Make-up (Theatrical - Special Effects and Hair and Media) - Level 3

Entry Requirements

Qualification Obtained

Industry Placement and Field Trips

Work placement is a compulsory element of the study programme for all 16-18 year olds. Students will spend one day per week in a work placement.

For 19+ students work placement is encouraged and dates set on an individual basis. Please note it is the responsibility of each student to find their placement.

Learning and Teaching Methods

At Blackpool and The Fylde College we recognise that all students learn differently and for some it may be a return to the classroom following a break from formal learning. Our tutors work with you to ensure that their teaching methods support the way that you like to learn.

One key teaching and learning method is that of demonstrations. Your tutors ensure that demonstrations are used whenever possible so you can see the practical skill being used so you can then practice the skill. You will work collaboratively with your peers in group work, presentations and within practical salon sessions. Following demonstrations you will then have hands on practical time where you will be learning the practical make-up and creative hairdressing skills. You will be required to model for your peers as well so you can experience the therapies first hand. 

There will be dedicated individual/self-study time on your programme which needs to be supported by your own study out of the College learning environments. Online learning is also a key element of all our courses and will involve you using our Moodle platform for independent study and learning.

Within the curriculum we also use a range of online apps to support, enhance and motivate learning. Your tutors will support you with new technologies used in the classroom.

Your tutors will support you in preparing for your examinations alongside your own responsibility for your learning.

For 16 - 18 year olds - subject to prior qualification maths and English study hours may vary. 13 hours technical class contact with either 3.8 hours additional for GCSE maths and 3.8 hours additional for GCSE English or 1.5 hours for each functional skill. This will be calculated and confirmed at enrolment. 

For 19 + students your work schedule will include up to 13 hours per week (including the 1.5 hours progress tutor meetings and 1 hour in your core unit session).

These hours will be workshop based in our make-up suite, hairdressing salons, computer suites or theory workrooms.  It is expected that you will then be required to spend the same number of hours on independent research and study outside of the work shop environment.

Your work placement hours will need to meet the minimum required of 30 hours per year.

Expert Tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of further education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

Assessment Methods

This course is one year in duration and over the year your units of study are:

• Photographic make-up
• Anatomy and physiology for make-up services
• Airbrush make-up
• Cosmetic make-up science
• Media make-up
• Style and fit postiche
• Cosmetic make-up
• False eyelash application
• Health and safety in the salon

Qualification awarded - VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Theatrical and Media Make Up

This course is part of the VTCT Technical Level Qualifications and as such is assessed in a number of ways. 

You will sit two externally set and marked examinations that will consist of short answer questions, multiple choice and labelling of course related diagrams. 

Your practical skills will also be assessed in a number of ways. During the course your practical skills will be assessed and you will build a treatment portfolio. This portfolio will detail the range of different treatments performed and the variety of clients on which you have worked. 

For each of the practical units you will then have a final graded practical assessment in which you will be graded fail, pass, merit or distinction. Your year will then conclude with a final graded synoptic assessment. In this practical assessment you will be assessed on your performance on a number of practical services you have learnt over the year.

All of these grades will then be calculated so you will complete the overall year with a fail, pass, merit, distinction or distinction star grade.

On successful completion of the course, your certificate will detail the grades you have achieved.

Assessment weighting

• External exam = 30%
• Graded practical assessments = 50%
• Graded synoptic assessment = 20%

Please note: You will only be given one opportunity to re-sit the external examinations and the final graded synoptic.

Other Costs and Equipment Needed

For 16-18 year olds all equipment, including a uniform, is provided by the college. For 19+ students a uniform, at a cost of approximately £35, must be purchased (order forms are provided by the College). All 19+ students will also be expected to purchase the course related kit. This is to be purchased via College and details will be provided at sign up. If you are concerned about the funding for this kit, then please speak to our Careers Team who may be able to support .

Full, flat, black, leather or durable shoes (no trainers or fabric) must be purchased and worn at all times with the uniform.

Tuition Fees

Please read our tuition fee guide.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: Vocational Training Charitable Trust

Regulatory Body: Ofsted

Terms and Conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

Career Options and Progression