Career pathways with a BA (Hons) Hair and Make-Up for Screen & Film

The screen industries rely on talented hair and make-up professionals to help bring characters, stories, and creative worlds to life.

Whether creating subtle character enhancements or dramatic prosthetic transformations, graduates of our BA (Hons) Hair and Make-Up for Screen & Film degree pursue creative careers across film, television, fashion, music videos, theatre, live events, and freelance creative industries.

This variety allows creatives to develop a broad range of experience, collaborate with different production teams, and expand their professional networks across the wider screen and creative industries.

Here are some of the career pathways you can explore with our BA (Hons) Hair and Make-Up for Screen & Film degree.

Hair and make-up artist for film and television

Hair and make-up artists working in film and television help actors portray their characters through carefully designed hair styling and make-up looks. It is a highly collaborative and creative role that combines technical skill with storytelling.

During pre-production, hair and make-up artists work closely with directors to understand the style, tone, and visual identity of the story. They help shape how characters appear on screen, whether through naturalistic make-up, period hairstyling, or transformative character design. On set, they ensure consistency throughout filming and respond quickly to production needs.

Throughout the course, you’ll collaborate closely with students from across MetFilm School, including directors, cinematographers, production designers, and editors. 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.

SFX make-up artist

SFX make-up artists use a variety of techniques, including prosthetics, special appliances, and make-up applications, to create a wide range of effects. An SFX make-up artist uses cosmetics, prosthetics, appliances, and tools to create anything that immerses the audience into the world of the production.

Their work can range from realistic injuries and ageing effects to fantasy creatures and dramatic transformations for film, television, theatre, and music videos. The role combines creativity with technical precision, often requiring problem-solving skills and close collaboration with production teams.

As you progress through the course, you’ll have the opportunity to tailor your studies through specialist optional modules, allowing you to explore advanced SFX techniques and develop your own creative interests.

Prosthetics technician

Prosthetics technicians help advance storytelling through the design, development, and application of prosthetic make-up effects. They create realistic prosthetic pieces that transform performers into characters, creatures, or historical figures for film and television productions.

This role requires both artistic creativity and practical technical skills. Students learn to sculpt, mould, cast, and apply prosthetic pieces while developing an understanding of how these effects function within a production environment.

From the moment you start the course, you will train within a working film environment, gaining practical experience that reflects industry workflows and expectations.

Wig and postiche artist

Wig and postiche artists design, create, and maintain wigs, hairpieces, and facial hair for film, theatre, and television productions. Their work helps define characters, establish historical accuracy, and support continuity across productions.

This career pathway combines craftsmanship with creative design, requiring attention to detail and specialist technical knowledge. Professionals in this area may work on period dramas, fantasy productions, stage performances, or fashion shoots.

Through the course, you can master advanced techniques such as wig-making, while wigs and wig-making and postiche are explored through an optional specialist module.

Editorial and commercial make-up artist

Editorial and commercial make-up artists create high-fashion, polished, or natural looks for print media, advertising campaigns, corporate projects, and branded content. The role often involves experimenting with colours and textures, often pushing the boundaries of traditional beauty standards.

Professionals in this field work closely with photographers, stylists, creative directors, and brands to deliver visually striking results that align with a campaign or editorial vision.

On the course, students master makeup application for screen actors, understand department roles and on-set etiquette, and learn in bright, spacious studios with industry-standard facilities.

Learn from industry professionals

Available in our Brighton campus, students on this course learn directly from industry professionals with experience across film, television, fashion, and creative production environments.

Jorge Armario Palombini, Course Leader for Hair and Makeup for Screen and Film, explains:

“The BA Hair and Make-Up for Screen and Film course equips students with a broad combination of technical, creative, collaborative, and professional skills tailored to the realities of the screen industries. Alongside developing specialist practical techniques in areas such as hair styling, make-up, wigs, prosthetics, SFX, and continuity, students learn how to work professionally within fast-paced production environments, collaborating closely with filmmakers, designers, performers, and production teams.

The course is designed to prepare graduates for the creative industries through hands-on practice, industry-facing projects, and an understanding of both technical craft and professional workflow.”

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.

Interested in a film career?

Check out our courses or join us for an Open Day to take your next step.