Level 3 Diploma in Make-Up Artistry

Your Journey to Becoming a Professional Make-Up Artist

Develop your creativity and technical expertise to become a professional make-up artist, mastering the skills needed for fashion, media, and photographic industries.

The VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Make-Up Artistry gives learners the practical skills and creative foundation needed to succeed as a professional make-up artist. You’ll learn advanced techniques used across fashion, photographic, and media industries — from body art to prosthetics — while developing your professional confidence and client care.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Design and apply creative make-up looks

  • Work confidently across fashion, TV, film, and theatre

  • Create and apply body art, camouflage, and special effects

  • Deliver professional client consultations and aftercare

  • Promote products and services effectively within a salon or freelance setting

Level:
3 Diploma

Total Hours:
500 (421 guided)

Credits:
50

Minimum Age:
16+

Assessment:
Portfolio of evidence, observation & written assignments

Study Mode:
Classroom and practical-based

Who Is It For?

This qualification is ideal for:

  • Aspiring make-up artists looking to enter the beauty, film, or creative industries

  • Salon professionals expanding their services into make-up artistry

  • Creative individuals looking to turn their passion for beauty and design into a career

Course Content

The course is structured through mandatory and optional units so learners can tailor their study to match their career goals.

Mandatory Units include:
  • Monitor and Maintain Health & Safety Practice in the Salon

  • Client Care and Communication in Beauty-Related Industries

  • Promote Products and Services to Clients in a Salon

  • Design and Apply Face and Body Art

  • Instruction on Make-Up Application

  • Apply Make-Up

  • Media Make-Up

  • Fashion and Photographic Make-Up

  • Camouflage Make-Up

Optional Units may include:
  • Apply Airbrush Make-Up

  • Design and Apply Mehndi Skin Decoration

  • Display Stock to Promote Sales in a Salon

  • Style and Fit Postiche (wigs and hairpieces)

How You’ll Be Assessed

Learners are assessed through continuous observation, assignments, and practical demonstrations. Your portfolio will include evidence from:
Assessor observations
Written and oral questioning
Case studies and project work
Practical make-up applications
Witness statements and client feedback

Progression & Careers

After qualifying, you can work as:

  • Professional Make-Up Artist

  • Media or Film Make-Up Specialist

  • Freelance or Salon-Based Artist

  • Bridal or Fashion Make-Up Artist

  • Body Art or Camouflage Specialist

Progression routes include:

  • Level 4 Certificate/Diploma in Salon Management

  • Level 4 Certificate in Advanced Make-Up or Aesthetics

  • Higher education in Fashion, Media, or Theatre Make-Up

  • No prior qualifications required
  • Learners must be 16 or older
  • Basic literacy and numeracy skills recommended
  • A passion for creativity, detail, and client care
  • Learn from experienced industry artists and educators
  • Access professional make-up studios and creative workshops
  • Gain real-world experience in media, fashion, or salon environments
  • Build a portfolio that opens doors across the beauty and creative industries
  • Dedicated learner support from enrolment to certification

Support Hub

No. This course is designed for both beginners and experienced learners looking to refine and professionalise their skills.

Yes — you’ll complete hands-on practical work in realistic salon and studio settings.

Absolutely. VTCT qualifications are widely recognised across the UK and internationally within the beauty and creative industries.

Yes. This course gives you the knowledge, confidence, and certification to start your own freelance make-up business.

Let our recruitment team help you fill your next role.

Level 3 Diploma in Make-Up Artistry
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