A Spectrum of Makeup Artistry: Courses at UAL Short Courses
- Written byChi Gavhure
- Published date 19 June 2025
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London is a global hub for fashion and beauty, and for aspiring makeup artists, finding the right training is crucial.
UAL Short Courses at London College of Fashion’s East Bank campus offers a diverse range of makeup courses designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this dynamic industry.
Whether you're a complete beginner, looking to refine your personal makeup skills, or aiming for a professional career in fashion, film, or special effects, UAL Short Courses has a course tailored to your ambitions.
UAL Short Courses offers a comprehensive selection of makeup courses, catering to various interests and skill levels:
The Complete Makeup Artist Short Course
This intensive 10-week program is designed for aspiring artists looking for a thorough grounding in professional makeup artistry. It covers everything from skincare and hygiene to advanced techniques like corrective makeup, bridal, editorial, catwalk, and even HD makeup for TV and film. The course also delves into industry insights, sustainability in beauty, and portfolio building, preparing students for a successful career in fashion image-making. Learn more about the course.
Introduction to Professional Makeup Short Course
An ideal first step for those curious about a career in makeup. This hands-on course introduces key techniques for creating impeccable makeup styles and provides an insight into what a career as a makeup artist entails. Find out more about Introduction to Professional Makeup.
Makeup Workshop Short Course
Perfect for individuals who want to master personal makeup application. This practical workshop teaches basic skills, offers tips for enhancing features, and provides guidance on updating your makeup bag, empowering you to create polished looks at home. Read more about the Makeup Workshop.
Understanding Undertones and Complexion for Makeup Short Course
This specialised course is crucial for any professional makeup artist. Taught through lectures and hands-on exercises, it deepens your understanding of undertones and complexion variations, with a specific focus on correcting hyperpigmentation across diverse skin tones, from deep melanated to fair. Learn more about the course or read our interview with course tutor Valerie Lawson.
Unleashing creativity: special effects and prosthetics
For those fascinated by the transformative power of makeup in film, TV, and theatre, UAL Short Courses offers dedicated programs in special effects.
Makeup and Special Effects Techniques Short Course
This 5-week evening course provides a practical overview of various makeup techniques alongside an introduction to special effects makeup. Students learn how to use makeup and SFX to enhance storytelling and achieve different looks. Learn more about the Makeup and Special Effects Techniques Short Course.
The Complete Special Effects Makeup for Film and TV Short Course
A comprehensive 10-week program for those serious about a career in SFX. This course introduces sculpting techniques, simple prosthetics creation, application, colouring, and direct applied makeup effects materials. Students benefit from access to LCF East Bank’s specialist rooms, including a sculpting room, silicone and cap plastic laboratory, resin room, and fully equipped hair and makeup room. Find out more about the course.
Prosthetics Appliance for Special Effects Short Course
Delve into the technical aspects of prosthetics with this course, where you'll learn to create a silicone flat mould and a silicone prosthetic appliance. It covers equipment, safe chemical use, and step-by-step instructions. Read more about the course.
Prosthetics for Cinema and TV Short Course (Two-Part Polyurethane Mould for Silicone Prosthetics)
This hands-on course focuses on creating realistic prosthetic appliances by teaching students how to create a two-part mould for silicone prosthetics using polyurethane resin. Discover the Prosthetics for Cinema and TV Short Course.
Nurturing young talent: makeup short courses for under 18s
UAL Short Courses also caters to the next generation of makeup artists:
Foundational Makeup Artistry for under 18s
This course provides a solid foundation in makeup techniques for under 18s, covering everything from basic application and facial anatomy to colour theory and product selection. It also touches upon beauty entrepreneurship and career opportunities.
The course is available in age-appropriate groups:
Introduction to Makeup for under 18s
Designed for beginners under 18 who are passionate about the beauty world, this course introduces basic makeup application skills and helps students create fun and fashionable looks for various occasions and skin tones.
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Image: The Complete Special Effects Makeup for Film and TV Short Course | Sean Hawkey
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Image: The Complete Makeup Artist | UAL Short Courses
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Image: Student work by Katie Swindells, who took our Complete Makeup Artist Short Course
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Image: Makeup Workshop, London College of Fashion | Abdulrahman Mohammed
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Image: The Complete Makeup Artist | UAL Short Courses
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Image: Student work by Livia Toso, who took our Complete Special Effects Makeup for Film and Television Short Course
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Image: Makeup Workshop, London College of Fashion | Abdulrahman Mohammed
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Image: The Complete Makeup Artist | UAL Short Courses
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Image: Makeup Workshop, London College of Fashion | Abdulrahman Mohammed
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Image: The Complete Special Effects Makeup for Film and TV | Sean Hawkey
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Image: The Complete Special Effects Makeup for Film and Television Short Course | Sean Hawkey
Begin your makeup journey in London
With its diverse course offerings and location at the cutting-edge London College of Fashion East Bank, UAL Short Courses provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn and grow as a makeup artist.
Whether your ambition is to perfect your everyday look, work backstage at fashion week, or create cinematic special effects, we have the expertise and resources to help you achieve your goals.
Explore our range of makeup courses and take the first step towards a vibrant and rewarding career in the beauty industry.
You never know where a short course could take you! Check out our upcoming short courses to see how a short course could help you achieve your creative goals.
