HND Technical Make Up Artistry, TV, Film & Theatre

L5 Level 5
Full Time
8 September 2026 — 21 May 2027
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

About this course

The HND Make-Up and Hair Artistry programme is a specialist follow-on qualification designed for learners who have successfully completed the HNC and are ready to advance their creative, technical and professional practice. 

This course prepares students for the realities of working within the hair and make-up industry, developing the confidence, versatility and industry awareness. Building on the core skills developed at HNC level, learners will refine advanced make-up and hair techniques for film, television, theatre and  fashion editorial contexts. Students will explore advanced hair and make-up practices, including period and contemporary styling, textured hair, wig and postiche work, fashion and editorial looks, character transformation, special effects (SFX)  and fantasy character creation. Through experimentation, testing and refinement, students will gain the precision and adaptability required in professional environments. Alongside technical mastery, the course develops a wider understanding of the industry, including collaboration, professional conduct and managing a freelance career. 

Students will work on industry-relevant projects, produce professional portfolios and gain insight into career pathways within this diverse and competitive sector. Teaching on the course is supported by industry expertise, including Kirstie Stanway, co-founder of The South West Make-Up Academy, Make-Up Designer for BBC’s Casualty and judge on Glow Up Series 6. Kirstie will to teach and support learners throughout the programme, offering industry-standard training, professional insight and guidance on entering and sustaining a career in the make-up and hair industry. 

On completion of the HND, students will have developed advanced creative, technical and professional skills, equipping them to progress into employment or further study within the dynamic world of hair and make-up artistry.

What you will study

Personal Professional Development - you'll develop and apply technical knowledge and skill to support personal progression.

Including:

  • Special FX Make-up
  • Wig making/ postiche creation
  • Textured hair
  • Basic Cutting
  • Avant Garde Hairstyling
  • Fashion and fashion editorial hairstyling and make-up
  • Period hair and make-up
  • Fantasy hair and make-up

Alongside these specialist areas, learners will engage with a wide range of additional advanced techniques and industry practices, ensuring a comprehensive and professionally relevant skill set.

Course fees

Tuition Fees: £6,525.00

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

8 September 2026

End date

21 May 2027

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

16 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions

Course code

HBHE5F50
L5

Qualification

HND Theatrical MakeUp

More...

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Career prospects & further study

£7.7billion

The industry generates almost £7.7billion for the UK Economy. NHF (2018).

Candidates who achieve these qualifications may go on to study further academic and professional qualifications or embark on an administrative, managerial or commercial career.

Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

City Centre Campus,

Dumballs Road,

Cardiff,

CF10 5FE