FDA Hair and Make-Up Business Management · UCBFoundation degree · 2 years
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University College Birmingham · Undergraduate

FDA Hair and Make-Up Business Management Foundation degree at University College Birmingham

FDA Hair and Make-Up Business Management at UCB. You'll develop practical and theoretical knowledge in business and management within the beauty and cosmetics sector.

FDA
Award
2
Years
Full-time
Study mode
70%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

FDA Hair and Make-Up Business Management is a Foundation degree (FDA) at UCB. It runs 2 years, studied full-time.

For Business and management graduates from this provider, 70% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 20% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £23,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)

For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Business & Management, see the sections below.

Course evidence score

The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.

7.8
/ 10
Strong
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent89

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Strong70

Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 70% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Strong76

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 76% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Curriculum & modules

Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.

Year 1 6 modules
  • Design Conceptualisation and PlanningCore
    Module details

    This module is designed to equip you with a blend of traditional and digital design techniques alongside an introduction to essential industry-standard software. You will learn how to effectively break down a design brief and apply creative and critical thinking to generate innovative ideas. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to shape the design landscape, this module also introduces you to AI tools, helping you enhance your conceptual work and stay at the forefront of emerging design tre

  • Professional Practice in Hair and Make-up ArtistryCore
    Module details

    Develop core hair styling and make-up artistry skills, focusing on up-to-date industry practices and techniques to prepare you for onward employment. With an emphasis on portfolio development, you will gain an introduction to photography and post-production techniques using industry software to enhance your work. This module also focuses on building a professional kit and maintaining high health and safety standards whilst expanding your technical abilities.

  • Barbering and Styling TechniquesCore
    Module details

    Focusing on cutting and styling for various media sectors, you will master working with various hair types and textures whilst considering the importance of continuity and industry standards. You will gain hands-on experience, utilising various tools, techniques and products to diversify your skillset across multiple professional settings.

  • Career Pathways and Entrepreneurial OpportunitiesCore
    Module details

    You will carry out an exploration of key career opportunities and conduct industry research to develop your personal roadmap to success. By the end of this module, you will have full understanding of entrepreneurship and graduate roles across various sectors to make informed decisions regarding your onward career pathway. Effective marketing techniques for networking and self-promotion will be examined, empowering you to build on your personal brand.

  • Ideation of BeautyCore
    Module details

    The Ideation of Beauty explores the historical and cultural trends that shape perceptions of beauty and how these trends translate across various mediums. You will investigate the evolution of beauty standards and analyse the significance of hair in relation to identity, encouraging a deeper understanding of certain practices that can reflect and influence social and cultural narratives.

  • Character EffectsCore
    Module details

    This module introduces you to key technical skills required to execute character transformations reflective of a range of media settings. This will include casting and application of prosthetic pieces, appropriate hair wrapping techniques, bald caps and finishing touches such as bespoke tattoo applications. There is an emphasis on portfolio development, allowing you to showcase your work effectively, highlighting both your technical proficiency and artistic vision.

Year 2 7 modules
  • Creative Content ProductionCore
    Module details

    You will explore various campaign creation techniques to enhance branding and maximise engagement through creative social media content. The module covers the essentials of promotional advertising, collaboration and emerging trends within marketing to capture attention. You will have a foundational understanding of the key elements involved in creating impactful campaigns.

  • Collaborative ProjectCore
    Module details

    This module emphasises collaborative skills and interdisciplinary knowledge essential to a range of industry settings. Through hands-on workshops and teamwork-orientated projects, you will explore the creative, technical and collaborative aspects of project design and execution. Emphasis will be placed on team working, leadership, effective communication and problem-solving skills, crucial for employment.

  • Creative Industries Business ManagementCore
    Module details

    This module offers an exciting deep dive into the intersection of creativity and business. With entrepreneurship at the forefront, you will be able to identify business opportunities, understand target markets and position yourself competitively in an ever-evolving industry. From financial management to insurances, you will learn the essentials of launching and managing a creative business.

  • The Digital Marketing SpecialistCore
    Module details

    The Digital Marketing Specialist module provides an in-depth understanding of marketing fundamentals across various social media platforms, with focus on developing a strong visual identity through self-promotional assets. You will investigate marketing trends whilst learning effective call-to-action techniques to engage audiences. The module emphasises the importance of key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify high-performing segments and develop creative strategies.

  • People Strategy and PerformanceCore
    Module details

    To succeed in the world of business, knowledge of effective human resource management is essential for creating a high-performance culture. You will develop an understanding of coaching, leadership and management qualities needed for success within a range of environments, with consideration towards workplace policies and regulations. Be prepared to navigate the complexities of HR and drive organisational success.

  • Signature StyleOptional
    Module details

    Developing a unique signature style is key to standing out in the fashion sector. Exploring contemporary and future trends will be carried out to craft distinctive looks that push creative boundaries. Taught technical skills at level 4 will be advanced upon, incorporating a range of techniques and styling to create impactful visual concepts for portfolio development.

  • Advanced Period Hair, Wigs and Make-upOptional
    Module details

    This practical module enables you to advance upon skills in wig styling, period hair and make-up techniques to create historically accurate character looks. An understanding of on-set and behind-the-scenes etiquette will be developed to equip you for professional roles within a range of industry settings. Postiche construction techniques will be acquired, providing you with a wide range of industry-standard skills required for employment.

Year 3 7 modules
  • Design to DeliveryCore
    Module details

    Explore the journey from concept creation to final product delivery with this exciting module, enabling you to delve into the world of product design and development. You will assess case studies and examine sustainable and ethical practices to gain a solid understanding of industry trends and manufacturing processes, as well as understanding foundational business models crucial for product success in today's market.

  • Professional DevelopmentCore
    Module details

    Through professional development, you will enhance your technical and transferrable skills to meet industry standards and prepare you for future career success. This module provides you with the opportunity to engage in self-reflective practice to assess progress and ensure continuous growth, aligning your skillset with employment demands related to your identified area of specialism.

  • Artistic DirectionCore
    Module details

    Gain insight into the multifaceted role of an Artistic/Creative Director, examining the fundamentals of project management across a range of environments. You will develop essential knowledge and skills in scheduling, budget management and resource allocation, whilst learning to communicate a cohesive vision that resonates with stakeholders. Through client brief responses, presentations and pitches you will enhance your ability to confidently direct and manage creative projects.

  • The Teaching ProfessionalOptional
    Module details

    Designed for those aspiring to teach or train others, this module introduces the knowledge and skills essential for roles in a variety of educational settings. Within this, you will acquire an understanding of effective pedagogies and associated theoretical concepts, building upon your expertise to develop your own unique teaching style that will inspire and motivate others to learn.

  • Commercial ManagementOptional
    Module details

    This module is tailored towards those aiming to excel in management roles within commercial settings. You will develop business planning strategies involving market analysis and financial forecasting, whilst learning how to build strong client and stakeholder relationships to boost business success. Exploring key areas such as change management, ethics and strategic decision-making, you will develop tools for competitive positioning and sustainable growth.

  • Creative Project ManagementOptional
    Module details

    The Creative Project Management module provides you with the opportunity to lead a large-scale, self-directed project. You will showcase refined taught skills and engage in experimental practice and critical reflection to develop a portfolio of work reflective of a chosen area of specialism. You will learn valuable project management skills with an emphasis on industry research, sector demands and ethical considerations.

  • Digital ShowcaseOptional
    Module details

    The Digital Showcase is a self-directed module focused on refining digital technical skills tailored towards a chosen area of specialism. You will focus on k

Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.

Course in depth

What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.

What you'll study

You'll study the business and management fundamentals underlying the hair and make-up industry, combined with entrepreneurial and operational expertise. A course like this typically moves from foundational modules in Year 1, such as Introduction to Management & Organisations, Marketing Principles, and Business Economics & Data, through to core practice areas in Year 2, including Operations & Supply Chain Management, Organisational Behaviour & HRM, and Strategy. In Year 2, you'll usually progress to specialist options such as Entrepreneurship, International Business, Digital Business, Consulting, Marketing, or People & HR, alongside applied projects that connect theory to real salon, product or service contexts. The course often concludes with a capstone project or live venture element that integrates your learning and applies it to an actual brief.

Who it's for

Most students entering this course held A-levels or equivalent qualifications. The typical UCAS tariff band among accepted students was less than 48 points.

Careers & job market

Across Business & Management courses nationally, 87% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 60% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National Graduate Outcomes data shows starting salaries (at 15 months) typically range from £24,000 to £32,000. After three years, this shifts to £21,250–£30,000, and after five years, £26,350–£37,200. These figures reflect national trends rather than individual outcomes.

University & format

This Foundation Degree (FDA) is studied full-time over 2 years at University College Birmingham, a university located in Birmingham. The course is taught in English and leads to a nationally recognised UK degree-awarding qualification. University College Birmingham holds Silver in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 for teaching quality.

Student satisfaction

How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.

The teaching on my course
90%
Learning opportunities
90%
Assessment and feedback
89%
Academic Support
92%
Organisation and management
85%
Learning resources
91%
Student voice
84%

Share of students responding positively.

Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Applicant information

The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

PlacementPublished placement option

Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.

Open daysJoin our Clearing open day

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

Entry & how to get in

Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent96% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: Less than 48 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check UCB's official course page for the current offer.

Who gets in

What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.

UCAS tariff of entrants

Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.

Qualifications held on entry

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent96%
another higher-education qualification2%
Other1%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Accessible entry

Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.

Will you get in? Plot your grades

Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.

Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.

Add your grades to see where you land

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.

How to apply

Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesEEEA-level equivalent admitted students held
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write your personal statement

    A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results day & confirmation

    On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask UCB whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
Internationalset by the university

Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.

Check fees at UCB →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 2 years

2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.

Starting on or after 1 January 2027?

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.

Paying for it

  • Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
  • Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
  • Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
  • Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.

England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All UCB funding →
No verified named award is shown for this provider yet.

That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.

We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.

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Still deciding what to study?

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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What Business & Management graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

Graduate earnings: this course

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£23,500£22,000 – £27,00015
3 years after£18,500£14,500 – £22,500195
5 years after£22,000£17,000 – £27,500230

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

70%
in work or further study 15 months on
20%
in highly skilled work or study
76%
continue past their first year
80%
find their work meaningful
35%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Graduate / AnalystOn a scheme or first role · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / ManagerOwning an area, marketing, finance, ops · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / Head ofLeading a function and a team · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Director / FounderRunning a business unit or your own company · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Business & Management nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£23,500
£24,000 – £32,000
After 3 years LEO
£18,500
£21,250 – £30,000
After 5 years LEO
£22,000
£26,350 – £37,200
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £17,000 – £39,000

National figures for Business & Management graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.

Work out your pay

Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.

What happened to 100 students?

Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.

70 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

55% working10% working and studying5% in further study20% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.

Value compared with similar courses

How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Business & Management courses at the same study level.

This course £22,000Peer median £31,000Middle 50% £26,500–£37,000
3rd percentile

Compared with 3,421 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.

UK occupations graduates enter

Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.

  • Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
  • Process, plant and machine operativesDiscover Uni category · 15% of published destinations
  • Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760

Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 100; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.

Job market & outlook

How Business & Management graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.

87%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Business & Management courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
60%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
81%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

How AI is changing the work

AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.

What AI takes off your plate

  • Routine reporting and data pulls
  • First-draft decks and copy
  • Standard forecasts and reconciliations
  • Scheduling and admin workflows

More human than ever

  • Strategy and judgement under uncertainty
  • Leading, negotiating and selling
  • Sense-checking and owning what AI produces
  • Relationships with clients and teams

The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.

Roles & employers

Where Business & Management graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.

Where they work

  • Consultancies
  • Corporate graduate schemes
  • Retail & FMCG
  • Startups & scale-ups

Is this course right for you?

The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.

💷

Student finance

For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.

📈

Where graduates go

70% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £23,500. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.

🎯

Your entry chances

Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.

Official-data snapshot

Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.8 out of 10: NSS 88.7% · in work or study 70% · continued 76%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

University College Birmingham

All students6,760
International47%
Aged 25+22.9%

Business and management across the UK

Students586,710
Aged 25+44.3%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around University College Birmingham

5,216 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 2037Shoplifting 659Other Theft 483Public Order 383Criminal Damage Arson 321

Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.

Is Business & Management right for you?

Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.

International students

What applying to UCB from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is set per course by UCB; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.

English language

Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.

Student visa

You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.

Scholarships & funding

Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check UCB’s funding pages.

Living costs

Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.

Working while you study

A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.

Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with UCB and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Entry is historically accessible, accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was Less than 48 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by UCB. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Business and management graduates from this provider, 70% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 20% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £23,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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