VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Make-Up Artistry

Course Overview

The primary outcome of the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Make-up Artistry is to prepare you to enter the specific sector of beauty therapy as a make-up artist. All the units in this qualification relate directly to the specific job role of a make-up artist. This qualification is based on the beauty therapy National Occupational Standards (NOS) and is recognised by the UK's leading professional bodies (The British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) and the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)) as being fit for purpose for preparing learners for a career as a make-up artist.

This is a vocational qualification and includes all the required elements to work effectively as a make-up artist including mandatory units covering the following: applying make-up, instruction on make-up, fashion and photographic make-up, media make-up, camouflage make-up and promoting products and services.

You will also have the opportunity to further develop your understanding and skills by completing an optional specialist unit: displaying stock to promote retail of products.

Throughout this qualification you will develop your knowledge and understanding of relevant anatomy and physiology, health and safety, client care and cosmetic products and equipment. You will also develop a range of technical skills enabling you to prepare the skin and apply a variety of make-up products using different techniques. You will also develop interpersonal skills, which will assist you to communicate effectively with clients.

Modules

This is a vocational qualification and includes all the required elements to work effectively as a make-up artist, including 9 mandatory units covering the following:

Apply make-up

This unit is about providing make-up for a variety of occasions, including day, evening and special occasions. You will be able to work with a variety of skin types and apply a wide range of make-up products to different skin tones and age groups. You will need to maintain effective health, safety and hygiene throughout your work.

Instruction on make-up application

You will be able to advise and instruct on the correct use of tools, equipment and the application of make-up products to suit a variety of clients’ needs. To carry out this unit you will need to maintain effective health, safety and hygiene throughout your work.

Promote products and services to client in a salon

Through this unit you will develop a sound knowledge of the products and services offered in your salon. You will learn how to promote these products and services by providing accurate information, describing the benefits and features to your clients, being able to identify buying signals, secure an agreement and close a sale.

Camouflage make-up

This unit is about providing skin camouflage applications to cover a wide range of often complex conditions, designed to restore the skin colouration of the surrounding skin tone. It also covers the use of a variety of specialist camouflage products.

Media make-up

This unit is about special effects and media make‑up. You will learn how to create casualty effects and character looks, using the application of small prosthetics. Consultation and design briefing, including the use of mood boards, are key elements of this unit.

Design and apply face & body art

This unit is about the design and application of face and body art. The knowledge and practical skills achieved in this unit include research and design and may include manual and airbrush techniques. You will be required to maintain effective health, safety, hygiene and client care throughout your work.

Fashion and photographic make-up

This unit is about designing and applying fashion and photographic make-up and includes incorporating current fashion trends, historical/period and special occasion make-up. You will also learn about make-up for both colour and black and white photography.

Client care and communication in beauty-related industry

This is a preparation for work unit which is based on capability and knowledge. This unit is about client care and communication in beauty-related industries. You will develop your ability to adapt the provision of client care and your communication skills, to the needs of different clients, as well as learn how to manage client expectations.

Monitor and maintain health and safety practice in the salon

Through this unit you will develop your skills in a supervisory role focusing on health and safety within your salon. You will recognise salon hazards, carry out risk assessments and then implement the necessary actions. You will monitor and support your colleagues to ensure your salon complies with health and safety requirements. You will implement and supervise salon procedures for all aspects of salon safety and security including the need for insurance.

You will also have the opportunity to further develop your understanding and skills by completing an optional unit:

Display stock to promote sales in a salon

In this unit you will learn how to create an eye‑catching display using promotional materials, equipment and stock from your salon. Through careful planning, preparation and maintenance of your display, you will learn how to promote your salon and increase sales of services and retail products. You must follow safe working practices during the assembly and dismantling stages of the display.

Which type of job roles can you apply for on completion?

This qualification will prepare you for employment as a make-up artist. You will also be eligible to join a professional association and gain insurance as a make-up artist. Career opportunities as a make-up artist exist in a variety of contexts, including:

- Working in commercial beauty salons
- Working in a retail concession in a department store
- Working independently/self-employed/mobile/home-based settings