Production Crafts
Production Hair & Makeup
Key Stage 4
Specialist Production Hair and Makeup
Course Code: City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Award in Hair and Beauty Studies 3038-24
Specification: City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Award in Hair and Beauty Studies
About:
Welcome to the City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Award in Hair and Beauty Studies at ESA, where creativity meets professionalism. This course is designed for Year 10 and Year 11 students who are passionate and intrested about the world of hair and beauty. Our course helps build and develop ideas into reality, encouraging young practitioners to unleash their creativity and become confident communicators through research into existing and innovative design and technical skills.
Our curriculum is designed to provide an introduction in to the world of hair and make up and the careers and transferable skills within. Grow authentic professional experiences, aligning with industry standards to equip students with skills for the production arts industry or further study.
Students will explore careers, science of cosmetics and the evolution of hair and beauty, from ancient practices to modern techniques, and develop practical skills in hair styling, makeup application, and nail artistry. We emphasise critical thinking, teamwork, and professional practices. Ensuring our students are prepared for the dynamic and fast-paced world not just in hair and beauty but in all conected areas.
Grading:
This qualification is graded Pass, Merit, Distinction, and Distinction*. Detailed grading criteria can be found in Section 6: Grading of the official course documentation.
Assessment:
Year 10
Term 1: Basic Key Knowledge and Unit 201
Students will start with an introduction to the fundamental concepts of the hair and beauty industry. This term focuses on building essential key knowledge that forms the foundation for future studies. Unit 201, "Exploring the World of Hair and Beauty," covers the history, development, and current trends in the hair and beauty sector, including the roles and responsibilities within the industry. Assessments include written assignments and practical demonstrations to ensure a solid grounding in these basics.
Term 2/3: Unit 203
In the latter part of Year 10, students will delve into Unit 203, "Design in the Hair and Beauty Sector." This unit focuses on developing the practical skills necessary for creating hair and beauty designs. Students will explore various design techniques and learn to apply these skills in a business context. Assessments for this unit involve continuous practical evaluations and written tests to measure understanding and skill progression.
Year 11
Term 1/2: Unit 202
Year 11 begins with Unit 202, "Science of Hair and Beauty," which focuses on understanding the scientific principles behind hair and beauty products and treatments. Students will learn about the chemistry of cosmetics, the biology of hair and skin, and the impact of these factors on the services provided. Assessments include both practical and written evaluations to ensure comprehensive skill development.
Term 3: Final Exams and Synoptic Assignment
In the final term, students will prepare for their final exams and undertake a comprehensive synoptic assignment. The exams will test both their theoretical knowledge and practical skills acquired throughout the course. The synoptic assignment will require students to integrate and apply their learning across different units to create a final project, which will be presented and evaluated as part of their final assessment. This includes an externally set, externally moderated assignment and an externally set, externally marked exam, both contributing to the final grade.
Key Stage 5
Specialist Production Hair and Makeup
Course Code: Level 3 Diploma & Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts — Hair & Makeup QAN: 601/1790/4
Specification: UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts
About:
At ESA, Hair & Makeup is an integral strand of our Production Arts programme. Over two years students develop practical and professional skills for stage, screen and live performance — from core beauty and period techniques to character work, SFX and portfolio development. The course balances studio practice, production briefs and public exhibition, preparing students for employment, apprenticeships or further study.
Year 1 — Fundamentals and historical context
Basics of makeup and hair: core application techniques, tools, hygiene and professional practice. Understanding skin types and textures (applied practically). Period makeup and hairstyling to contextualise style, character and design.
Year 2 — Specialisms, production practice and professional preparation
Application across media: TV, film and theatre — adapting techniques for different performers and performance conditions. Mini briefs: nails, additional makeup elements and character makeup to broaden skills. Special Effects (SFX) and advanced hair specialism. Professional outcomes: portfolio creation, written reflection and two Final Major Projects (including a public exhibition of work).
Assessment & industry experience
Assessments combine practical demonstrations, assessed briefs, portfolio submission and written work. In-house productions provide real-world experience; high-achieving students may be offered external placements to build industry contacts and professional portfolios.
Assessment:
Unit summary (updated to reflect course changes)
Units 1–4: Basic Hair & Makeup Skills
Cover fundamental makeup and hairstyling techniques, professional practice and period work to understand stylistic origins. (All core basics.)
Units 5–7: Application for Stage, TV & Film (+ mini briefs)
Focus on adapting skills for performers in theatre, television and film; includes character makeup, nails and other short production briefs.
Unit 8: Exhibition Project
Students prepare and present a curated set of looks in an exhibition setting demonstrating concept-to-realisation.
Unit 9: SFX and Advanced Hair Specialism
In-depth work in special effects makeup, advanced hairstyling, wigs and hairpieces for performance.
Unit 10: Portfolio Creation
Professional portfolio assembly (digital and/or physical) showcasing technical skill and creative range.
Unit 11: Written Reflection / Essay
Critical reflection on practice, research and professional development (essay-based assessment).
Unit 12: Final Major Project (large-scale professional project)
A culminating project which integrates skills across the course — a large-scale, industry-facing production piece designed to help students identify and develop a specialism.