Why Study Make-up Artistry at UCEN Manchester

Are you captivated by the glamorous allure of the make-up artistry and special effects industry?

It’s an industry which is worth a whopping £8.94 billion in the UK and students on our BA Make-Up Artistry and Special Effects Make–Up Artistry courses have gone on to secure a wide variety of exciting roles in the sector.

At UCEN Manchester, our Make-up Artistry and Special Effects degrees allow you to bring your dreams to life in design, make-up application, modelling, prosthetics and SFX. Curious?

Prepare for some serious tea, spilled straight from the lipstick lips of the maestros who'll be your guiding stars at UCEN Manchester. They'll dish out tales of triumph from alumni of our make-up department, and just for that extra oomph, we'll throw in some tantalising details about the opportunities awaiting our current students.

The magic of our make-up courses

Brace yourself because the magic begins here!

Our BA Make-Up Artistry and Special Effects Make–Up Artistry courses are your golden ticket to an array of rewarding roles in the beauty industry.

Over the years we have witnessed our students achieve incredible things. A number of them have gone on to work on highly prestigious TV shows, including Poldark, Coronation Street, Emmerdale and EastEnders as contracted make-up artists. Some even made their way to working on motion picture sets for the Kings Speech, Captain America and My Week with Marilyn.

- Anna-May Stock, Hair and Beauty Therapy tutor

Imagine the excitement of starting a course at UCEN Manchester knowing that it could be the start of a journey to a career to work on such well-known and critically acclaimed productions!

Learn more: How to Become a Make-up Artist

7 reasons to study make-up artistry

Make-up artistry is about impact, creativity, and career potential. If you’re thinking about turning your passion into a profession, here’s why studying make-up artistry at UCEN Manchester could be the best decision you make.

1. Learn from industry-active experts

Our tutors have crafted looks for major productions, fashion houses, and theatre giants. You’ll get their personal insights, mentorship, and access to professional techniques that textbooks simply can’t teach. Learning directly from pros gives you a serious edge from day one.

2. Real-world experience that opens doors

From day one, you'll be building experience that counts. Our students land placements on top TV shows, films, and live performances thanks to our strong industry links. By graduation, you’ll already have a professional network and a résumé that speaks volumes.

3. Build a killer portfolio

Your portfolio is your passport in this industry. Our courses are designed to help you create high-quality, diverse work that shows off your technical skill and creative flair. From editorial shoots to avant-garde SFX projects, you’ll graduate with a portfolio that turns heads.

4. Choose the direction of your career

Make-up artistry opens up a lot of doors. You could end up working in film, fashion, editorial, TV, theatre, or even prosthetic design. Our graduates have made their mark everywhere from high-end brands like Chanel to blockbuster movie sets. With the right training, your career can go in any direction you choose.

5. Learn the business side of beauty

Talent is only half the game, the other half is knowing how to market yourself. We teach you how to freelance, manage clients, price your work, and build your own brand. Whether you dream of launching a studio or going solo, you’ll finish with the skills to make it happen. Entrepreneurship is part of the curriculum, not just an afterthought.

6. Be part of a creative community

You’ll be surrounded by like-minded artists who push boundaries and lift each other up. Collaboration is a big part of the experience, so you’ll work alongside stylists, photographers, and performers on cross-disciplinary projects. The vibe is inspiring, supportive, and competitive in the best way. It’s the perfect environment to grow creatively and professionally.

7. Access to big names and bigger opportunities

Through guest lectures, live briefs, and exclusive industry events, you’ll meet some of the biggest names in beauty, fashion, and entertainment. Some of our students have landed gigs right out of these connections.

The traits of an unapologetically exceptional makeup artist

If you’re considering a venture into the dazzling world of makeup artistry you will likely be wondering what skills you’ll need to be able to build a successful career

Here’s a handy guide to some of the essential traits you’ll need to achieve your goals:

• Creativity to conjure up original, head-turning looks that defy the norm.
• An attention to detail which will see you obsess over details so you can ensure flawlessness in every stroke.
• Excellent communication skills to engage with clients.
• A passion for staying on trend and a dedication to evolving to stay on the top of your game while developing a signature style.

These traits will help you stay at the top of your glam game and build a strong client base.

All these fantastic opportunities are invaluable in helping our student’s develop skills and techniques as well providing them with industry insight and of course making incredible contacts

- Anthony Roban, FdA Make-up Artistry and Special Effects Make-up Artistry tutor, specialising in Wigs

MUA career prospects: what your glam future looks like

Explore the fab career opportunities waiting just for you!

• Steal the spotlight on TV hits like Poldark, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and EastEnders
• Score big on blockbuster movie sets, living the cinematic dream
• Join the glam squad at Chanel, Charlotte Tilbury, Nars, and Estee Lauder
• Strut your stuff at 'Fashion Week,' working with MAC, Tim Walker, and other icons
• Get signed by top agencies, creating stunning looks for Vogue and POP
• Take a bow on theatre sets in the vibrant Manchester and London scenes
• Open doors to industry insights and contacts with UCEN Manchester
• Establish your own glamorous venture with the entrepreneurial skills you'll acquire.

‘’We’ve even seen graduate students work their way up to being signed by top creative talent agencies in the beauty and fashion industries. In these positions they have produced make-up looks on fashion shoots for Vogue, POP and other top industry magazines.’’

Carl Pinnington, BA Make-Up Artistry and Special Effects Make–Up Artistry tutor

Learn from expert makeup gurus

Anna-May Stock - Hair and beauty therapy tutor

With a sprinkle of magic, Anna-May has seen our students take the limelight on shows like Poldark and Coronation Street, creating mesmerising looks as contracted make-up artists. Anna-May's world is all about turning dreams into reality, and she's got the backstage pass to the glitzy motion picture sets of The Kings Speech and Captain America.

Carl Pinnington - BA Make-up Artistry and Special Effects tutor

Carl's alumni are reigning supreme as regional managers and trainers for the glamour giants…think Chanel, Charlotte Tilbury, Nars, and Estee Lauder! Under Carl's watch, our students grace the runways of 'Fashion Week,' collaborating with the fabulous Alex Box for MAC and capturing moments with the iconic Fashion Photographer Tim Walker.

Carl's makeup magic tricks?

Turning dreams into reality, one stunning glam-beat at a time.

Anthony Roban - FdA Make-up Artistry and Special Effects Tutor (Wigs Specialist)

Anthony has secured our students jaw-dropping work experience in the vibrant theatre scenes of Manchester and London, where they've left their mark on productions like Motown and Wicked.

His invaluable opportunities not only develop skills and techniques but also provide a golden ticket to industry insight and star-studded contacts.

Hollie Crankshaw - FdA Special Effects & Make-Up Artistry Tutor

Hollie and her dynamic team of tutors are trendsetters actively engaged in the industry. From theatre spectacles to high-profile photoshoots, they bring real-world insights and experiences to the classroom. Hollie connects students with a star-studded roster of guest lecturers, featuring big shots from large-profile films to TV series.

Our students have learnt the skills required to develop industry-standard services and also practical insights into personal entrepreneurial skills to foster a career in the industry

- Hollie Crankshaw

FAQs

1. What qualifications do I need to apply?

A relevant Level 3 qualification is ideal, but we also consider applicants with a strong creative portfolio or relevant experience. Passion, drive, and potential are just as important as formal qualifications.

2. Do I need a portfolio before applying?

It’s not essential, but it definitely helps. If you don’t have one yet, we’ll guide you on how to start building one and what to include during the application process.

3. What kind of kit or materials will I need?

You’ll need to invest in a professional make-up kit, which we’ll help you source at student-friendly prices. A full list of recommended tools and materials will be provided before the course begins.

4. Can I focus on a specific area like fashion or SFX?

Yes. As you progress, you can tailor your projects and portfolio to specialise in areas like editorial, fashion, special effects, prosthetics, or theatre make-up.

5. What does a typical week on the course look like?

Expect a mix of hands-on practical sessions, group projects, tutorials, and industry workshops. You’ll spend a lot of time in the studio, developing real-world skills and working on creative briefs.

6. What kind of support is available after graduation?

We offer career guidance, alumni networking, and help with job opportunities even after you finish. Many grads stay connected with tutors and land roles through our industry contacts.

Enrol onto our makeup courses in Manchester

Whether you’re looking for a hair and beauty course or a special effects makeup course, our expert tutors can help you take your skills and career to new heights.

Embark on your path to glamour by enrolling today!