BA (Hons) Hair and Make-Up for Screen & Film: crafting characters for the camera

In film and television, hair and make-up do far more than enhance appearance – they bring characters to life, communicate the story, and shape the visual identity of a production. The BA (Hons) Hair & Make-Up for Screen & Film at MetFilm School is designed for those who want to turn creativity, technical artistry and passion into a professional career in the screen industries.

Learn as part of a real film crew

From the moment you start the course, you will train within a working film environment. You’ll collaborate closely with students from across the School, including directors, cinematographers, production designers, editors, and more. This hands-on experience provides a clear understanding of how the hair and makeup department operates within a production team and how your creative choices contribute to shaping the final on-screen performance.

Working on practical film shoots and studio-based exercises not only builds your artistic and technical skills but also allows you to start growing your professional network early, setting a strong foundation for your career.

A comprehensive journey from fundamentals to specialism

The course combines essential skills with advanced creative development. In your first year, you’ll gain a strong foundation in professional hair and make-up techniques, including:

• Hair styling and finishing
• Make-up application for camera
• Understanding department roles and on-set etiquette

As you progress, you’ll have the opportunity to tailor your studies through specialist optional modules. Whether your interests lie in:

• SFX make-up
• Wig creation
• Period hair and make-up
• Prosthetic design
• Character transformation

Meaning you’ll be able to explore the techniques that best support your creative vision and career goals.

By your third year, you’ll bring all your learning together in a personal design project and by working on live film productions – an invaluable opportunity to showcase your talent and build a professional portfolio.

Learn from industry professionals

The course is taught by tutors who split their time between education and ongoing professional work in the screen industries. This ensures your training is always aligned with current industry standards, expectations and technologies.

You’ll also benefit from:

• Guest lectures from working professionals
• Industry-focused masterclasses
• Opportunities for work placements
• Guidance from MetFilm School’s industry careers team

Whether you want to enter film, television, streaming platforms, commercials, fashion or music video, you’ll be learning from people who understand the realities of working on set today.

Graduate ready for the industry

With practical experience, an impressive portfolio, and a real understanding of how productions operate, graduates of this degree are equipped to step directly into the professional world. Possible career paths include:

• Hair and make-up artist for film and TV
• Film character or prosthetic designer
• Wig specialist
• SFX and prosthetics artist
• Make-up artist for music, fashion and digital content
• On-set continuity and design roles

Turn Creative Vision into On-Screen Reality

If you’re passionate about character, storytelling, design, and the transformative potential of hair and make-up artistry, the BA (Hons) Hair & Make-Up for Screen & Film offers outstanding practical training in a collaborative, industry-focused environment.

If you’re captivated by character transformation, creative storytelling, and the artistry that brings performances to life on screen, BA (Hons) Hair & Make-Up for Screen & Film could be your next step.

Explore our campuses at an upcoming Open Day and visit our state-of-the-art studios for yourself.

Contact our Admissions Team on 01273 096406 or email admissions@metfilm.ac.uk to begin your journey.

We can’t wait to see the worlds you’ll help create.