Peter Symonds College

Study at PSC

Students can take this qualification over two years alongside A Levels – it will be timetabled on a Monday or Wednesday afternoon over the two years. Those who are not following an A Level programme can complete the Diploma in one year in college one day a week, 9.30am-6pm. This course has been specifically designed for the 16–19 age group; it can be taken without any existing knowledge and understanding of hair and beauty skills. Equally it can build on any existing skills students may have gained at Level 2. Students will develop an enhanced repertoire of technical skills to prepare them for employment as a professional Make-up Artist.

Course Content

You will carry out both practical work in our salon and theory work, with a set amount of home study. Following tutor-led demonstrations, you will practise your skills on each other  in class and then graduate onto clients when we think you are ready. This course requires a considerable amount of both theory and practical work and this will require additional home study. The areas to be studied include: airbrush make-up, camouflage make-up, media make-up and fashion and photographic makeup. Students can also study prosthetic pieces and bald caps, individual lashes, styling and dressing hair using a variety of techniques and basic instruction on make-up.

Further study

  • Salon Management
  • Hair/Scalp Services
  • Hair, Make-up and Special Effects
  • Fashion, Styling and Make-up
  • Theatre Arts
  • Film and TV Make-up

Methods & Patterns of Assessment

You will be assessed under realistic working conditions, just as if you were backstage or in a salon. Practical and written work is internally marked, followed by external verification by the awarding body. There are continual practical assessments, written assessment questions, internal and external exams, a look-book and a portfolio of evidence for all theory and practical treatments. This qualification carries 32 UCAS points.

Where Could It Take Me?

Learners who complete this qualification are eligible to become a member of the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC).

Career opportunities include working as a professional Makeup Artist in theatres, film, print media, photographic studios, independently or in a mobile or home-based setting. The primary purpose of this course is to prepare learners for employment as a professional Theatrical Media Make-up Artist, although learners may wish to further develop their skills by undertaking advanced specialist qualifications at Level 4, such as Salon Management or Specialist Hair and Scalp Services.

Financial Implications

  • Make-Up Academy Uniform – £72.95 + £5 Postage and Packaging
  • Nebula airbrush kit (Optional) - £165.00
  • Kryolan Kit - £423.00
  • Hair media kit )Optional) £122.34
  • Mylash - £69.77
  • Textbook - Prices vary

Please note that the prices above are based on 2023 entry and there may be slight changes for 2024. Contact the Hair and Beauty department on ahed@psc.ac.uk for further information. The College has a Student Support Fund for those students who have difficulty in meeting these costs.

Entry Requirements

GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 or above is preferable.  If this level has not already been achieved, students will be expected to re-take their GCSE subjects alongside the course. A passion for the subject is essential, and previous relevant experience is desirable.