Make-Up Artistry HND

Course overview

Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS) is one of Scotland’s largest and most dynamic performing arts departments. At PASS, creativity meets opportunity in a vibrant, professional environment designed to help you thrive.

Our state-of-the-art facilities include the impressive PASS Studio Theatre, eight purpose-built dance and rehearsal studios, specialist classrooms, and a cutting-edge Learning Resource Centre and Library – everything you need to bring your artistic vision to life.

At PASS, we offer training across six exciting disciplines:

• Acting
• Dance
• Musical Theatre
• Costume for Stage and Screen
• Make-Up Artistry
• Technical Theatre

What makes us unique? Our students collaborate across these areas in real-world, industry-inspired projects – just as they would in professional productions. You’ll work alongside peers from different specialisms, gaining hands-on experience and building a network that mirrors the creative industries.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh – the world’s Festival City – PASS has strong connections with leading theatres, companies, and creatives. These partnerships open doors to exciting performance opportunities, innovative projects, and invaluable industry insight.

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 has no fashion, glam, social media or personal make-up skills – it is best suited to 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.

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

• You will be expected to secure a work placement during your second year, guided by professional staff and supported by extensive industry links. 
• You will learn essential employability skills to support your ongoing professional development.
• You will reflect and evaluate your experience to support future aspirations.

How the course is assessed

Assessment Methods 

• Practical Assignments 
• Collaboration
• Research skills 
• Written Reports, Essays, Portfolios
• Presentations
• Observations
• Evaluation

Number of days per week

• 3 days per week (Additional days may be required for production work).
• Self-directed study at home and in studios.

Entry requirements

• SCQF level 6 full-time course (subject specific – make-up/hairdresser, etc)
• Two Highers (subject-specific or English) preferred
• Mature students are welcome to apply and will be granted an interview to discuss entry requirements and the APL offered, based on their personal statement and previous experiences.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

To apply for our HND programme, please complete the online application form and include the following information to be considered for an interview. 

Application and Portfolio

• Complete all information asked for in your application including a personal statement and an up-to-date list of your most recent qualifications with evidence.

Answer the following questions within your personal statement:

1. Why do you want to study at PASS, and where do you think it will take you?
2. What is your favourite genre out of TV, Film or Theatre and why?
3. What inspires you?

Please evidence the following, where possible, in your portfolio

Please collate the following information for your Portfolio. This can be produced and brought to the interview as a hard copy or attached to your personal statement/application

• Your artistic skill – make-up/Hair pictures, sketches, paintings, crafts, costumes, sculptures, etc

*If successful you are required to buy a makeup kit to support your studies at a cost up to £500, this may vary due to inflation, and must be purchased by the start of your course.  We strive to work with our professional suppliers to secure the best possible deals for the equipment needed to ensure you have the best professional learning experience. *

Students are also required to pay an additional studio fee of up to £150 to support specialist workshops, trips and productions.  

We encourage students to check their eligibility for student loans from SAAS and apply early for support.

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

• BA (Hons) Makeup for Media and Performance, and a variety of other makeup artistry degree courses.
• Further short courses in photography, hairdressing, beauty or body art.

Career options

• Freelance make-up artist
• Work on TV and Film sets
• Theatre work