Key Facts

BTEC Level 3 Production Arts (Make-up)

Here at Kingston we Love the exciting world of Make-up, Special effects, Prosthetics and Hair.

This course will allow you to develop the knowledge and skills you need to start your career within the Production Arts industry.

The course covers all essential skills you need to start your career. It is a mix of course work and in-depth practical workshop sessions, with work experience alongside. We have close links with local theatres and brands to help you gain hands on experience.

Previous Hair & Make-up experience is not required for this course. You will have the opportunity to explore and develop your skills starting with the basics to build knowledge, confidence and improve practical techniques. All we ask is for a passion to join the industry and dedication throughout the programme.

This programme is a two-year course for 16-18 years of age with the option of one-year for students 18 years of age on completion.

  • Entry Requirements


    We will invite you to a Meet the Tutor event where you will receive information, advice, and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

    You will provide a copy of your last school report and / or a reference from an employer or relevant professional other this will include attendance. This is to ensure we can support to be able to achieve well on the course. Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criteria. All applicants are given an opportunity to discuss any evidence based mitigating circumstances that may have affected the reference / school report.

    A portfolio or example of your work to demonstrate that you have the appropriate level of skill required to succeed on the course. We love to see your creativity!

    4 x GCSE's at C/4 or above, or a Level 2 Certificate / Extended Certificate or above (at merit or above) in a relevant subject.

    You will have gained either English and/or maths at GCSE C/4 or above, or a L2 Functional skills in either Engish and/or maths.

    We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish. Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.

  • Course Content


    The course is a combination of course work and in-depth practical workshop sessions.

    You will explore production makeup requirements and purposes. Characteristics of makeup/hair and SPFX/prosthetics, whilst developing and refining skills/techniques.

    You will learn how to respond to production requirements and follow a professional brief. As well as contributing to the planning and production of a show.

    You will explore the responsibilities of different roles in relation to the makeup role. Considering the interrelationships of different roles. Undertaking a makeup role as part of a production team.

    Across the two-year programme you will cover:

    Health and safety, Client care, Introduction to make-up, Introduction to Hair, Special occasion Make-up & Hair, Special effects including Prosthetics application, Stage and character make-up, Facial hair application, Airbrush makeup, Body art, Creative makeup, Final make-up Show, Work experience.

    To see what our students have been up to please follow https://www.instagram.com/londonmakeup.prosthetics/

  • Progression Next Steps


    On successful completion of year one Foundation Diploma in Production Arts make-up students under 18 years old can progress onto the second year National Ext Diploma in Production Arts Practice Media Make-up.

    Some mature students however may be able to progress from the LV3 Fdn Diploma (YR1) onto our L4 HNC Make-Up course.

    On completion of the National Ext Diploma in Production Practice Media Make-up many of our student progress internally to Level 4/HNC or progress directly into employment.

    From the (Level 4) we support our students to progress internally to HND (Level 5) and the BA Hons specialist Hair and Media Make-up (Level 6).

    There are lots of opportunities available to you to progress across the South Thames Colleges Group and into the world beyond education.

    During your time with us you will have access to a dedicated team of careers and education advisors who will help you as you take the next steps towards achieving your goals.

  • Additional Information


    For more information about the course please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or LV3 course leader This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Please note there is a professional student kit that must be purchased when starting the course.