Full-time course · Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma · 2 years

TV, Film & Theatre Media Makeup & Hair

Production Arts (Media Makeup & Hair)

A comprehensive two-year training pathway specialising in TV, film, fashion, SPX and professional development, taught by BAFTA-accredited educators in East London, next door to the studios where major productions are made.

ENROL TODAY 16–18 FINANCE FORM 19+ FINANCE FORM

LevelLevel 3 BTEC
Extended Diploma

Duration2 years

Days3 days a week
Mon, Tue & Wed

FeesFunded 16–18
£1,500 associate fees a year

BursariesBAFTA &
ScreenSkills

Age16+

About the programme

Two years. Real productions. Industry ready.

The Level 3 Media Makeup & Hair course at Final Checks Academy is a comprehensive two-year training pathway specialising in TV, film, fashion, SPX and professional development.

We are based in East London, just 20 minutes from Liverpool Street, and affiliated with Barking & Dagenham Film Studios, home to major Netflix productions, so you benefit from direct industry exposure from day one.

Throughout the programme you are trained by BAFTA-accredited educators, award-winning tutors and guest artists from around the world, gaining technical excellence, creative vision and real production experience.

Everything builds towards the final four months, when you create and present your own exhibition piece at the Final Checks Premiere: your big moment in front of an audience of industry professionals.

Where will it take you?

Your next job could be on a film set

Your big moment

The final four months: your exhibition

Every Level 3 trainee finishes the course with a final portfolio assessment that is also a public exhibition. In the last four months of the programme you work on one thing: your own showcase piece, produced like a real job and presented at the Final Checks Premiere to an audience of industry experts, family and friends.

Four months of production

From month 20 the timetable is yours: develop a concept, research the look, cast models, plan the shoot and build the character from makeup to hair to costume, with your tutors as your creative department.

Your exhibition night

Your finished work is shown on the big screen at the Final Checks Premiere, our annual trainee exhibition, alongside behind-the-scenes footage of how you made it.

Network with the industry

Designers, agents, photographers and producers are in the room. Trainees have left the Premiere with bookings, work experience and their first industry contacts.

Assessed and celebrated

The exhibition is also your final portfolio assessment for the BTEC, and it is open to the public, so your family and friends can be there to see it.

THE PREMIERE ON OUR EVENTS PAGE WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY

Why train here

Industry-led. Career-driven.

Industry-led media makeup & hair training

Elite, BAFTA-accredited media makeup and hair education led by industry professionals, with hands-on SPX, fashion, TV and film training inside London’s thriving creative production environment.

Skills, experience & development

Advanced business skills, professional development, wellbeing support and competition experience: essential training other academies rarely include, so you graduate confident, career-ready and industry-prepared.

Your pathway to a career in TV, film & fashion

Real work placements, backstage opportunities, expert mentorship and continuous graduate support, empowering you to build a career across TV, film, fashion, theatre and freelance work.

CAREER GUIDANCE

What you will learn

Core training modules

Module group 1

Makeup & hair artistry

Beauty makeup application
Product and equipment mastery
Basic hairstyling
Fashion show makeup: period, fantasy, high fashion, catwalk, bridal and commercial
Creative character makeup
SPX TV and film makeup
Basic prosthetic application

Module group 2 · unique to Final Checks

Business skills

A specialised introduction to the freelancer landscape and creative business development.

Understanding the freelance industry
Pricing, budgeting and invoicing
Branding yourself as a professional artist
Building and maintaining client relationships
Portfolio creation and digital presence
How to secure consistent work in TV, film and fashion

Professional development

Ready for the set, not just the studio

We prepare you not only in technical artistry but in the professional skills essential for thriving in the industry: set etiquette, on-set communication, time management for productions, and how to work effectively with directors, producers and performers.

We guide you through career pathway planning, CV building, portfolio development and advanced networking. Graduates also receive ongoing support to help secure long-term employment and confidently navigate the media landscape.

Well-being & industry mindset

A healthy artist creates their best work

Our wellbeing training focuses on mental health, stress management, confidence building and resilience, helping you develop a strong, sustainable mindset.

You will gain tools for maintaining physical wellbeing during long production days, building balanced routines and managing the pressures of TV, film and fashion environments, so you enter the industry grounded, confident and prepared.

See it for yourself

Inside Final Checks

Our documentary, academy film, behind the scenes on set and the productions our trainees have worked on. Tap a video to play.

Final Checks Academy: the documentary

The story of the academy and our trainees

Behind the scenes

Our trainees’ first ever photo shoot

Final Checks Academy

Our brand film

Student credits

Productions our trainees have worked on

Work experience & job opportunities

100% guaranteed work experience

All students receive guaranteed work experience across TV and film sets, music videos, fashion shows and editorial shoots.

Recent trainee placements

London Fashion Week
Little Mix ft. Nathan Dawe, music video
KSI, Anne-Marie & Digital Farm, music video
KSI ft. Craig David, music video
BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing, TV promo

Trainee competitions & awards

Final Checks Academy has a strong competition heritage. Our trainees regularly place 1st, 2nd and 3rd in national and London-based contests.

Winners of the Professional London Makeup Show 2023
Award-winning teams across TV, film and fashion categories
Behind-the-scenes opportunities at major competitions

Our trainees at the Professional London Makeup Show

Student story

“I’m currently studying at Final Checks Academy and I am enjoying my time here. There are so many opportunities given to all students and it gives us an opportunity to grow as makeup artists. All staff are very friendly and welcoming.”

Grace Patten, trainee

Employment pathways

Where this course can take you

Graduates are equipped to enter a wide range of creative industries. Many progress into roles in TV and film, theatre, music videos and red carpet or event work, while others build flexible careers as freelancers or develop their own businesses.

TV & film

Drama series, feature films, commercials and streaming productions.

Theatre

Backstage for theatre shows, dance companies and live events.

Music videos

Bold, creative looks for artists and labels.

Red carpet & events

Premieres, awards nights and VIP clients.

Freelance artist

Build a flexible career on your own terms with the business skills you learn here.

Your own business

Develop and run your own successful makeup and hair business.

Progression & further training

On completing the Level 3 BTEC you can continue expanding your skills through advanced and specialist training.

Advanced Media Makeup & Hair

Progress to our Level 4 UAL course for advanced prosthetics, airbrushing, wig work and period hair.

View course

Level 2 Barbering or Hair Extensions

Add a second discipline that every on-set artist is asked for.

Short courses

Targeted training in Afro hair, barbering and prosthetics to specialise further.

Key facts

Entry requirements & course details

We prefer trainees to have the following. If you are unsure, get in touch and we will talk it through.

Programme title	Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Production Arts (Media Makeup and Hair)
Awarding body	BTEC
Delivery mode	Full-time, three days per week (Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays), 9.15am to 3.30pm
Duration	2 years
Funded 16–18	Associate fees £1,500 per year, including beauty makeup, hair kit, SPX kit, uniforms and photoshoot days with models and photographers. Monthly payment plans available.
19+	BAFTA bursaries available
Private tuition fees	£6,500 year 1, £6,250 year 2. Payment plans, scholarships and bursaries available from BAFTA and ScreenSkills. UK Scholarship Programme \| BAFTA
Equipment	Uniform and kit included
Age	Minimum 16 years old
Qualification	Successful completion of a Level 2 qualification in makeup and hair or a related subject
English GCSE	A minimum grade C/4 in English GCSE (or equivalent)
Experience	Practical experience in makeup or hair styling (work experience, internships or personal projects)
Portfolio	A portfolio showcasing your skills
Interview	In-depth interview to assess commitment, career goals and readiness for advanced training
Finance information	Payment plans, funding and bursaries are explained on our finance information for long-term courses page.

Apply

Ready for two years that change everything?

Enrol today, or complete the finance form for your age group to check fees, funding and bursary options before you apply.

ENROL TODAY 16–18 FINANCE FORM 19+ FINANCE FORM

Enquire about this course

Telephone

020 3773 2208

info@final-checks.com

Kamila Cizmaru

Great academy.

Julliette Ayesha O'jeer-Bowen

Very well delivered friendly would highly recommend Final Checks.

Carley Anderson

Lovely seeing Danielle and the team, relaxed environment and informative on 1-2-1 tutorial's - recommend and will be back 💋🥰 xxx

grace patten

I’m currently studying at final checks academy and i am enjoying my time here, there are so many opportunities given to all students and it gives us an opportunity to grow as makeup artists. All staff are very friendly and welcoming

Gracie Bowcher

Love this College, so welcoming and friendly with beginners makeup artists becoming professionals.

Bobby Parkinson

At final checks right now and I’m loving it, everyone is so lovely and helpful

A1.aniah.x X

currently attending final checks and im loving it everyone is so friendly and welcoming

Chelsea Saber

Attending Final Checks academy has been amazing experience. From professional opportunities to personal growth, Final Checks has showed me that it’s possible to make your dreams come true in the makeup world.