Wigs, Hair and Make-up for Fashion and the Arts

Entry requirements

Applicants who wish to apply should have one of the following qualifications or skills: A BA Hons degree in Hair and Make-up (minimum 2:2 and above) A level 5 qualification such as a HND in a relevant discipline (Merit or higher) with a minimum 2 years’ experience working in industry. Minimum of 5 years industry experience in theatre, fashion, film, television.

Applicants should have good knowledge of wig and hair dressing, and makeup techniques. Applications are welcome from those who may not possess formal entry qualifications, mature students, or with qualifications different to those listed but who possess industry experience.

For applicants who show potential at interview, but who may not meet all the requirements for entry, will be required to undertake a short summer bridging course to improve technical knowledge; as well as an academic writing exercise to develop research skills.

Applicants will need to complete an interview and/or demonstrate portfolio work, further guidance is given on the interview and portfolio advice section.

For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This course is designed to build on your existing skills and knowledge as you explore wigs, hair and make-up as an art form. With this postgraduate degree you could become part of the creative team working behind the scenes to bring stories, entertainment, art and designs to audiences around the world.

Split between our High Wycombe campus and BNU teaching base at Pinewood Studios, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge you need for your future, all whilst studying right in the heart of the famous creative hub.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

With a history of delivering expert craft, art and design education for more than 130 years, Buckinghamshire New University is the perfect place to start your creative career.

As part of the Art, Design and Performance School at BNU, you’ll benefit from a practiced-based course, supported by contextual studies.

Led by a dedicated and experienced course team, you’ll benefit from their industry knowledge and the industry links they bring to the course. You’ll get direct access to guest lectures, who are specialists in the sector, and can benefit from live project briefs, master classes, and networking opportunities.

The University also has a teaching base at the iconic Pinewood Studios, which means there could be opportunities to engage with the community there. You’ll also be able to put your learnt skills and craftmanship to practice, whilst being in the hustle and bustle of the world-renowned studio.

As well as this London is only a 30-minute train ride away, enabling you to visit exhibitions, galleries, shows and watch emerging styles, to help you gain inspiration and ideas.

What will I study?

This MA programme is designed to equip you with advanced technical skills in wig making, hair styling and make-up, to enable career progression within a wide range of sectors within the arts and media industries in the UK and internationally. You will develop enhanced research skills and critical thinking to enable the completion of innovative designs underpinned by strong historical, social and cultural influences, suitable for a wide range of audiences.

Push the boundaries of hair and make-up design, using existing skills such as period hairdressing, fashion and film make-up, we will support and teach you how to extend your knowledge to create Avant Garde designs with a strong emphasis on design.

You’ll have the opportunity to work with traditional, new and innovative materials, exploring wig making, hair and make-up techniques as an art form. You’ll also explore sustainable and recyclable options to reduce the carbon footprint of the industry.

During your time studying this course you’ll cover a range of topics in detail, so that upon graduation your skills and knowledge are well-rounded, and you’re ready to step into the industry. We will delve into the art of wig making, looking at traditional lace front wigs, wefts and cage work. You’ll learn how to work with a range of materials such as human hair, mohair, synthetic hair, recyclable materials and thermo plastics. You’ll also explore texture/body paint and art to create exciting hair and make-up creations which can be used across various media platforms.

You’ll learn specialist skills which are sought after in today’s ever-growing industry. You will also benefit from our industry links and have days where you visit exhibitions and industry tradeshows. As well as the chance to take part in workshops, guest speaker event and networking opportunities.

This course is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in hair and make-up or relevant experience working in Film/Television/Fashion Hair and Make-up Industries. Everything you learn on this postgraduate course will be able to be applied to real-working life in the industry. Making you an employable graduate on completion of the course.

Fees and funding

For more information about fees please visit our coursepage.