FAQ Complete Media Makeup and Hair Course

Do you want to be a successful makeup artist, working in TV, film, fashion, photography or theatre?

Train to be a Makeup Artist on the Complete Media Makeup Course

Still undecided?  We know you have questions about the Complete course and probably don’t want to email for details in case you are bombarded with the hard sell…

Fear not!

This page will answer the most common questions we get about the Complete Media Makeup and Hair Course.  And if you have more questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.  Judy replies to emails and calls personally.  She is always happy to answer your questions without pressure.

Your questions answered, The Complete Media Makeup and Hair Course

Who is the course suitable for?

The Complete Media Makeup Course is 10 months of hands-on practical training alongside written work.  It can be intense at times but is designed to give you the skills and knowledge you need to work as a makeup artist.

You don’t need previous experience nor formal qualifications, just good English (you need to be able to understand the lessons and take notes) and the desire to become a successful MUA.

If you already work in the beauty industry or as an MUA, you can take part in individual modules to top up or refresh your skills.

How long does the Complete course last?

The course lasts 10 months (September-July) studying from 10.30am-4pm Tuesday to Thursday.  There are short breaks between modules to enable you to find additional work experience.

How much practical work is there?

Study days are usually split between theory lessons in the morning and practical sessions in the afternoon.  There are often opportunities to work outside the studio and lessons, although this cannot be guaranteed.  The course is designed to be very hands-on to allow you to gain practical skills and knowledge of makeup application and hair styling.

The course is very hands-on and practical and every day you really go home feeling like you’ve learnt/achieved something and it’s really quite amazing how quickly your confidence will grow. – Hannah Alderson

What does the Complete Media Makeup and Hair Course cover?

The  course is split into 3 modules.  Completion of all 3 modules and successful assessment day is required to gain the Complete Media Makeup and Hair Course Diploma.

Module 1.  Makeup making the best of the face using correction (face-graph, all vintages and present-day, bridal, big screen media, photographic, TV and stage).

Module 2.  Character work and special effects (progression of time, continuity, script changes and breaking down, life casting, prosthetics, etc).

Module 3.  Further development of Modules 1 and 2 and hair creativity (modern and vintage styling, long hair up, wig blocking – cleaning & fitting, hair-cutting and barbering, etc)

In addition to makeup and hair knowledge and skills, you will also:

  • Build a working portfolio
  • Create your CV
  • Obtain business cards and job seeking assistance
  • Have the opportunity to purchase your professional hair and makeup kits at student discount
  • Learn studio etiquette, how to act, what to wear etc on set
  • Gain industry contacts

The course content is great; we get to learn firsthand as well as understand the history and meaning of each makeup look we create. We also cover the business side of the industry so which includes business cards, pricing a job, insurance, CV, portfolio and promotion. Judy encourages us to find work placements and may send us out on placements she has found. So far I have worked with a fashion magazine, on a fashion show and had experience with professional photographers. – L Saunders

By the end of the course, you’ll be as “work ready” as possible and Centre Stage will support you to become established within the industry.

Judy was always willing to help, whether that is to help us get the courage to call up makeup companies to get work, or simply help us write our CV or a simple email. – A Robinson

What equipment do I need?

All make-up you require for practical sessions on the Complete Course are provided for you.  Student discount is available on makeup and hair kits for your professional use.  

You will need to bring with you:

  • A zipped folder size A4 for keeping your professional work safe
  • Coloured pencils
  • A small paint box with at least 2 brushes
  • Writing materials –  pen and paper
  • Cleansers and creams if you have sensitive skin
  • A clean towel
  • Hairdressing scissors
  • Setting comb and tail comb
  • Make up brushes
  • A bag big enough to carry all this and to keep it in one place!

How big are the classes?

Class sizes are kept small so you get plenty of 1-to-1 attention to ensure your success.  Class sizes will not exceed 10 students at any one time, including more advanced students refreshing their skills.

Who assesses the course work?

Your work is assessed throughout the year by Judy Neame.  On assessment day, there is at least 1 external, independent assessor.

What qualification do I gain?

On completion of all 3 modules and successful assessment day, you receive the Centre Stage Makeup Studio Diploma Certificate.  Judy Neame is a life member of NASMAH and the “Complete” course certificate is recognised by NASMAH for MUA insurance purposes.

Who is Judy Neame?

Judy has worked in the industry in excess of 30 years, 14 of those as a Makeup Designer Chief at the BBC.  She has worked in the full range of media – film, TV, music videos, commercials, fashion, photography, and theatre.

Judy Neame’s constant eye for detail and extremely high BBC standards will really work you hard and push your creativity. Because of her high standards of teaching and giving you the chance to do professional work with her, I’m now getting steady work in Film, Halloween, Proms, Bridal and Hen Party shoots. – Sascha Cooper

Judy Neame has also taught NVQ in East Sussex colleges including workshops for ‘A’ level drama students and Amateur Dramatic Groups. She has also been in front of the cameras appearing on Sky TV, interviewed by Belgian and Dutch television and has worked on a number of TV educational programmes.

She opened Centre Stage Makeup Studio in 1992.

Where are you based?

Centre Stage Makeup Studio is based in the gorgeous East Sussex countryside at Brownings Farm, Blackboys near Uckfield.  On-site parking is available.  There is a bus stop outside the Studios and local train stations are Uckfield, Buxted and Jarvis Brook.

How much does the Complete Media Makeup and Hair Course cost?

Each module requires an investment of £2.200.  The Complete Course total investment for 3 modules is £6.600.  

Payment by instalment is available if agreed in writing. A deposit of £550 per Module is payable on signature of Contract and enrolment and the balance due by three equal instalments of £550 per module as follows:

Module 1 – (on or before) 26th September 2017: £550; 1st November 2017: £550 and 5th December 2017: £550.
Module 2 – (on or before) 9th January 2018: £550; 1st February 2018: £550 and 1st March 2018: £550.
Module 3 – (on or before) 1st May 2018: £550; 5th June 2018: £550 and 3rd July 2018: £550.

For those wishing to pay in full for the Complete Course, a £600 discount is applied (£6.000 if paid in full in advance).

How do I enrol?

Enrollment follows a short informal interview with Judy.  The interview is usually by phone and is to ensure that the course is right for you and you are committed to 10 months of work.

Simply call Centre Stage Makeup Studio on 01825 890080, leave a message and Judy will call you back.  Or request a call back by completing the form below.