This course delivers a higher level of study for those who are looking for a career within the field of specialist make-up. The course will offer you the technical skills needed to work within specialised media make-up at an advanced level. Throughout your time on the course you will perform a variety of hair, make-up and character styles on your peers, models and actors. You will also develop a portfolio to showcase your professional skills. We are very much involved within the industry and as well as your study programme you will also gain experience enabling you to enhance your CV and work with employers within theatre, NHS and performing arts companies. We also provide workshops, masterclasses and guest speakers to come in and work alongside you – giving you current insights into the modern workplace.
You will be encouraged to take an experimental approach to application, materials and creative development processes to produce innovative and contemporary design work. This includes make-up and hair styling for fashion editorial, wig work for theatre, TV, and alternative design contexts (eg, catwalk). You will be trained in photography to assist with your personal work.
Throughout the course you will also be encouraged to embrace and develop new ways of working, alongside the study of historic and contemporary make-up and hair techniques for fashion, beauty, theatre, TV and film.
You will have many opportunities to take part in commercial work, creating characters on theatre productions, designing high-end fashion make-up for fashion shows and working with medical professionals to create casualty effects. Former students have taken part in Europe’s largest disaster simulation in London.
You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, equipment and professional products from companies such as Illamasqua, Mistair and Kryolan.
You will study in well-equipped studios and workshops, ranging from make-up, hair and special effects studios, to photography studios, IT suites, as well as access to a comprehensive Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). You will be taught by a team with strong reputations as practicing professional designers or researchers, as well as visiting lecturers, a dynamic programme of industry speakers, and international visits.
Our close links with industry will allow you to have the opportunity to work on a range of live project briefs with many organisations.
Year 1:
You can apply using our online application form and clicking the Apply Now button at the top of the page.
Upon successful completion of these courses youcould go into the TV and Film industry, theatre,makeup consultancy or self-employment.
“I enjoy coming to college and learning new skills to further my hairdressing career.”
Ellie Reek Level 2 Hairdressing Former student at Swinton Academy
We make every effort to ensure information within our online course directory is accurate and a true representation of the courses we are offering in 2023/24. However, we do reserve the right to make changes if necessary.
“I enjoy coming to college and learning new skills to further my hairdressing career.”
Ellie Reek Level 2 Hairdressing Former student at Swinton Academy
The hair and beauty sector is ideal for those who have a creative flair, enjoy helping people look and feel good about themselves and have a passion for keeping up with the latest trends.
Hair Salon Managers organise and coordinate resources of hair salons.
Recruit and organise staffing, order stock and promote products to customers, discuss client requests, suggest style ideas, cut, colour and style hair and keep up to date with new trends, techniques and hair products.**
Salons, health spas, on a cruise ship or in a hotel setting.
*EMSI 2021 **nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
Beauty Therapists provide face and body treatments to clients.
Give clients facials, apply and advise on make-up, shape eyebrows, give manicures, pedicures and nail treatments, hair removal and tanning.**
Salons, health spas, on a cruise ship or in a hotel setting.
*EMSI 2021 **nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
In-demand skills that commonly appear in job descriptions for roles within the hair and beauty sector include*:
“I enjoy coming to college and learning new skills to further my hairdressing career.”
Ellie Reek Level 2 Hairdressing Former student at Swinton Academy
“I have made new friends on my course and love how many opportunities there are to get involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities while at college”
Chelsea Smith Level 2 Hair and Media Make-up Former student at the Laurel Academy
