This is a two year Higher National Diploma course, which upon successful completion allows you to apply for a third ‘top-up’ year and convert into a BA (Hons) Degree.

This qualification is validated and awarded by the University of Kent.

This is a highly practical course where students will be encouraged to express ideas and communicate information using traditional methods and professional software applications, and demonstrate a commitment to exploring the creative, socially responsible and commercial potential of the makeup and hair design for the creative industries.

You are expected to engage in reflective practice which explores the relationship between the client and artist to create effective designs for a range of applications and contexts.

Contextual Studies will underpin your practical learning to ensure you are aware of contemporary practice and have the skills to critically analyse and evaluate your own work and the work of others.

Work based learning is central to the programme to ensure you have the opportunity to network with practising artists and designers, and work on live projects and gain industry work experience.

In year one your will study 6 modules at Level 4 totalling 120 credits:

Inclusive Artist (15 credits)

This module introduces students to the fundamental practical techniques necessary for a professional hair and makeup artist. This module is designed to build knowledge, skills, and confidence in working with clients and models to develop highly creative outcomes. The unit focuses on the skill of research & reference and the application of makeup and hair design. Students will also have opportunities to engage with digital media technology, art practices and photography skills to give them the core skills and understanding required to work as an inclusive artist in the creative industry.

This module is taught through practical workshops, tutorials and seminars. It is assessed through the production of a portfolio of imagery (20%), a reflective research document (20%) and a creative development dossier (40%).

• Contextual Research & Referencing (15 credits)
  
  This module provides an introduction to the history and theory of art & design. The early phase of the unit includes lectures and seminars on aspects of the historical and contemporary practices of art and design. A strong emphasis is placed upon consideration of contextual influences including social, cultural, economic and material factors. As the module progresses, learners will choose a specialist area of study within their specialist degree pathway to research and examine in greater depth.
  
  Another purpose of the module is to establish the importance of good research habits and organisation skills. It also introduces students to the principles and practice of referencing academic work.
  
  This module is taught through lectures and seminars and is assessed through the production of an essay (60%), and a presentation evaluating the research undertaken and how it enabled students to reach conclusions (40%).
  
  
  
• Creative Professional (15 credits)
  
  In this module you will learn how to curate and build a?Level 4 digital and/or physical portfolio.?The portfolio will allow you to reflect, review, update and present all your unit outcomes in one place to demonstrate your knowledge/understanding, technical and professional skills as a makeup artist and hair designer. This is your first step in placing your own practice in an industry context.?To be successful in the industry, creatives need to constantly refine and develop their practice, network with other practitioners, and keep an updated understanding of current trends and working practices.
  
  In addition to the unit outcomes, you will be expected to undertake?extra curriculum?work to create one ‘enhancement project’ during the academic year to add to your portfolio.?
  
  This module is taught through practical workshops, tutorials and seminars. It is assessed through the production of a Digital/Physical Portfolio (60%) and a Workbook and Tutorial Log (40%).
  
  
  
• Digital Interactions (15 credits)
  
  As technology grows, specialists and brand leaders in the beauty industry are beginning to expand their skillsets. Pushing their own creative practice and developing their knowledge of virtual platforms and virtual beauty. From an app to see different colour lipsticks on yourself before buying to avatars on the big screen. Digital Interactions encourages beauty enthusiasts to push their own boundaries and asks students to create characters from an initial idea or build upon existing photography using digital 3D facial accessories.
  
  This module is taught through practical workshops, tutorials and seminars. It is assessed through the production of a portfolio of imagery (50%) and a creative development dossier (50%).
  
  
  
• Editorial Practice (30 credits)
  
  This module introduces students to the knowledge of considering a full and complete image ready for publication. Students are encouraged to come away from only thinking about the face as a canvas but the overall outcome that clients will see. The unit is designed to build knowledge and skills in working on set, with photographers, stylists, and models to develop highly creative outcomes suitable for publication. The unit will explore techniques that surround editorial to compliment the chosen narrative given to the story being told creatively. This module is about expressing your ideas, and involves the written word, photography, postproduction, technical skills in hair and makeup, alongside trend-driven techniques for both makeup & hair design.
  
  This module is taught through practical workshops, tutorials and seminars. It is assessed through the production of a portfolio of imagery (20%), a reflective research document (20%) and a creative development dossier (40%).
  
  
  
• Specialist Skills for TV & Film (30 credits)
  
  This module introduces the specialist skills required to work on set & location for TV & Film. Covering special effects, period drama & character makeup, the unit is designed to enhance knowledge and skills for working in this environment and understanding the role of a hair and makeup artist in this environment. This module will enhance your knowledge and application of both beauty & special effects makeup for HD filming and introduces you to the materials and processes required to start out in this field.
  
  This module is taught through practical workshops, tutorials and seminars. It is assessed through the production of a portfolio of imagery (20%), a reflective research document (20%) and a creative development dossier (40%).
  
  In year two you will study 4 modules which will provide you with a further 120 credits at Level 5:
  
  
• Culture & Context for Fashion (30 credits)
  
  The first unit of second year enhances ways of seeing, thinking, and writing about visual culture. This module is designed to deepen understanding around cultural developments, practices and movements related to the history of the styled body from 18th century to the present day. The unit allows students to engage in both editorial and fashion practices and gain an understanding of the requirements of both of these pathways. Deepening practical skill for runway and editorial and understanding the concept of the ‘total image’.
  
  This module is taught through practical workshops, tutorials and seminars. It is assessed through the production of a portfolio of imagery (20%), a reflective research document (20%) and a creative development dossier (40%).
  
  
  
• 3D Innovation for Fashion (30 credits)
  
  This module encourages students to develop their understanding and skills in the world of special effects with a direct focus on the fashion industry. The fashion industry is known for pushing creative boundaries and showcasing creative practice. The use of 3D materials enhances the natural shape of a face and body and allows distortion and innovation to be evidenced. You will acquire specialised design and craft skills for a fashion performance context. This unit will enhance understanding of the fundamental techniques used by 3D effects practitioners. It will encourage your development in technical areas underpinned by an understanding of the principles of specialist subject processes as well as exploring three-dimensional approaches to modifying, altering or adapting the performing body.
  
  This module is taught through practical workshops, tutorials and seminars. It is assessed through the production of a portfolio of imagery (20%), a reflective research document (20%) and a creative development dossier (40%).
  
  
  
• Character Design for Film & Performance (30 credits)
  
  This module introduces students to develop skills in character design and contextualising them in different roles and situations. Students are encouraged to come away from only considering a mythical narrative, and to begin understanding the design based on the story, location, time period etc. This unit is designed to build knowledge and skills of working as a designer and not just a makeup artist. This unit will explore the appropriate characterisation skills and working methods including special effects, wig work, wefting & airbrushing. This unit will help develop awareness of the relationship between research, design and technical processes within your specialist subject area.
  
  This module is taught through practical workshops, tutorials and seminars. It is assessed through the production of a portfolio of imagery (20%), a reflective research document (20%) and a creative development dossier (40%).
  
  
  
• Artistry in Industry (30 credits)
  
  This module encourages learners to engage in professional practice and network with brands and creatives to develop experience and identity. The unit aims to develop the practitioner’s identity and consider a personal philosophy for makeup & hair design for editorial and performance.
  
  By developing your professional skills in an industry environment, on placement you will be able to experience the pace, atmosphere, and discipline of working in the industry. It will give you direct experience of the roles, expectations, and processes within the industry.
  
  This unit is taught through seminars and tutorials. Work placements are required to complete the module. It is assessed through a Placement Proposal (40%), Reflective Journal (40%), Employers Assessment Feedback (10%) and a presentation on your placement (10%).