Undergraduate Diploma in Makeup Artistry
Undergraduate Diploma
Makeup Artistry
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Course Description
This program is designed to educate learners about all aspects of makeup and its application in various sections of the industry.
The programme begins with an introduction to the fundamentals of colour theory, anatomy, and physiology of the face and skin, contra-indications for makeup application, health and safety procedures, and client care. The first module, therefore, aims to provide a foundational understanding of makeup tools and concepts, which is crucial to plan and provide different types of makeup for different skin types.
The programme then moves to emphasise the importance of the history of makeup to be able to create periodic makeup looks. This module also gives insight into the effects of lighting on makeup for stage, television studio, and fashion media.
Students will then move on to learn about fantasy and theatre makeup, the application of artificial facial hair and wigs, and the characters that can be created. The fourth module focuses on makeup required for the film industry and the practical application of special effects makeup. The application of makeup for a professional fashion photoshoot will also be explored.
The last module focuses on research in Makeup Artistry whereby the students have the opportunity to conduct research on a particular topic within the field and create a portfolio of makeup looks which relates to this research. This research project, therefore, will equip the students with sound analytical and problem-solving skills.
Overall, this program offers a comprehensive education in becoming a professional makeup artist, from foundational concepts to practical implementation. It equips students or professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the makeup industry in all its requirements.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course will possess:
- A qualification at MQF Level 4 (VTCT/MCAST/ITEC/CIBTAC qualification in Beauty Therapy or Makeup or one ‘A’ Level or equivalent in any subject) and English Language at MQF Level 3 (‘O’ Level or equivalent).
In the case of students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning is found then the applicant could still be accepted on the course. Such RPL process will subject applicants to an interview held with a board of experts within the field, chosen specifically by IDEA College, so as to verify their experiences and prior learning.
*Students whose first language is not English and do not possess an ‘O’ level pass in English Language will be required to demonstrate English language capability at IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent.
Target Audience
This programme targets:
- Qualified beauty therapists seeking to advance their basic makeup skills.
- Makeup artists who mainly do bridal makeup to advance and improve their makeup skills in all areas of makeup.
- Individuals who would like a career in makeup artistry and would like to gain solid knowledge and skills relating to professional makeup artistry in all the different fields in the industry.
Career Paths
Professional Makeup Artists can be self-employed or employed within different organisations. The roles and responsibilities vary depending on the industry’s structure.
This programme will prove to be useful in entities such as the following:
- The film industry
- TV and media industry
- Fashion shows
- Photography/Fashion Photoshoots/Media print industry
- Theatre/Stage/Drama Productions
- Music Videos
- Makeup Counter Sales Consultants
- Makeup Brand Executives/Representatives
- Makeup Brand Managers
- Makeup artists in Beauty Salons & Spas
- Self-employed makeup artists for bridal, graduations, special occassions, etc.
Modules
You are required to complete all 5 compulsory modules (60 ECTS) to fulfil the requirements of this Undergraduate Diploma.
If you stop here, you will get:
Undergraduate Certificate in Makeup Artistry
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Undergraduate Diploma in Makeup Artistry
How you’ll be assessed
The course comprises:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:
- Formative Assessment
- Summative Assessment
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Course Intake Dates
October 2025
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
Competences:
- Consult and communicate with clients.
- Identify different skin types and adapt makeup accordingly.
- Understand the importance of colour theory when choosing appropriate makeup products/colours.
- Contribute to the planning and implementation of different scenarios of makeup required in different sections of the industry.
- Maintain and assess health, hygiene, and safety when providing makeup services.
- Apply different types of makeup using different tools and products.
- Provide aftercare advice to clients.
- Carry out collaborations with external stakeholders to adapt makeup for the required result.
- Conduct thorough background research on pertinent themes to makeup artistry.
Skills:
The following learning outcomes emphasize developing practical skills and competencies necessary for participants to contribute effectively to various makeup applications in the industry. These skills enable individuals to plan, prepare, and apply the required makeup.
By the end of the programme, the learner will be able to:
- Plan a makeup application for different industry requirements.
- Prepare a consultation and/or consent form for the client before makeup application to avoid any risk of allergies, etc.
- Prepare a design sheet/mood board for makeup application for stage, theatre, film industry, or special occassions.
- Prepare the makeup workstation with the required tools and makeup products for easy application.
- Prepare the client for makeup application.
- Demonstrate makeup application for clients with different skin types, skin tones, ages, and different occassions.
- Demonstrate corrective makeup according to client’s specific facial features.
- Create fantasy, character, and periodic makeup for a film or stage scenario.
- Create male-to-female, female-to-male, and old-age makeups for film or theatre requirements.
- Use different special effects makeup and create wounds, bruises, grazes, black eyes, stitches, a severed finger, cuts, etc in a makeup application.
- Use appropriate makeup products for face and body painting.
- Prepare makeup for a professional photoshoot.
- Effectively apply knowledge of different types of makeup application (special effects, periodic makeup fantasy makeup, etc.).
- Assemble a portfolio for future reference for makeup job applications.
Knowledge:
At the end of the programme, the learner will be able to:
- Identify the skin structure and bone structure of the face for applying shading and highlighting makeup for photography.
- Discuss colour theory and the importance of colour for makeup application.
- Describe the influence of lighting on makeup for stage and TV makeup application.
- Recognise health, safety and hygiene standards when applying makeup.
- Recognise contra-indications to makeup application to prevent cross-contamination in products, tools and skin.
- List the different makeup products and tools required for a makeup application.
- Recall the history of makeup to be able to produce a periodic/era makeup.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the application of wounds, bruises, scars, cuts, etc, to be able to produce special effects makeup.
- Identify an issue, challenge, topic, and/or a theme to research and investigate within makeup artistry.