Hair and Media Make-Up

Frequently Asked Questions

What will my average week look like? Will I have to work with customers and clients? Will I work late?

You will typically have three 3-hour practical sessions each week alongside three 1-hour theory lessons. Throughout the course, you will develop a range of hair styling and makeup skills, initially practising on classmates and later taking part in productions, events and other creative opportunities. Late nights maybe required if the productions or events are out of college time.

The course covers an equal balance of creative makeup, beauty makeup and hair styling techniques. As your skills progress, you will combine these disciplines to create complete looks for a variety of themes, such as festival hair and makeup, historical hair and makeup, and fantasy body art. You will also develop additional skills in areas such as Mehndi and spray tanning, helping to broaden your knowledge and enhance your future employment opportunities within the hair, beauty and media makeup industries.

What's different about this course than my time at school?

The course is creative, practical and industry-focused, allowing you to develop specialist hair and makeup techniques while creating professional-standard looks for retail, bridal, fashion, theatre and media settings.

What will I have to wear?

A professional salon uniform is required alongside excellent personal presentation, as you represent both the college and the hair and beauty industry. For health, safety and hygiene reasons, all jewellery must be removed before practical sessions and while working in the salon, as well as your hair to be tied back.

How am I assessed throughout the year?

You will be assessed throughout the year through practical observations when working on models, where you will build a portfolio of observed looks demonstrating your competence across the required treatment ranges. You will also build a portfolio of evidence and complete online external multiple-choice examinations and assignments that demonstrate your underpinning knowledge. Theory lessons will cover subjects such as Anatomy and Physiology, Health and Safety, and Client Care and Communication. You will learn about the contraindications and contra-actions associated with make up to ensure treatments are carried out safely and appropriately, maintaining professional working practices and protecting both yourself and your models. External online examinations usually begin during the second half of Term 1 and continue throughout Term 2 as units are completed.

What will I do in tutorial and what enrichment is on offer?

Tutorial sessions follow Exeter College’s ECHOES Personal Development Curriculum and cover topics such as wellbeing, safeguarding, healthy relationships, equality and diversity, careers, employability and preparing for your next steps after college. You will also review your progress, set targets and receive support to help you succeed on your course.

Enrichment may include photoshoots, competitions, demonstrations, guest speakers such as university lecturers, industry visits and collaborative projects.