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Level 3 Extended Diploma in Production Arts Practice (Theatrical Hair, Make-up & Design)

Course Code

Theatrical Hair, Make-up & Design

Course Type

School Leaver Course

Course Duration

2 years

Location

Central Campus

Start Date

1 September, 2025

Are you interested in hair, make-up or costume? Then step this way!

This Extended Diploma in Production Arts covers theatrical hair, make-up and costume design for performers.

You will have links to our hairdressing, beauty, art and design and fashion teams.

You will study units such as:

Fantasy Hair
Period Hair & Wig Making
Applying Make-up
Special Effects Make-up & Prosthetics
Designing Period Costumes
Designing Costumes for Performance

During the course, you will work with performing arts students to create and apply hair, make-up and costumes for a variety of performances.

You’ll need four or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English, or a related Level 2 equivalent qualification.

Some experience and ability in at least 2 of the 3 disciplines is required. All prospective students will be invited to attend an interview and an audition workshop.

You will study 9-10 modules each year, including some of the following:

Production Arts Planning
Production Arts Workshop
Production for Theatre Planning
Historical Context of Performance
Make-up Application for Performers
Special Effects Make-up
Make-up using Prosthetics
Fantasy Hair Designs
Hair Styling & Dressing for Performers
Period Make-up/Hair & Costume
Designing Costumes for Performers
Design Drawing Development

The academic staff are professionals who have worked in the industry and can share their subject-specialist knowledge with you.

The great thing about this course is that you work with all areas of the creative industries and build skills to develop a future in theatrical hair, make-up or design.

Facilities:

Students on our Performing Arts courses benefit from state-of-the-art facilities including:

Air Conditioned Dance Studio
Drama Studio/ Rehearsal Rooms
170-seat Capacity Theatre
Backstage and Green Room/ Dressing Area
Fully-equipped recording studio
Sound-proofed music rehearsal rooms
Professional stage lighting, sound, set, props and costumes

Employers:

We’re proud to work with a number of employers so our students can leave with real-world experience. Some of the employers we work with include:

Birmingham Hippodrome
Create Britain
ERIC Creative Careers
Wolverhampton Grand
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Students have a range of enrichment opportunities on our course including:

Watch a range of professional performances and participate in workshops
Engage with community and local authority organisations
Take part in projects with the National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company
Take part in public performances
Work as Front of House staff for events in the theatre

When you’re not studying, there’s a wide range of enrichment activities to get involved in – perfect for making new friends, building confidence, and gaining experiences that will boost your CV or university application.

Through the Student Union and college committees, you can take part in everything from sports teams, enterprise and volunteering projects to fundraising campaigns and even the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

There’s something for everyone – from joining a debating society, to attending inclusive cultural events and festivals, or enjoying one of our regular film nights and theatre trips.

This Level 3 Extended Diploma in Production Arts Practice – Theatrical Hair, Make-up & Design is assessed in many ways, including:

Observation through sessions, workshops, and performances (classwork, teamwork and independent study)
Portfolio building and written assignments (theory skills)
Practical activities, workshops, and performances (formal assessments)

Units are assessed through completion of assignments throughout the course. Practical and written work is graded against specific assessment criteria, in which learners may be awarded a Pass, Merit or Distinction. Learners must achieve a Pass grade or higher for each criteria in order to pass the unit. Learners must achieve an overall Pass grade or higher for all units in order to achieve the full qualification.

A sample of learner work is moderated by the exam board each year to confirm the work meets national standards.

Most students have university or further training as a target at the end of their studies, and past students have gone on to join degree-level courses across the country, including

The Guildhall School of Acting
Rose Bruford College
Guildford School of Acting.

Students also progress direct to industry, working as a freelance technician or at a theatre or events venue. Apprenticeships are also available in technical theatre.

Career routes could include;

Theatrical Make-Up Artist
Wig and Hair Technician
Special Effects (SFX) Make-Up Artist
Costume Assistant
Make-Up Artist for Film/TV
Beauty Therapist with a Creative Edge
Hair Stylist for Stage and Screen
Face and Body Painter
Freelance Artist for Events and Theatre
Creative Director (with experience)

Course Details

Qualification

Level 3

Exam Board

Pearson Edexcel

Study Mode

Full Time

Department

Creative Industries 16-18, Performing Arts

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Located in West Bromwich, Sandwell College boasts best in class facilities and exceptional teaching standards.
Alongside delivering outstanding pass rates, the College is proud to offer unrivalled mental health services and welfare support, ensuring that every student has access to the advice and guidance they need.

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Level 3 Extended Diploma in Production Arts Practice (Theatrical Hair, Make-up & Design)

Are you interested in hair, make-up or costume? Then step this way! This Extended Diploma in Production Arts covers theatrical hair, make-up and costume design for performers. You will have links to our hairdressing, beauty,...

Course Duration
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Course Type
School Leaver Course

Start Date
1st September, 2025

Study Mode
Full Time

Level 3 Extended Diploma in Production Arts Practice (Theatrical Hair, Make-up & Design)

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Level 2 Extended Certificate in Performing Arts (Production)

Level 3 Extended Diploma in the Creative Music Industry (Performance)

Level 3 Extended Diploma in Production Arts Practice (Theatrical Hair, Make-up & Design)

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Level 3 Extended Diploma in Production Arts Practice (Theatrical Hair, Make-up & Design)

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Related Courses

Level 2 Extended Certificate in Performing Arts (Production)

Level 3 Extended Diploma in the Creative Music Industry (Performance)

Level 3 Extended Diploma in Production Arts Practice (Theatrical Hair, Make-up & Design)

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