BA (Hons) Make-Up and Hair Design Bachelor's degree at University for the Creative Arts
BA (Hons) Make-Up and Hair Design at UCA. You'll study core theory alongside applied practice in real working conditions, developing the specialist techniques that define the field.
About this course
Gain the skills needed to to become an expert Make-up artist or a hairstylist on fashion degree at a specialist uni for creative industries. From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Make-Up and Hair Design is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at UCA, based in Epsom. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Others in creative arts and design graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 20% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £21,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Art & Design, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
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)
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 75% (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 one 4 modules
- Introduction to Make-up and Hair PracticeCore30 credits
Module details
You are introduced to the foundations of make-up and hair as creative practices within fashion and visual culture. You will develop early technical skills, visual awareness and creative confidence through supported experimentation and reflective practice.
- Career Catalyst: Skills & CapabilityCore30 credits
Module details
This module supports the development of essential creative, technical and digital skills. You will build confidence in processes, tools and methods while developing professional working habits that support your individual creative practice.
- Collaborative Make-up and Hair ProductionCore30 credits
Module details
In this module you will develop your understanding of cultural, historical and social contexts that shape beauty, fashion and representation. Research and critical enquiry support more informed and reflective creative decision making.
- Creative Contexts 1Core30 credits
Module details
Developing your understanding of the cultural, historical and social contexts that shape fashion and image making. Through research and critical enquiry, you will explore how identity, representation and global perspectives inform creative practice, supporting more informed and reflective image production.
Year two 4 modules
- Fashion Innovation and Contemporary DebatesCore30 credits
Module details
This module explores innovation, emerging technologies and contemporary debates shaping make-up and hair practice. You will develop informed creative positions through experimentation and critical engagement.
- Career Catalyst: Communities & InfluenceCore30 credits
Module details
Focusing on audience, participation and collaboration, this module explores how make-up and hair practice operates within communities and public contexts. You will work collaboratively, engage with external voices where appropriate, and consider the social impact and responsibilities of creative work.
- Make-up, Hair and the Fashion ImageCore30 credits
Module details
Focusing on make-up and hair as visual communication, this module develops your ability to create and present work for professional and industry-facing contexts.
- Creative Contexts 2Core30 credits
Module details
This module encourages experimentation beyond the traditional boundaries of your discipline. You will explore intersections with other creative disciplines such as performance, technology, sound or spatial practice, developing innovative and hybrid approaches that expand your creative language.
Year three 3 modules
- Creative ResearchCore30 credits
Module details
This module supports the development of independent research and critical enquiry. You will investigate themes relevant to your practice, developing theoretical, contextual and methodological approaches that underpin your final project and strengthen your creative decision-making.
- Career Catalyst: Futures & DirectionCore30 credits
Module details
Focused on professional development and future planning, this module supports you in articulating your creative identity and career ambitions. You will explore industry contexts, professional strategies and sustainable career pathways, preparing you for life beyond graduation.
- Major ProjectCore60 credits
Module details
The Major Project is the culmination of your studies, allowing you to produce a substantial body of self-directed work. You will define your focus, foregrounding fashion styling, image making, creative direction or a hybrid approach, and realise a resolved project that demonstrates your authorship, innovation and professional readiness.
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
This course develops the specialist skills to work as a make-up artist or hairstylist in fashion, editorial and media. You'll start with visual fundamentals, colour theory, composition and the science of form, alongside hands-on workshops in materials and techniques. In Year 1, you'll also study the history and contemporary context of design to inform your practice. Year 2 broadens your toolkit: you'll undertake sustained studio projects to establish your personal aesthetic, explore digital and emerging media relevant to your field, and work on live briefs with real deadlines. Year 3 allows deep specialisation within make-up and hair design, alongside professional practice modules that prepare your portfolio for industry. You'll culminate in a self-directed final major project, publicly exhibited at the degree show.
Who it's for
You're suited to this course if you have a genuine interest in make-up artistry or hair design and enjoy working with precision and creativity to transform appearance. You'll thrive if you're detail-oriented, enjoy hands-on learning, and can take direction from industry standards whilst developing your own artistic eye. The work involves both technical skill and interpersonal confidence, you'll be collaborating closely with clients and creative teams. If you're motivated by visual impact and enjoy the problem-solving aspect of adapting techniques for different people and contexts, you'll find the studying engaging and practical.
Careers & job market
Across Art & Design courses nationally, 87% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Among those working, 55% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National earnings data for Art & Design graduates shows starting salaries (at 15 months) typically fall between £22,000 and £27,000, rising to £20,825–£29,400 after five years. These figures represent the broader graduate landscape rather than guarantees for individual careers.
University & format
The BA (Hons) Make-Up and Hair Design is delivered full-time over 3 years at University for the Creative Arts, a specialist university for the creative industries located in Epsom. Teaching is in English. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and degrees are nationally recognised. The course holds Silver status for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
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.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
Entry & how to get in
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
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 55% |
| a previous degree | 45% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
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.
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.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write 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.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results 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.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at UCA →For students who normally live in England
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.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
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.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Art & Design graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £21,000 | £20,000 – £24,000 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £19,000 | £14,500 – £24,000 | 45 |
| 5 years after | £25,500 | £20,500 – £30,500 | 35 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in art & design · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Art & Design nationally
National figures for Art & Design 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.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; 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 Art & Design courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,698 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.
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 35% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Artistic, literary and media occupationsSOC 2020 341 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £33,824
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
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: 35; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Art & Design graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
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 information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Art & Design graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Design studios & agencies
- In-house brand teams
- Games & media companies
- Freelance & self-employed
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Art & Design graduates.
Fine Art TechnicianFirst Choice StaffPharmacy Technician – Brand New State-of-the-Art HospitalCompass AssociatesArtificial Intelligence Engineering ManagerMBN SolutionsArtificial Intelligence EngineerExperis UKDelivery Driver (Part Time 24 hours) - AndoverOcado LogisticsCompliance Business PartnerNashrock Insurance RecruitmentIs 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
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £21,000. 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 8.2 out of 10: NSS 81.1% · in work or study 90% · continued 75%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University for the Creative Arts
Design, and creative and performing arts across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Epsom
756 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Art & Design right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to UCA from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £18,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). 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 UCA’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 UCA and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at UCA
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
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