Creative Hair and Media Make-up for the TV and Film Industries Level 2


As the TV and film industries continue to expand in the North East region, the demand for skilled professionals in hair and media makeup is reaching new heights.

This course is designed to equip aspiring makeup artists and hairstylists with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in this dynamic and growing industry.

Through a comprehensive curriculum blending theory with practical application, students will learn the latest techniques, trends, and tools used in the field of hair and media makeup.

Course Objectives:

  • Provide a solid foundation in fundamental makeup principles, including colour theory, facial anatomy, and skin types.
  • Develop proficiency in a variety of hairstyling techniques, such as period styles, contemporary looks, and character-based designs.
  • Explore the role of makeup and hairstyling in different media formats, including television, film, advertising, and photographic shoots.
  • Learn industry-specific skills, such as continuity makeup, casualty makeup, and working with high-definition cameras.
  • Gain hands-on experience through practical workshops, demonstrations, and simulated industry scenarios.
  • Stay updated on emerging trends, technologies, and practices shaping the future of hair and media makeup in the industry.
  • Collaboration, both internally and externally in TV & Film, photography and performing arts

Here’s what you’ll learn in our hair and media makeup programme:

  • Apply Make-up
  • Provide Eyelash and Brow
  • Create an Image Based on a Theme within the Hair and Beauty Sector
  • The Art of Photographic Make-up
  • Body Art Design
  • Apply Skin Tanning Techniques
  • The Art of Colouring Hair
  • The Art of Dressing Hair
  • Make and Style a Hair Addition
  • Apply Casualty Makeup

Required Entry Qualifications

Four GCSE grades at 4 or above or a Level 1 in Beauty Therapy.

Plus an informal interview with a member of our teaching team and a practical skills test.

Throughout the course, we’ll monitor your progress and provide constructive feedback to help you to improve where needed.

We’ll measure your skills and knowledge against nationally recognised standards specific to the beauty sector.

We assess you in a range of ways including practical tasks in our salon Botanica, projects from which you’ll create a portfolio of evidence written coursework and assignments and one end of year exam.

Final assessments will be carried out by an external representitive from the awarding body.

All courses are delivered by highly skilled and experienced teaching staff who design their sessions to accomodate all styles and abilities of students where possible.

Our network of employer partners and professional brands includes:

  • Eve Taylor London
  • Kryolan
  • Magic box

Working with these employers means you learn the most up to date techniques and we’re able to source brilliant work experience opportunities.

All practical sessions are taught in our on site commercial salon Botanica which houses two hairdressing salons, a beauty suite, barbering space, nail bars and dedicated make-up suite.

You’ll use a professional make-up kit to work on paying customers and fellow students.

Check out how we are embedding sustainability throughout our hair and beauty courses:

  • We’re a part of the Green Salon Collective, a company that offer Zero-to-Landfill Salon Recycling Solutions for Hairdressers.
  • Our hair, foils and metal tubes are recycled.
  • We use eco-heads, shower heads that reduce water use by around 70%.
  • Our beauty supplier is Eve Taylor and for every product we buy, they plant a tree.
  • We don’t print our learning portfolios, they’re all online.
  • We use the Wella Hero platform, which helps the students gain knowledge on all aspects education in the hair industry including sustainable salon operations.

After the course you can progress onto our Level 3 in Media Make-up Artistry, secure an apprenticeship or step into employment.

Fast track to an apprenticeship

You can start on this programme and fast track to an apprenticeship once you’re ready and a vacancy becomes available.

Sign up to our apprenticeship alerts and we’ll keep you up to date with all the latest vacancies.

Plus our team will help you with your CV or application and help you prepare for interview.

You’ll need to buy a uniform and a professional kit.

We’ll let you know the prices during the application process and help you to source these items through our preferred suppliers, ensuring you get the best value for money.

Funding support is also available to those who meet the eligibility criteria. Ask us for more information at out enrolment events.

School Leaver Course Guide 2025/2026

View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.

Gateshead College School Leavers guide for 2025 - 2026