City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Theatrical, Special Effects, Hair and Media Makeup

Applications Open - Monday 2nd November 2026

Applications Close - Open all year

How to Apply – Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Canterbury College

You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

• EKC Ashford College
• EKC Broadstairs College*
• EKC Canterbury College*
• EKC Dover College
• EKC Folkestone College*
• EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application, except for A Levels at EKC Canterbury College, where up to 4 A Level courses can be added per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

This highly creative Level 3 course is where your ideas develop into a professional skillset, that prepares you for work across film, television, theatre, fashion and wider media industries. Whether you’re progressing from a related course or bringing a strong interest in creative hair and makeup, at College you’ll learn how to create polished, high-quality looks suitable for a range of professional settings. In our Salon, you’ll explore specialist techniques such as prosthetics, airbrushing, fashion and photographic makeup, and face and body art. You’ll also gain an understanding of studio photography, client briefs and how to collaborate within the wider beauty and media industries. Most of your studies will take place with access to professional products, equipment and clients. By the end of this course, you’ll be ready to progress into roles within the hair, beauty and media industries, with a portfolio that showcases your talents. If you’re passionate about hair, makeup and transforming ideas into visual outcomes, this is the course for you.

By studying at Level 3, the techniques and practices cover a wide range of areas, including film, television, stage, catwalk and other media projects. In our Salon, you’ll discover these areas in-depth, while building the ability to create polished, high-quality hair and makeup looks. As your skills grow over the course, you’ll also explore a variety of different units which will help you stand out in the lucrative industry of Media Hair and Makeup. These can include: • Creative hairdressing design skills • Principles of studio photography • Applying prosthetic pieces and bald caps • Designing and applying face and body art • Fashion and photographic make-up • Applying airbrush make-up to the face • Media make-up • Camouflage make-up • Working with colleagues within the beauty-related industries • Monitoring and maintaining health and safety practice in the salon Exploring different creative projects and client briefs, means you’ll know how to respond to different requirements and develop your own style. Most of your practical experience will take place in our industry-standard salons and studios. These spaces give you genuine experience using professional equipment and products while working on clients and creative projects. Dedicated work experience opportunities will help you develop your skills further and give you valuable insight into the hair and makeup industry, before you progress onto employment or further study.

All assessments are designed to showcase your practical skills and to ensure you’re ready for your next steps in the hair and beauty industries. You’ll mainly be assessed with practical observations in our commercial salons, alongside written tasks and exams that check your understanding of professional techniques. Creating a portfolio during the course not only aids assessment but makes it easier to show off your strengths to future employers and clients.

To study this course you should have: At least six GCSEs and an average grade of 5, including English and Maths at grade 4 or above. OR A Level 2 in my chosen subject and GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4 or above.

Once you finish your course, you will be ready to start in many positions in the hair and beauty industry, relating to media. Job roles include makeover demonstrators, TV or film make-up artists or consultancy work. You can also go onto further study in this area, such as a Level 4 qualification or several university degrees, where you will further enhance your skills. Level 3 student, Emily, is now progressing to Arts University Bournemouth thanks to this course, where she is excited to specialise in theatrical makeup: "I can't wait to specialise in theatrical makeup after my foundation year, where I'm hopefully going to work more on horror and SFX style makeup. "My advice to new students is to jump straight into College life. It's the best way to make the most of your experience. I've changed so much from the shy student I once was. This journey has helped me grow and develop in ways I never imagined."