BA (Hons) Make-Up and Hair Design

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BA (Hons) Make-Up and Hair Design at Southampton Solent University is your gateway to a dynamic career in the creative industries, equipping you with the specialised skills demanded by film, television, theatre, and editorial sectors. You will delve into the art of character design, explore photographic image-making, and understand the cultural contexts that shape style and identity. This undergraduate degree is designed for aspiring designers who are passionate about visual storytelling and wish to develop a strong conceptual and practical foundation in make-up and hair artistry, preparing you for a competitive professional landscape.

You will study this programme full-time on campus over three years, engaging in hands-on studio practice and creative image development. The curriculum includes modules such as Beauty Stories, where you'll master studio lighting and post-production for publication, and Fashion Film, which introduces filmmaking techniques. You will also develop critical research skills and undertake a significant creative research project or dissertation. Graduates will be prepared for diverse roles, from freelance make-up artists and hair stylists to positions within fashion houses, film studios, and theatre companies, armed with a robust portfolio and industry insights.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA (Hons) Make-Up and Hair Design program equips students with the skills to excel in the creative industries. Through core modules like Character Design, Creative Image, and Design Practice, students build a strong foundation. The curriculum progresses through specialized topics in years two and three, including Beauty Stories, Fashion Film, and a substantial Creative Research Project, culminating in a Dissertation and Work-Based Learning to prepare graduates for professional practice.

1 Core modules

Character Design
Creative Image
Culture and Context
Design Practice
Studio Practice
Subculture and Style

2 Year two

Beauty Stories
Character And Identity
Critical Research Proposal
Fashion Film
Industry Insights
The Make-up Morgue

3 Final year

Beauty Directions
Creative Research Project: Development and Realisation
Creative Research Project: Proposal
Dissertation
Work Based Learning

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 23,992.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 23,992.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 23,992.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 71,978.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 693.00 - USD 1,552.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,833.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 1,611.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 2,095.00
Estimated Total USD 4,351.00 - USD 8,539.00

Living cost estimates are based on East Park Terrace campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

91%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Advertising TechnologyBanking & Financial ServicesBroadcasting & TelevisionCreative & ContentDigital Media & Online PublishingEvent & Experiential MarketingHealth, Safety & Environment (HSE)Media Planning & BuyingMusic & Performing ArtsSupply Chain & Procurement

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Ikea

Sky Group

Why Study BA (Hons) Make-Up and Hair Design at Southampton Solent University

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at Southampton Solent University in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BA (Hons) Make-Up and Hair Design at Southampton Solent University

Can I work while studying?

As a degree student, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed for this course.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English language requirements, you can achieve a Duolingo score of 115 overall, or a TOEFL score of 80 overall. IELTS requires an overall score of 6.0 with no subscore lower than 5.5.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as make-up artists, hair stylists, character designers, editorial stylists, or wig specialists.

What will I actually study in this course?

This challenging, creative course delivers all the skills you need to start your career as a professional make-up artist and more. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the professional roles in the key areas of the industry from editorial and catwalk, to film, television and theatre.

With a focus on real-world learning, you'll gain key skills needed to stand-out in industry and make your  unique mark, through character design and studio practice, underpinned with a

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA (Hons) Make-Up and Hair Design course has intake months in January and September. You can start your journey towards becoming a professional make-up artist at either of these times.
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