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Performing Arts & Photography

- CR1MAKEB26

Campus Granton Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 8

Study mode Full time

Start date Aug 2026

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Course overview

The Makeup Artistry course provides students with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in the TV, Film, or Theatre industry.  The course is ideal for those who want to understand the job of a working make-up artist on set or backstage.

Through research projects, essays, hair and wig styling, and practical makeup application classes, students will gain insight into the disciplined and fast-paced career of a makeup artist. Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS) has exceptional facilities, and you will have access to industry-standard studios and professional make-up equipment.

Due to the level and practical application required in this course, applicants will be expected to be able to demonstrate the following essential skills to pursue this career path:

  • You must be happy to work on others (and have others work on you whilst in class.
  • You must be confident and friendly when interacting with others and being in their personal space.
  • You must be comfortable in a busy, noisy environment
  • You must have an equal interest in hair as in makeup (the course is 50/50, and the job is too!)
  • You must have a strong interest in – and knowledge of – TV, Film and Theatre.
  • Dedication to the subject and an interest in character creation
  • A strong natural artistic ability (crafting, sketching, painting, sculpting, etc)

Please note that this course does not cover fashion, glamour, social media, or personal makeup skills – it is best suited for those interested in the backstage/on-set arts. If you are interested in fashion and makeup, you may be interested in applying for our HNC Fashion and Makeup course.

At Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS), we have amazing spaces to help you learn and create. These include the modern PASS Studio Theatre, eight dance and rehearsal studios, special classrooms, and a high-tech library and learning centre. You’ll find everything you need to bring your creative ideas to life!

PASS is in the heart of Edinburgh, known as the world’s Festival City. We work closely with top theatres, companies, and artists. These partnerships give you excellent chances to perform, join creative projects, and learn from real industry professionals.

What you will learn

Year One – Core Skills

  • Makeup application for photography
  • Stage and characters
  • Hairstyling, including vintage styles
  • Photographic set styling
  • Basic special effects and the sculpting and casting of prosthetics
  • Historical research
  • Portfolio development
  • Investigative research into product safety and sustainability, continuity and working backstage.


Year Two – Core Skills

  • Advanced skills, including body painting
  • Character makeup
  • Full character styling
  • Wig styling and period drama skills
  • Work placements
  • Life casting and prosthetic production, continuity and working on set.

Essential Skills:

  • Communication - verbally and digitally
  • Collaborative skills - working in groups, pairs and with students from other courses
  • Working Independently - class tasks, homework, assessments
  • Confidence - presentations in groups and independently
  • Creativity and Empathy – group and project-based learning and working
  • Critical and Creative Thinking – problem solving and innovation
  • Initiative and self-motivation – contribution, leadership, responsibility, being proactive

Placement information

The Makeup Artistry course provides students with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in the TV, Film, or Theatre industry.  The course is ideal for those who want to understand the job of a working make-up artist on set or backstage.

Through research projects, essays, hair and wig styling, and practical makeup application classes, students will gain insight into the disciplined and fast-paced career of a makeup artist. Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS) has exceptional facilities, and you will have access to industry-standard studios and professional make-up equipment.

Due to the level and practical application required in this course, applicants will be expected to be able to demonstrate the following essential skills to pursue this career path:

  • You must be happy to work on others (and have others work on you whilst in class.
  • You must be confident and friendly when interacting with others and being in their personal space.
  • You must be comfortable in a busy, noisy environment
  • You must have an equal interest in hair as in makeup (the course is 50/50, and the job is too!)
  • You must have a strong interest in – and knowledge of – TV, Film and Theatre.
  • Dedication to the subject and an interest in character creation
  • A strong natural artistic ability (crafting, sketching, painting, sculpting, etc)

Please note that this course does not cover fashion, glamour, social media, or personal makeup skills – it is best suited for those interested in the backstage/on-set arts. If you are interested in fashion and makeup, you may be interested in applying for our HNC Fashion and Makeup course.

At Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS), we have amazing spaces to help you learn and create. These include the modern PASS Studio Theatre, eight dance and rehearsal studios, special classrooms, and a high-tech library and learning centre. You’ll find everything you need to bring your creative ideas to life!

PASS is in the heart of Edinburgh, known as the world’s Festival City. We work closely with top theatres, companies, and artists. These partnerships give you excellent chances to perform, join creative projects, and learn from real industry professionals.

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date
Granton Campus Full time 24/08/26

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