Name: BA (Hons) Hair and Make-Up for Screen and Film | MetFilm School | Previously Screen and Film School
Author: Tom Picken

Overview

Throughout this course, working as part of a wider film crew, you will gain a clear understanding of the hair and make-up department’s role in productions of all sizes. You will start building a network of valuable contacts as you progress from education into your professional career.

The course will be delivered by experienced industry professionals who combine their teaching with current professional practice. Students will benefit from a range of optional specialist modules to cater for specific areas of interest, such as SFX make-up (special effects), period hair and make-up and prosthetics.

Furthermore, you will gain a firm grasp of the fundamentals of hair and make-up and understand the roles and relationships within the hair and make-up department. By year three, you can apply these creative skills to inform an in-depth personal design project and develop and produce a final live film in collaboration with fellow students.

You can progress directly to a career in the film industry, specifically in areas such as hair and makeup for feature films, television, corporate advertising, music video, fashion and the creative industries.

This course is offered through our partnership with BIMM University. UK students on this course may be eligible for the maximum Tuition Fee Loan amount, which covers the full tuition fee. Please check the Fees & Finance section for more information.

Why Take the Course?

Practical: The BA (Hons) Hair and Makeup for Screen and Film degree offers a hands-on approach to learning, combining traditional hair styling and makeup techniques with contemporary practices in a dynamic film school environment. Throughout your studies, you will work on live film projects and dedicated studio sessions, collaborating with peers from other film-related disciplines such as Filmmaking, Film Business, and Production Design. This collaboration ensures you gain real-world experience and build a network that will support your transition into the industry.
Comprehensive: This course provides a thorough education in hair and makeup artistry, preparing you for a successful career in film, television, and related industries. The curriculum is designed in collaboration with industry professionals to ensure you acquire a diverse range of relevant skills. From basic hair styling and makeup application in your first year to more advanced techniques such as special effects makeup, wig making, and prosthetic design in later years, this course covers all aspects of hair and makeup for screen and film.
Industry-facing: Learn directly from educators and industry specialists who bring their professional experience into the classroom. The course maintains strong ties with the industry, ensuring that your education is not only current but also aligned with professional standards. Regular guest lectures and workshops with professional hair and makeup artists provide you with insights into the industry and help you stay updated on the latest trends and techniques. Additionally, our dedicated industry team assists in securing work placements, enhancing your employability upon graduation.
Real-life Experience: Throughout the course, you will engage in a range of speculative and live film projects, allowing you to apply your skills in real-world scenarios. By the time you reach your final year, you will focus on your chosen speciality, whether it’s key hair styling, special effects makeup, or wig making. Your work will culminate in a personal studio-based project and live work on graduate films. This experience, along with the portfolio you develop, will position you strongly for entering the industry.

*For a selection of the tutors who teach across our campuses, please see Our People.

Awarding body: BIMM University

Programme Aims

Develop a strong foundation in hair and makeup artistry, covering essential techniques and exploring various industry roles.

Deepen skills and specialise through advanced modules tailored to specific career goals in hair, makeup, and special effects.

Master advanced skills and achieve professional standards through bespoke projects and live film productions, culminating in a graduate film showcase.

Ensure a smooth transition to the industry with personalised support, small class sizes, industry placements, and post-graduation job assistance.

Module Overview

In the first year, students build the core technical and professional skills required for working in the film and screen industries. Teaching focuses on practical foundations, production awareness and on-set expectations. Students complete two short film modules, giving them early experience of set etiquette, continuity, collaboration and working to a brief. By the end of Year 1, students have gained the confidence to work effectively in a production environment and have contributed to two short films.

In the second year, students deepen their technical abilities and move into more specialised skills. They choose one of two advanced pathways and begin shaping their identity as artists working for screen. This year also strengthens collaboration with other departments and prepares students for more independent creative decision-making. By the end of Year 2, students have worked across more complex productions, strengthened their chosen specialism and expanded their creative and technical range.

The final year prepares students for entry into the screen and film industries. It blends independent project work, advanced specialism development and portfolio creation. Students take on more responsibility and have the opportunity to shape a professional identity that aligns with their future career aims. By the end of Year 3, students graduate with a strong portfolio, hands-on film experience across all three years and a clear technical pathway that supports their first steps into the professional world.

We include a diverse range of teaching methods which include:

Productions
Seminar-style Group Teaching
Tutorials
Practical Group Work
Formative Feedback through Critiques, Pitches, Screenings, and Reflective Sessions
Work-integrated Learning
Authentic Assessment

We use a wide range of assessment which include portfolios, performances, research, presentations, and reflective work.

Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff: 64 points
A-Level: CC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: MPP
We will accept a VTCT and City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in hair or make-up if the portfolio is of excellent standard.
GCSE: Three GCSEs at a minimum grade C/4, including English Language or Level 2 Equivalents
IELTS: 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 to be achieved in each band

UK applicants need to apply through UCAS using codes:

Course code: W452
Institution code: B39 (BIMM University)
Campus name: MetFilm School Brighton (Campus Code is 5)

Applicants may also provide an equivalent Level 3 qualification such as a Baccalaureate or International Baccalaureate.

If you meet certain criteria, you may be eligible for a contextual offer with reduced entry requirements.

Find out more about our contextual offers

For more information, please check Equipment in the Study with Us section for your chosen course, and the Location sections for the range of Equipment and Learning Resources available on each of our campuses.

For more information on BA (Hons) Hair and Make-Up for Screen & Film entry requirements, language requirements, funding, and the application process please visit:

Study with Us

Dates & Prices

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14 September 2026 - 18 May 2029

£9,535 (per year) – UK Students

£15,950 (per year)* – EU/EEA Students

£15,950 (per year)** – International Students

Apply via UCAS

*EU, EEA and Switzerland Student Discount
An automatic discount of £6,000 per year of study will be applied to all applicants holding a valid passport from these countries.

**Early Acceptance Discount
International students from outside the EU/EEA can save £2,000 per year of study by accepting their offer and paying their deposit by 15 June 2026.

International students who require a VISA to study in the UK are also welcome to apply for this course directly through our website. Applicants must meet the requirements set by UKVI.