Course information

If you’re passionate about creative beauty and love experimenting with both hair and make-up, this course is the perfect entry point into the world of hair and media styling. The VTCT Level 2 Diploma in Hair and Media Make-Up Studies is designed to equip you with essential hands-on skills and professional techniques that will kickstart your journey in the beauty and creative industries. Whether you're launching a new career or developing your existing abilities, this qualification sets the stage for success.

During the course, you’ll gain practical experience in key beauty and hair techniques, from applying photographic make-up and shaping brows to styling hair and creating themed looks. You’ll also develop an understanding of health and safety in the salon, working professionally with clients and presenting your own creative designs. With expert support and access to professional salon equipment, you’ll build confidence and competence in a real-world training environment.

Whether your dream is to work in theatre, TV, fashion, salons, or even start your own business, this course gives you the foundational skills, creativity, and industry insight to get started.

When courses start

Date: Wednesday 17 September 2025 to Friday 8 May 2026
Time: 9:30am to 2:30pm
Duration: 27 weeks (Classes on Wednesdays and Fridays)

What you will learn

This qualification covers a wide range of practical skills and professional knowledge to prepare you for working in hair and make-up for media and creative settings. Training takes place in a salon-style environment to ensure a realistic and professional experience. Core and optional units include:

  • The art of photographic make-up

    • Design and apply photographic make-up for different themes, using a variety of professional products and techniques to achieve high-impact results suitable for camera work.

  • Follow health and safety practice in the salon

    • Gain essential knowledge of safe and hygienic working practices, including risk assessments, personal protective equipment, and emergency procedures in a salon setting.

  • Create an image based on a theme

    • Develop and present a creative concept using both hair and make-up to produce a complete look, guided by research and mood board planning.

  • Apply make-up

    • Learn everyday and occasion make-up applications, using blending, highlighting, and contouring techniques tailored to face shapes and skin types.

  • Client consultation for hair services

    • Understand how to carry out effective consultations to meet client needs, record preferences, and provide professional aftercare advice.

  • Shampoo and condition the hair and scalp

    • Develop the techniques to care for different hair types and scalp conditions, ensuring a professional standard of service and hygiene.

  • Shaping and colouring eyebrows

    • Master eyebrow shaping and tinting techniques to define and enhance facial features with precision and safety.

  • Themed face painting

    • Use face painting to creatively express a character or theme for events, theatre, or promotions using colour theory and brush control.

  • Provide nail art

    • Experiment with different nail art designs, learning how to create decorative finishes for both hands and feet.

  • Body art design

    • Explore artistic body decoration techniques and develop creative concepts for use in media, performance, or fashion.

    How you will be assessed

    You will be assessed through a combination of practical observations, your portfolio of evidence and written assessments and exam. Your progress will be regularly reviewed to ensure you meet industry standards.

    Progression opportunities

    Upon successful completion, you may progress to a Level 3 Diploma in Theatrical, Special Effects, Hair and Media Make-Up or a specialist Level 2/3 course. You could also start working as a junior make-up artist or hair assistant in salons, events, retail, or media settings.

    Entry requirements

    Before enroling you will need to complete a short English and Maths assessment to make sure this course is suitable for you.

    If you’d prefer to speak with someone, you can also book an assessment session by contacting our Learning Support team on 0208 496 2974.

    Get in Touch

    Whether you need to get in touch to join a course, let us know if you're unable to attend your course, raise a query, let us know your feedback or anything else, contact us using the options below. You can also talk to an adviser live by clicking on the green speech bubble in the bottom right of the screen.

    Email

    adult.learning@walthamforest.gov.uk

    Phone

    020 8496 2974

    Address

    Queens Road Learning Centre
    97 Queens Road
    Walthamstow
    London
    E17 8QR