It’s the power to change your appearance and the power to change how you’re seen. It’s the power to shape how you feel, and how people feel about you. Take it to the next level and makeup is the power to shape the very world that we see.
With Theatrical and Media Make-up at The Manchester College – the No.1 College in Greater Manchester for achievement* – we’ll help you learn to develop that power and gain skills in professional-standard make-up and special effects make-up.
We offer a wide variety of Theatrical and Media Make-up courses for 16-18 year olds, including Theatrical, Special Effects, Hair and Media Make-up, Hair and Make-up Artistry and more. If you want to become a certified make-up artist and tv, film, media and theatre make-up artist, we have a full range of make-up artistry qualifications to get you there - from Level 2 to degree-level qualifications with our partners UCEN Manchester.
We also offer a range of adult short courses aimed at those aged 19+ which run throughout the year. These courses are designed for all skill levels to help you further your experience and education, learn a new hobby, or expand your career opportunities.
Our Theatrical and Media Make-up courses are offered at our Harpurhey (Level 1 - Level 3 courses) and Wythenshawe (Level 1 - Level 3 courses) campuses.
*As per the latest Government National Achievement Rates Tables (NARTs)
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Can you reach your potential in Theatrical and Media Make-up? You can with us!
Make it possible today, view our range of Theatrical and Media Make-up courses and apply to study at the No.1 Further Education College in Greater Manchester for achievement*.
Our Courses
16-18 courses
If you’re 16-18 and you've obtained the necessary entry requirements, you'll have the opportunity to join our Industry Excellence Academy for Theatrical and Media Make-up.
Our Industry Excellence Academy programmes have been co-developed with industry partners. This means you’ll benefit from courses that are aligned with current industry skills demands as well as a range of industry-level activities such as masterclasses and lessons delivered by industry experts, visits from guest speakers at the forefront of the industry and ‘live briefs’ to industry standard.
Alternatively, you'll join our Centre of Excellence for Theatrical and Media Make-up which brings together some of the best industry talent, expertise, resources, learning and career opportunities to develop a new generation of industry professionals.
If you want to become a certified makeup artist, we have a full range of Makeup Artistry qualifications to get you there - from Level 2 Diplomas to Bachelor’s Degrees with UCEN Manchester.
Whether you’re studying Level 2 Hair and Media Make-up Artistry or Level 3 Fashion, Theatre and Media, we’ll share current industry practise with you, provide you with practical experience, and give you the opportunities you need to develop your skill, talent and connections – and help you launch your career in Theatrical and Media Make-up.
Adult courses
If you’re over the age of 19, we offer a range of courses and short courses throughout the year.
Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, you want to explore the hair, beauty or make-up industry or you’re already in the industry and want to add a new treatment to your repertoire, our courses are suitable for all ages and abilities.
Our Tutors
With a wealth of experience across the Make-up industry, our team are perfectly placed to support and guide you to a successful career.
You’ll learn from their experiences running and owning their own salons as well as working with some of the leading brands in the industry.
Passionate about teaching the next generation of make-up professionals, they are constantly ensuring their knowledge and skills are up-to-date by continuing to work in industry and by attending skills sessions from well-known salons and brands.
Get to know some of our tutors:
Jill Riley - Assistant Principal
Jill has worked in Further Education for over 30 years and has a specialist background in the skincare, beauty and health industries. She is passionate about enabling students to be the best they can be and helping them to gain exciting and fulfilling careers.
Jacqui Taylor - Head of Department
Jacqui joined the College as Head of Department for Hair and Beauty in 2023 with over 40 years experience in the beauty, holistic and hair industry and more than 32 years in education. She began her career working in a salon, gaining experience and developing her knowledge in a range of roles before owning her own hair salon for 17 years. She is passionate about education and believes that all learners should have the opportunity to develop their skills, behaviours, attitudes, and values to support their progression into the industry.
Lisa Breakey - Department Team Leader
Lisa has more than 30 years experience working and teaching in the industry having worked as a hairstylist and head hairstylist as well as a wig stylist providing services for TV, theatres and the NHS. Lisa has dedicated over 15 years to teaching a range of hair and media make-up programmes at further education level and is focused on ensuring each learner receives an equal opportunity to reach their full potential as the next generation of stylists, therapists and business owners.
Hannah Feely - Media Make-up Tutor
Hannah has more than ten years industry experience, working for agencies and Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, specialising in bridal and special occasion make-up. She’s passionate about learners gaining good quality work experience and the employability skills needed to join this ever-changing and high pressured industry. She has a BA (Hons) degree in Fashion and Media Make-up Artistry and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management and Leadership within Education.
Our Facilities and Location
Our Theatrical and Media Make-up courses are taught at our Harpurhey campus in North Manchester and our Wythenshawe campus in South Manchester.
At both campuses you’ll train in professional, fully stocked salons at our Studios of Hairdressing, Beauty and Make-up where you’ll hone your make-up artistry and customer service skills before putting what you have learnt into practice working with real paying clients.
In our studios you’ll have access to professionally equipped makeup studios and photography studios, and industry standard make-up and special effect materials and tools, including products from leading brands like KRYOLAN, Fenty Beauty, NYX and Kat Von D.
Our Studios of Hairdressing, Beauty and Make-up
North and South Manchester Studios of Hairdressing, Beauty and Make-up
Get a fresh cut, a trending style, new set of nails, an amazing make-over or enjoy a relaxing pampering session from the next generation of hairdressers, barbers, make-up artists and beauty therapists in our fully equipped, state-of-the-art studios.
Open to students, staff and members of the general public.
For more information, to request a treatment price list or to book an appointment or consultation call:
North Manchester Studio of Hairdressing
Harpurhey Campus, Rochdale Road, Harpurhey, Manchester, M9 4AF
Tel. 0161 674 3254
South Manchester Studio of Hairdressing and Beauty*
Wythenshawe Campus, Brownley Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester, M22 9UH
Tel. 0161 674 8231
Find out more
Find out even more about our Theatrical and Media Make-up department in our subject area guide or on our YouTube playlist:
Download our subject area guide
Stay up-to-date with everything that's going on in our Theatrical and Media Make-up department via social media:
19+ adult courses starting in 2023/24
Go further with our Centre of Excellence for Adult Education and study a 19+ adult course starting in 2023/24!
Browse our wide range of courses and apply today.
Photo gallery
Explore your creativity in the heart of Manchester
Explore our degrees in Make-Up & SFX.
Megan Goodall • Foundation Degree in Make-up ArtistryI started my work placement at MUTV in September, doing the hair and make-up for the presenters. It was a big confidence boost. I was turning up on location on my own for the first time, meeting new people. I really enjoyed it.
Emily Swift • Foundation Degree in Make-up ArtistryWhen I decided to go to The Manchester College it was a total career change, but I’ve always been interested in make-up and hairstyling. The College prepared me for working on a film or TV set. I learnt set etiquette, the different terminology used on set and how to read a call sheet which was invaluable when I was in London.
In one of The Manchester College’s 19 Centres of Excellence you’ll develop the skills and gain the qualifications that you need to take the next steps towards your dream career.
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In our unique Industry Excellence Academy you’ll benefit from a programme of study that has been co-developed, and is co-delivered, with one of our industry partners.
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