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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Hair and Make-up for Fashion

Female model with pearl facial jewellery, makeup and lilies.
Image by Jiyoon Lee | BA (Hons) Hair and Make-up for Fashion | London College of Fashion | University of Arts London
College
London College of Fashion UCAS code
9P43 Start date
September 2023 Course length
3 years

BA (Hons) Hair and Make-up for Fashion considers a broad range of visual communication tools and relevant critical frameworks for hair and make-up as an artistic discipline. The course focuses on key creative and technical hair and make up for fashion skills and applying those to a range of versatile outputs and in consideration of diverse audiences.

Applications closed 2023/24 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course.

Visit the Courses with places available page for a full list of UAL courses that are open for application.

Why choose this course at London College of Fashion

  • Diverse skills: students are prepared for entry into the fashion industries as skilled practitioners, for a range of employment opportunities.
  • Industry Links: students will benefit from regular interaction with industry experts, helping to build the creative and professional practice they will need in the industry.
  • Innovation: students explore the application and appreciation of fashion hair and make-up design as a product, business, industry and cultural phenomenon.
  • Future directions: students develop critical thinking abilities through robust research and analysis, that supports opportunities both in industry and for postgraduate study and progression.

Open Days

The next Open Day for this course will take place on Saturday 21 October. Book your place.

Course overview

Introduction 

BA (Hons) Hair and Make-up for Fashion nurtures students in research, design, concept development and technical capability.  

The course works closely with complementary courses: Fashion Photography, Fashion Styling and Production, and Fashion Imaging and Illustration. This means that every student can learn the skills of relevant disciplines. The importance of teamwork will be explored through collaborative projects but students will also work independently to develop key skills and personal style in preparation for the industry.  

Students acquire the practical skills of make-up and hair design, together with broader academic studies which give a contemporary and historical understanding of the creative disciplines within the wider perspectives of fashion, society and the environment. This will integrate the practical and theoretical aspects of students’ learning. Students also learn research skills which will underpin innovative creative practice and develop valuable analytical skills and critical awareness. 

What to expect 

  • Technical workshops on the specialisms of hair and make-up. 

  • Creative masterclasses.

  • Class room sessions: lectures, presentations, seminars and critiques. 

  • Individual and group tutorials. 

  • Collaborative projects: teamwork with Fashion Styling and Production, Fashion Photography and Fashion Imaging and Illustration.  

  • Opportunities for work experience, internships and regular industry call outs for collaboration. 

  • Cultural and historical academic learning and writing. 

  • Access to library resources and Academic Support.  

Work experience and opportunities 

Students will be given the opportunity to undertake a short work experience placement during their second year of study. This provides increased industry awareness as well as crucial experience and valuable contacts within the industry. Contact with the industry throughout the course increases opportunities for employment after graduation, as does the opportunity to attend workshops to hone diverse skills in preparing for employment. The course’s vocational focus is supported by group work and industry practitioners simulating real-life working environments whilst providing networking opportunities for students. 

Mode of study 

BA (Hons) Hair and Make-up for Fashion runs for 90 weeks in full time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage lasts 30 weeks. 

Climate, Social and Racial Justice

We are committed to ensuring that your skills are set within an ethical framework and are working to embed UAL’s Principles for Climate, Social and Racial Justice into the course.

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

In Stage 1 you are required to complete 120 credits at level 4 in order to progress to Stage 2.

  • Introduction to Hair and Make-up for Fashion; 20 credits
  • Fashion: Process and Practice; 40 credits
  • Fashion Cultures and Histories; 20 credits
  • Better Lives; 20 credits
  • Collaborative Practice: Fashion Spreads; 20 credits

In Stage 2 you are required to complete 120 credits of which a minimum of 100 must be at level 5.

  • Critical Issues in Fashion Research; 20 credits
  • Beauty in Moving Image; 40 credits
  • Artistry in Industry; 40 credits
  • Situating Your Practice: Media Placement / Situating Your Practice: Fashioned Spaces; 20 credits

Optional Diploma Year

CCI Creative Computing

Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate degree, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Hair and Make-up for Fashion (with Creative Computing).

CCI Apple Diploma 

Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Apple Development. This will give you an opportunity to become an accredited apple developer alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate degree, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Hair and Make-up for Fashion (with Apple Development).

In Stage 3 you are required to complete 120 credits at level 6.

  • Collaborative and Experimental Practice; 20 credits
  • Dissertation Media; 40 credits
  • Personal and Professional Project; 60 credits

A 20-credit unit is approximately equivalent to 200 hours of learning time, which includes a mixture of taught time, independent study and assessment.

All students are entitled to a tutorial package that consists of:

  • one induction tutorial (group or one to one)
  • one tutorial per term for the duration of their course of study at LCF;
  • group tutorials as required
  • an appropriate level of confidentiality

 

Learning and teaching methods

The following teaching and learning methods are employed to support the integrated achievement of the course outcomes:

  • Academic skills, design thinking and workshops
  • Brainstorming sessions
  • Briefings, tutorials and feedback
  • Collaborative group project work
  • Lectures and seminars
  • Library and workshop inductions
  • Museum, gallery and other visits
  • Online learning
  • Presentations
  • Research methods
  • Studio teaching

Graduate Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Graduate Showcase

  • Beatrice De Carlo
    Beatrice De Carlo, Beatrice De Carlo, 2023 BA (Hons) Hair and Make-up for Fashion, London College of Fashion, UAL
    Beatrice De Carlo
  • Submerge
    Submerge, Mia Beckhelling, 2023 BA (Hons) Hair and Make-up for Fashion, London College of Fashion, UAL
    Mia Beckhelling
  • A project on LOVE by Maya Nicholls
    A project on LOVE by Maya Nicholls, Maya Nicholls, 2023 BA (Hons) Hair and Make-up for Fashion, London College of Fashion, UAL
    Maya Nicholls
  • Enigmatic Vampires: Reveal Hong Kong's Dark Secret
    Enigmatic Vampires: Reveal Hong Kong's Dark Secret, Si Wai Alika Wong, 2023 BA (Hons) Hair and Make-up for Fashion, London College of Fashion, UAL
    Si Wai Alika Wong
  • Raging Women
    Raging Women, Léna Rodrigues, 2023 BA (Hons) Hair and Make-up for Fashion, London College of Fashion, UAL
    Léna Rodrigues
  • ICELAND
    ICELAND, Hanna Guðnadóttir, 2023 BA (Hons) Hair and Make-up for Fashion, London College of Fashion, UAL
    Hanna Guðnadóttir

  • See more work by our students

Latest news from this course

Staff

Melissa Moore is course leader. Encouraging a reflective creative practice is an aim of her teaching. Melissa is a London-based artist with a Masters in Photography from the Royal College of Art. Her work is primarily photographic but has included interdisciplinary elements, such as performance, film and illustration, and is exhibited and published internationally. She works to encourage students to find inspiration for their fashion practice from a broad range of possibilities and sees fashion as an interesting crossover point between individuals and culture.

Anna Nwankwo is a Senior Lecturer on the Ba Hair and Make Up for Fashion at LCF. She lectures in Contextual Studies, Creative Practice, Ethics and Critical Theory. The relationship of theory to practice is at the core of her teaching. She works to engage students with image and representation, and the development of a personal practice. She has a particular interest in inclusive art pedagogy and the student experience. She has a background in fine art photography, with a Ba in Media and Culture Studies from LCC and an Ma in Image Communications from Goldsmith College of Art. Her personal work centres around the themes of culture, memory, identity and storytelling.

Diana Donaldson is Senior Lecturer and Year 3 tutor. Alongside her professional industry practice for over 25 years, Diana is an ardent supporter of, and active in producing, projects for the fashion, charitable, medical and HE sector. Her specialist areas of interest in academia are inclusive pedagogy, diverse innovative curriculum development and experiential interventions. She has an impressive record for preparing students for further study and industry by the accurate modelling of real-world applications. The relationship between theory to practice is central to her approach.

Itai Doron is the programme director for Fashion Media courses. He is an established photographer with particular interests in fashion, portraiture, social documentary, body politics, identity and queer theory. Working as a lens-based artist since graduation from Goldsmiths College of Art, Itai has twice received the UAL research project award to develop a body of work on immigration, combining social documentary with notions of fashion. Itai has a proven track record of public dissemination of visual and written work through exhibitions, publications, and academic research and was invited to deliver talks and lectures about his research at various international academic conferences. He has exhibited at the White Cube gallery in London, and participated in numerous group and solo exhibitions in the UK, Europe, Japan, Israel and the United States. He has authored a selection of photography books, including End Of Real in 2005, Yassin in 2009, Chokras’ Mahal (Boys' Palace) in 2011, and Fifteen Minutes With You in 2012.

Associate Lecturers

Jimo Salako

John Vial

Yasmin Heinz

Mirijana Vasovic

Charli Avery

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£25,970 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

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Entry requirements

The standard minimum entry requirements for this course are:

One or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications.

  • 112 UCAS tariff points from two or more A Levels (preferred subjects include Art, Design, Fashion, Media Studies, and Photography or BTEC National Diploma in a related subject);
  • Distinction Foundation Diploma in Art and Design;
  • Distinction, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects Art & Design);
  • Merit at UAL Extended Diploma;
  • Access Diploma or 112 new UCAS tariff points from the Access to HE Diploma;
  • 112 new UCAS tariff points from a combination of the above qualifications or an equivalent full Level 3 qualification;
  • or equivalent EU or non-EU qualifications such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 25 points minimum;
  • and three GCSE passes at grade A*-C or grade 9-4.

Entry to this course will also be determined by assessment of your portfolio.

APEL (Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning)

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

  • Related academic or work experience
  • The quality of the personal statement
  • A strong academic or other professional reference
  • OR a combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English Language Requirements

IELTS level 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Please check our main English Language Requirements 

Selection criteria

The course team seeks to recruit students who can demonstrate:

  • An interest in make-up design
  • An enthusiasm for visual communication

Apply now

Home International

Applications closed 2023/24 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

This section includes all the information you need on how to apply, how your application is considered and what happens next.

You should apply through UCAS – Universities and Colleges Admissions Service – and you will need the following information:

University code:          U65

UCAS Code:                 9P43

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner. Read our Admissions Policy for details, including how to request a deferral and by when.

Transfers

If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:

  • Year 2 - if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1.
  • Year 3 - if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2.

Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry)

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.

Please be ready to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 18:00 PM (GMT) on  25 January 2023 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

You can only apply to the same course once per year. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn. Applications for this course can only be accepted for this year of entry.

What happens next

All application forms, personal statements and references are read and considered by the course team against the selection criteria listed in the Entry requirements and Selection Criteria sections.

If you have achieved or expect to achieve the standard entry requirements we will invite you to submit a portfolio via PebblePad, our online submission tool, which should include a number of images of your work. You can upload a maximum of 30 images which best shows your work – please note however that you do not have to provide this exact number. PebblePad refers to ‘images’ when you upload your work - think of each 'image' as a page in your physical portfolio.

For this course your portfolio should show evidence of: technical ability; understanding of balance, proportion and composition; understanding of visual communication principles; exploration and creativity; and technical knowledge.

The portfolio is assessed by Academic Reviewers who will decide if they are able to make an offer based on the work you have demonstrated. It may be, however, that the tutor wishes to speak with you further about your work and so you will be invited to attend an online interview. At the interview the Academic Reviewer will discuss your portfolio that you submitted in PebblePad; it will be possible to show more of your work during the interview if the tutor feels it necessary for you to do so.

Please note that not all applicants will be invited to attend interview.

If you are made an offer, you will have the opportunity to engage with course teams at a number of planned engagement activities, where you will be able to ask any questions you may have and also speak to current students studying on the course.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

If you applied through UCAS the result of your application will be communicated to you via UCAS through UCAS Track. You will only receive further communication directly from the College if your application has been successful. This will be in the form of a full offer pack including details of accommodation, fees, and other important information.

Applications closed 2023/24 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

This section includes all the information you need on how to apply, how your application is considered and what happens next.

There are 2 ways international students can apply to an undergraduate course:

You must apply through UCAS, where you will need the following information:

  • University code – U65
  • UCAS course code – 9P43

Read our immigration and visa information to find out if you need a visa to study at UAL.

You can only apply to the same course once per year. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn. Applications for this course can only be accepted for this year of entry. Applications for deferred entry cannot be accepted. Read the UAL international application advice for further information on how to apply.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner. Read our Admissions Policy for details, including how to request a deferral and by when.

Transfers

If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:

  • Year 2 - if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1.
  • Year 3 - if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2.

Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry)

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.

If you are an International applicant and studying outside the UK, please complete your Direct application and then contact us via your UAL Portal to ask to be considered for Year 2/Year 3.

Please be ready to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 18:00 PM (GMT) on  25 January 2023 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

What happens next

Immigration History Check

Whether you are applying online via UCAS or through a UAL representative you will need to complete an Immigration History Check to identify whether you are eligible to study at UAL. Do be aware, if you do not complete the Immigration History Check we will not be able to proceed with your application.

Initial application check

All application forms, personal statements and references are read and considered by the course team against the selection criteria listed in the Entry requirements and Selection Criteria sections.

If you have achieved or expect to achieve the standard entry requirements we will invite you to submit a portfolio via PebblePad, our online submission tool, which should include a number of images of your work. You can upload a maximum of 30 images which best shows your work – please note however that you do not have to provide this exact number. PebblePad refers to ‘images’ when you upload your work - think of each 'image' as a page in your physical portfolio.

For this course your portfolio should show evidence of: technical ability; understanding of balance, proportion and composition; understanding of visual communication principles; exploration and creativity; and technical knowledge.

The portfolio is assessed by Academic Reviewers who will decide if they are able to make an offer based on the work you have demonstrated. It may be, however, that the tutor wishes to speak with you further about your work and so you will be invited to attend an online interview. At the interview the Academic Reviewer will discuss your portfolio that you submitted in PebblePad; it will be possible to show more of your work during the interview if the tutor feels it necessary for you to do so.

Please note that not all applicants will be invited to attend interview.

If you are made an offer, you will have the opportunity to engage with course teams at a number of planned engagement activities, where you will be able to ask any questions you may have and also speak to current students studying on the course.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

If you applied through UCAS the result of your application will be communicated to you via UCAS through UCAS Track. If you have applied directly or through an agent, we will notify you through the UAL portal. You will only receive further communication directly from the College if your application has been successful. This will be in the form of a full offer pack including details of accommodation, fees, and other important information.

After you apply

After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We’ll use this Portal to contact you to request any additional information, including inviting you to upload documents or book an interview, so please check it regularly.

Once we’ve reviewed and assessed your application, we’ll contact you via UCAS Track or the UAL Portal to let you know whether your application has been successful.

Potential changes to course structure

Please note: the information outlined is an indicative structure of the course. Whilst we will aim to deliver the course as described on this page, there may be situations where it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, for example because of regulatory requirements or operational efficiencies, before or after enrolment. If this occurs, we will communicate all major changes to all applicants and students who have either applied or enrolled on the course. Please note that due to staff research agreements or availability, not all of the optional modules listed may be available every year. In addition, the provision of course options which depend upon the availability of specialist teaching, or on a placement at another institution, cannot be guaranteed. Please check this element of the course with the course team before making a decision to apply.

Webpage updates

We will update this webpage from time to time with new information as it becomes available. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please use the enquiry form above.

Careers

All of our undergraduate courses offer career development, so that you become a creative thinker, making effective contributions to your relevant sector of the fashion industry.

LCF offers students the opportunity to develop Personal and Professional Development (PPD) skills while studying through:
  • An on-course work experience or placement year. Please note, this is not available on every course; please see the Course Details section for information about work placement opportunities.
  • Access to to speaker programmes and events featuring alumni and industry.
  • Access to careers activities, such as CV clinics and one-to-one advice sessions.
  • Access to a graduate careers service
  • Access to a live jobsboard for all years.
  • Advice on setting up your own brand or company.
Graduates who wish to continue their education at postgraduate level can progress to suitable courses within the College, the University or elsewhere.

Career paths

Many graduates prefer to seek employment as soon as they have completed their undergraduate studies. Recent graduates have gone on to work as freelance hair and make-up artists, assistants to established industry artists and working for brands including MAC Cosmetics and Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.

Alumni

London College of Fashion

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 7400
Address
105 Carpenter's Road
London

E20 2AR