BTEC Level 3 Production Arts Course in Norwich – City College Norwich

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

BTEC Level 3 Production Arts Course in Norwich. Classes run at City College Norwich, full-time over two years. If you're 16 to 18 years old on 31 August before the course starts, tuition fees may be free. If you're 19 or over, fees may apply. This Pearson Edexcel level 3 btec production arts qualification covers theatrical make-up, SFX, hair and media make-up artistry, and editorial techniques. You'll develop skills for performing arts, film, TV, and fashion. Entry requires five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English language, maths, science, and an art subject.

Who this course is for

This two-year vocational BTEC Level 3 National extended Diploma in Production Arts Practice (Theatrical, SFX, Hair and Media Make-up Artistry) will provide you with the skills you need for a comprehensive career in make-up artistry. You will cover skills for performing arts, film, TV, and fashion, gaining a qualification equivalent to three A Levels. The course covers a range of techniques, including: - Editorial and contemporary hair and make-up techniques - Wig styling and fitting - Make-up for performers - Special effects make-up - Making and using prosthetics - Health and safety in the make-up room - Studio etiquette and professionalism - Product, tool, and equipment knowledge - Period hair and make-up - timed and fast-track hair and make-up - Designing and creating costumes and props

Entry requirements

You will need to achieve five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English language, maths, science and an art subject.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop editorial and contemporary hair and make-up techniques for professional contexts.
  • You'll practise wig styling and fitting for theatrical and screen productions.
  • You'll learn SFX (special effects) make-up for film and TV.
  • You'll build skills in media make-up artistry for fashion and editorial work.
  • You'll apply make-up techniques across performing arts, film, TV, and fashion settings.
  • You'll gain knowledge of industry standards and professional practice in production arts.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions and practical workshops at City College Norwich. Assessment is through Pearson Edexcel's BTEC model, which combines coursework, practical assignments, and portfolio evidence. There are no traditional written exams for most units. You'll build a body of work that demonstrates your skills across the range of techniques covered on the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. City College Norwich will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Make-up artist. Work on film, TV, theatre, or fashion productions.
  • SFX make-up artist. Create special effects for screen and stage.
  • Wig technician. Style and fit wigs for theatrical or screen productions.
  • Hair and make-up artist. Work across editorial, fashion, and media.
  • Theatrical make-up artist. Support live performance productions.
  • Media make-up artist. Work on broadcast TV or online content.

What you could study next

  • A degree in Make-up and Hair Design or Theatrical Make-up. Deepens specialist skills for film, TV, or theatre at university level. The BTEC National Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A Levels and meets typical entry requirements.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Creative Arts. A work-focused higher education route if you want to stay in college-based study.
  • Apprenticeship in Hair, Make-up and Prosthetics for Screen and Stage. Earn while you gain industry experience.

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