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 into the dynamic world of creative industries, offering a comprehensive exploration of make-up and hair design across fashion, editorial, theatre, and film. This undergraduate degree is ideal for aspiring designers who wish to push creative boundaries, experimenting with application techniques, materials, and innovative concepts. You will delve into the cultural significance of styled bodies, critically examining beauty ideals and identity in visual culture, preparing you to contribute meaningfully to these evolving fields.

This full-time, on-campus degree, studied over three years, immerses you in practical skills through hands-on modules covering character design, image construction, and professional application. You will develop expertise in areas such as special effects, wig work, and editorial styling, alongside essential photography and film techniques. In your final year, you will undertake a significant creative research project or dissertation, potentially gaining invaluable industry experience through work-based learning or opportunities at events like London Fashion Week. You will graduate ready to launch your career in the creative economy.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program offers a comprehensive exploration of make-up and hair design, spanning foundational skills to advanced creative practice. Students will delve into design principles, professional application techniques, and image construction, alongside character development and visual storytelling. The curriculum progresses through editorial and fashion contexts, professional development, and culminates in a significant research project or dissertation, allowing for specialization in areas such as speculative design or the psychology of image.

1 Year one

Design practice
Professional application
Image construction
Character design
Visual narratives
Culture and context

2 Year two

Editorial beauty and catwalk stories
Character and identity
Visual cultures
Fashion film and media
Professional practice for the creative economy

3 Optional modules

The make-up morgue
Radical bodies

4 Final year

Creative research project: proposal
Work based learning
Creative research project: development and realisation
Dissertation

5 Optional modules

Speculative design
Art direction, psychology and image

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,791.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,791.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,791.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 77,375.00

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 & Media SalesAnimation & Visual EffectsCorporate Finance & TreasuryEconomic Research & PolicyJournalism & ReportingLean Manufacturing & Process ImprovementMarketing Analytics & Data ManagementMedia Planning & BuyingMedia Research & AnalyticsSports & Athletics

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?

International students enrolled in degree courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For the BA (Hons) course, you need to meet specific English language requirements. Acceptable scores include a Duolingo overall score of 115, TOEFL overall score of 80, or IELTS band score of 6.0.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as make-up artists, hair stylists, wig designers, beauty consultants, or special effects artists.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course covers various contexts of make-up and hair design in the creative industries, emphasizing diversity and inclusion. You will explore topics like innovative design processes and the historic and contemporary techniques applied in fashion, theatre, and film.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

You can start the BA (Hons) Make-Up and Hair Design course in January or September. Choose the intake that best fits your schedule.
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