to come in before class or stay later if they wish.

Our class sizes vary depending on the length and type of the course. Our teaching structure and the flexibility of our facilities mean we accommodate large and small numbers of students with ease.

The classes are taught by professional make-up tutors and assessors all of whom are artists in their own right and currently working in the film, TV, stage and fashion industry. This allows us to guarantee our students 3 key benefits: up to date tuition, a wide variety of experience and specialist skills.

Producing a portfolio is part of the syllabus for some of our courses and students are encouraged to document their work as comprehensively and creatively as possible – through photographs, drawings and narratives. Our students have access to a range of photographic facilities and equipment to help them create their portfolios on many different online and offline platforms. We also give them the opportunity to work with a professional photographer.

Yes, every student receives a special Brushstroke Certificate of Attendance. If you complete any of our BTEC, ITEC, VTCT & HND diploma courses you’ll get the appropriate examining board certificate too.

Brushstroke is accredited by ASIC (Accreditation Service for International Colleges) having obtained ‘Premier Institution’ status. ASIC is government-approved and our accreditation means non-EU nationals can apply for a student visitor visa to study on a course in the UK for a maximum of six months. We suggest you visit for the most up-to-date information on visas and visiting the UK from abroad.

You must have a good standard of English in order to enrol on one of our courses. All our classes are taught in English and though you would get help from our bi-lingual make-up tutors, you still need to be reasonably proficient in English in order to get the very best out of Brushstroke training.