The VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Make-up Artistry is a substantial vocational qualification that will prepare you for a career as a make-up artist. This qualification is designed for learners aged 16 years or over and will support you to gain employment as a make-up artist, as the units contained in this qualification cover all the skills and knowledge required for this role. Entry onto this qualification can be via previous attainment of a Level 2 qualification in beauty therapy and/or a successful skills test and interview.

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 selecting a number of optional specialist units which include: airbrush make-up, mehendi, styling and fitting a postiche, 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.

What could this qualification lead to?

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

This is one of two VTCT qualifications in beauty therapy make-up at Level 3. Whilst both qualifications qualify you to become a make-up artist, this qualification allows you to gather evidence in a realistic working environment or real working environment without the need for fee paying clients.

In contrast, the VTCT Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy Make-up has a purpose of confirming competence in a specific job role, rather than preparing you to enter the sector. The VTCT Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy Make-up also requires you to work in a commercial salon whereby assessments must be carried out on real paying clients in line with commercial service times.

Who supports this qualification?

This qualification is based on the beauty therapy National Occupational Standards (NOS) and is recognised by the UK’s leading professional association, the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) as being fit for purpose for preparing you for a career as a make-up artist. Holders of this qualification are eligible to become a professional member of BABTAC. Further information on BABTAC membership can be found on their website.

What are the entry requirements?

There are no specific recommended prior learning requirements for this qualification.

How is this qualification structured?

The qualification is made up of nine main mandatory units:

• J/601/4222 Apply make-up
• L/601/4223 Instruction on make-up application
• T/600/8769 Promote products and services to clients in a salon
• D/601/4355 Camouflage make-up
• T/601/3566 Media make-up
• J/601/5466 Design and apply face and body art
• M/601/5509 Fashion and photographic make-up
• T/601/4457 Client care and communication in beauty-related industries
• R/600/8780Monitor and maintain health and safety practice in the salon

How is it assessed?

This qualification is assessed via Portfolio of Evidence

Funding for our qualifications

This qualification is available via a learner loan.