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Theatrical Makeup Advanced (Level 3)

Theatrical Makeup Students at Central Bedfordshire College (CBC).

Overview

Theatrical Makeup Advanced (Level 3)

The VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Theatrical, Special Effects and Hair and Media Make-up is an occupational qualification for learners seeking a career as an employed and/or self-employed theatrical media make-up artist, working with performers to a high level of occupational ability, providing hair and make-up services in the media, theatre, performing arts, medical, fashion and photographic industries.

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Course information

Need to know

Entry requirements

You should have 4 GCSE grades 9-4 or equivalent, this should include English and maths.

You must also have a keen interest in the hair and make up industry and a willingness to learn plus a level 2 in Hair & Media Make up.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through a variety of observations, written assignments, mood boards, face charts and 4 online multiple-choice exams questions. Within each unit you will complete written tasks which work towards your assignments. There are a set number of practical assessments to meet a range of criteria relating to each unit.

Course content

What will I study?

This course covers the following units:

  • Health & Safety
  • Client Consultation
  • Media make-up
  • Prosthetics and Bald Caps
  • Airbrush make-up
  • Camouflage Make-up
  • Postiche
  • Creative Hairdressing
  • and Face and Body art

All lessons take place at the main Kingsway campus in Dunstable, but work experience is generally off site in a variety of different locations.

HOW WILL I LEARN?

Lesson are a mixture of practical, theory and planning through research, mood boards and development of images. You will learn through group tasks, quizzes and working collaboratively with others.

WHAT ADDITIONAL WORK OUTSIDE OF COLLEGE WILL I NEED TO DO?

We aim to get you as much industry related experience as possible. We work closely with the Performing Arts and Dance (PAD), located next to the Grove Theatre, to support their performances. We aim to work along side the public services department performing casualty make-up effects.

Next steps

Course progression:

University, apprenticeships and more.

Career progression:

Counter consultants, Teaching, freelance, Hair and Beauty retail and more.

  • Professional make-up artistry working with performers
  • Theatre, film, print media, photographic studios
  • Beauty and/or hair salons
  • Independent/self-employed/mobile/home based settings
  • National Health Service
  • Product manufacturing and training
  • Hospitals/care homes Learners who complete this qualification are eligible to become a member of the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC)

Additional information

Equipment and other costs:

You will need to purchase a kit, which costs £398. With an option to purchase an airbrush kit at a discount of £230. This will be used in all of your practical sessions, and is yours to keep at the end of the course so will form the start of your professional kit for industry.

You will also be required to purchase a t-shirt (£10.50) and to wear suitable black trousers and black shoes for each lesson. We have a uniform shop which also contains a lot of optional items, you will be provided a link for this at the beginning of your course. We advise you to purchase a book or use our online library.

DO I NEED TO FIND A WORK PLACEMENT? DO I NEED A DBS?

No, there is no work placement attached, but we will give opportunities throughout the course to put yourself into a real-world scenario.

Available Courses
Central Bedfordshire College Dunstable Main Campus
Starts: 08/09/2025
Type: Full Time
Length: 1 year
Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Time(s):
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Fees:
Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the Website is correct, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.

Additional Learning Support

If you have a specific learning difficulty or disability, are deaf or hearing impaired, our Additional Learning Support team are on hand to give you assistance whenever you need it. Email: ALSteam@bedford.ac.uk or call us on 01234 291333.

Financial Support

For information regarding financial support, please visit the Financial Support section to see the support you may be entitled to apply for.

Accessibility

We have access arrangements in place to help students with disabilities or any other particular needs. Call us on 01234 291000 or 01536 413123 for more information.

 

Any questions?

If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, email info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk or call us on 0345 658 8990.