Level 2 Hair and Media Make-Up

We are proud that our students go onto careers including:

• Hairdressers
• Freelance Hairdressers and Make-Up Artists
• Make-Up Artists
• Salon Managers
• Television Hair and Make-Up Artists

After you have successfully completed this course, you can choose to:

• Enter employment in this industry
• Progress onto Level 3 Hair and Media Make-Up
• Apply to Level 2 Hairdressing
• Apply to Level 2 Beauty

This is a one-year programme that will enable you to develop the skills essential for employment in the Hair and Media Make-up industry, working in a salon, theatre, music, freelance and all other aspects of media.

Topics covered include:

• Face and Body Art
• Make-Up
• Fashion and Photographic Make-Up
• Creative Hairdressing
• Tanning
• Eyelash and Eyebrow Treatments

• With a total of eleven hairdressing and beauty salons, Inspires is one of the largest and most advanced salons of any college in the country and is open to members of the public.
• Opportunities to build your employability skills, including workshops run by leading names in the industry.
• Taking part in exciting projects and events, such as fashion shows and pantomimes.
• Students will also be involved in community projects, such as the annual Cancer Research Pamper Evening.
• Trips and visits are seriously fun, including going backstage at major West End theatre productions, which in the past have included behind-the-scenes talks to recreate the stage make-up.

How will I be assessed?

Your theory and practical knowledge will be assessed throughout the year by your tutors, in preparation for a formal end of year assessment/exam covering practical and theory knowledge.

• A minimum of Grade 3 Maths and Grade 3 English
• To demonstrate good attendance and timekeeping, the ability to meet deadlines and have excellent skills development.
• To have a creative flair, a genuine interest in the hair and media make-up industry, good personal presentation and communication skills.

We welcome applicants who are already working in the industry and are looking to gain a new qualification.

If you would like help understanding our entry requirements, give our Information Team a call on 01992 411411.

There are some items you will need to purchase in advance of the course which you should expect to replace as and when you need to during the year.

You will need to purchase personal stationery.  Kit and uniform are ordered and purchased by students.  Kits are non-refundable once the course starts.

For students progressing from within the department, previous kit items could be appropriate but additional items may need to be purchased (depending on previous course).

Payment for optional enrichment activities are detailed throughout the year.

If you think you would benefit from financial support, we have bursary options available for those who meet the criteria.

Please note, this funding is not guaranteed and is subject to availability at the time of application.

If you would like financial support, contact our Information Team on 01992 411411 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Free to Home students under 19 on 31st August 2023.

If you are a Home student aged 19 or over on the 31st August 2023, you may be liable to pay approximately £2,500 tuition fee for a Level 2 qualification and approximately £5,000 for a Level 3 qualification (these were the tuition fees for 2022/2023 and could be subject to change for 2023/2024).

If you are aged 19-23 you may also be entitled to free tuition if the course you choose is on a government-approved list and the qualification is your first full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.

If you are aged over 24 and you have not achieved a full Level 3 qualification you may be entitled to free tuition if the qualification is listed on the Government Free courses for jobs list. Similarly, if you already hold a Level 3 qualification (or above) and meet the Adult Education Budgets definition of unemployed or are in receipt of low wage, you may also be entitled to free tuition.

You may also be required to pay an administration fee, exam fees, kit fee and an Awarding Body Registration fee if applicable.