New Zealand Certificate in Make Up Artistry
This course teaches you how to design and apply makeup and style hair to create complete looks. You’ll build practical and professional skills across a range of styles — and graduate ready to work in the industry, from film and TV to salons, agencies, photographic work, in retail, or work as a self-employed freelance artist, with a portfolio to prove it.
Real-World Skills: Learn makeup and hairstyling for fashion, film, TV, and an introduction to SFX, with a portfolio to display your skills.
Career & Study Pathways: Work in salons, media, retail, or self-employed as freelance hair and make-up artist—or progress to beauty therapy, hairdressing, or SFX training.
Industry Growth: Build your network and refine your skills through ongoing experience and development.
120 Credits | Full-time | On Campus (Christchurch Campus Only)
Do you dream about working in fashion, film, television or theatre? Want to see your makeup designs on the big screen?
Designed for aspiring makeup and hairstyling professionals, this comprehensive 32-week, 120-credit programme equips you with the skills to design and apply makeup and style hair to create complete, polished looks.
You’ll gain operational and theoretical knowledge at a professional level, with practical training across commercial beauty, creative, historical, theatrical, and special effects makeup, alongside complementary hairstyling techniques.
Graduates will be ready to work independently under broad guidance and will earn the New Zealand Certificate in Makeup Artistry and Hairstyling (Level 4).
FAQs
Tuition Fee: $9,156
Student Services Levy: $350
Compulsory course cost for Makeup Kit: $950
Course Related Costs: $175
*Course Related Cost - Covers software licensing for student use on campus for the duration of the programme.
Fees Free Study
Find out more here or visit the government Fees Free Website to check if you're eligible for Fees Free study.
Please note fees are subject to change.
Learners will be eligible to enter this programme if they:
Are at least 17 years old
Hold NCEA Level 2 or equivalent evidence that they have the ability to succeed in the programme
Students could also submit a portfolio of work showing artistic skills to show they have a passion for this type of creative industry
Students with English as their second language require IELTS 5.5 (Academic).
Implement professional standards, skills, and behaviours in a makeup artistry workplace.
Consult with clients to identify needs, create or follow a brief, and ensure comfort and safety.
Apply a broad range of makeup techniques to meet client needs to industry standards.
Style hair and provide complementary services to create a complete look.
Understand anatomy and skin conditions to inform safe and effective makeup services.
Strong relationships with industry partners enhance program delivery through guest lectures, demonstrations, and work experience opportunities. These connections include theatre companies, television studios, fashion events, and retail establishments.
Students receive comprehensive resource manuals and have access to extensive library options. Specialised learning support resources are available online, ensuring access to information on cutting-edge technologies and techniques.
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What you'll learn
Core Skills for Makeup and Hairstyling
This first course introduces you to the core skills needed in the makeup and hairstyling industry, with as much hands-on activity as possible at this stage. You'll cover health, safety and hygiene, anatomy and physiology, skin analysis, and interpersonal skills. Practical work includes client consultation, beauty makeup application, and basic hairstyling techniques, including using hot tools. You’ll also begin to explore face shapes, skin tones, and product matching.
Self-Promotion and Beauty Retail
Build your self-promotion skills through social media management and basic photography, with a focus on safe and effective online presence. Apply business knowledge through customer service, retail sales, and understanding makeup and skincare trends. You'll also develop glamour and creative makeup techniques, along with advanced hairstyling skills like blow drying and trend-based hair ups.
Events and Fashion
Further develop your skills in advanced glamour and creative makeup, hairstyling, and photography by exploring current and emerging trends. You'll be introduced to fashion editorial hair and makeup styles, and learn to create festival face art using water-based body paints. This course builds on your creative capabilities while expanding your industry-ready techniques.
Decades and Stage
Explore historical and contemporary makeup and hairstyling, including decade-specific looks from 1900 to 2000 and theatrical makeup for stage. Learn fashion-inspired techniques, build character looks, and develop a thoughtful approach to cultural context.
Introduction to SFX and Screen
Gain foundational skills in SFX makeup, including burns, trauma, bald caps, and character creation for fantasy and horror. Learn industry standards for hair and makeup in film and TV, with a strong focus on professionalism and set etiquette. You'll also explore respectful cultural representation, including appropriate consultation for designs like Tā Moko. This course builds toward developing your own unique character looks for screen.
Freelance and Retail Artist
Apply your makeup, hairstyling, and client service skills in a real-world special event setting. Develop business knowledge, marketing strategies, and retail skills to support your career as a freelance or retail artist. You’ll also create a professional photographic portfolio to promote your personal brand. Self-reflection and career preparation are key as you get ready for employment or further study.
Course Start Dates
Qualifications are issued by Yoobee Colleges Ltd. Yoobee Colleges Ltd is an NZQA Category 2 registered provider.
Term dates are subject to change pending enrolment numbers, availability and unforeseen funding fluctuations. Yoobee Colleges Ltd reserves the right to modify schedules to make sure the College runs well and students are offered the best learning experience.
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