The Iver Makeup Academy is proud to be collaborating with the National Film and Television School (NFTS) on the launch of a new postgraduate programme: the MA in Hair and Make Up for Film and Television, starting in January 2027.
This new MA programme has been developed to complement, not replace, the training offered at The Iver Makeup Academy. The academy will continue to deliver industry-led courses focused on building the practical skills required for roles such as Makeup Trainee, Junior Artist, and Makeup Artist.
The MA in Hair and Make Up for Film and Television is designed as the next step, aimed at experienced artists who are ready to progress into more senior, specialised, and leadership roles within the industry.
This specialist Master’s degree has been developed for experienced artists who want to advance their careers in the film and television industry. The programme focuses on bridging the gap between technical makeup artistry and professional screen production, helping artists progress from junior roles into leadership and design positions within hair and makeup departments.
The National Film and Television School is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading film schools, training many of the professionals who work across global film, television and games industries.
A New Level of Professional Training for Film and TV Makeup Artists
The MA Hair and Make Up for Film and Television is a specialist pathway within the MA in Film, Television and Games at NFTS. It is a one-year, full-time, in-person Master’s degree designed for practitioners who already have a strong foundation in hair and makeup .
Unlike beginner makeup courses, this programme is intended for artists who have already developed junior-level industry skills and want to expand their professional capabilities.
Students entering the programme are expected to have experience in areas such as:
- Hair and makeup for screen
- Character and corrective makeup
- Basic prosthetics and SFX
- Working within production environments
The course then builds on those skills to develop professionals capable of working as Make Up Artists, Supervisors or Designers within film and high-end television production.
Training Within a Real Film Production Environment
One of the defining features of the course is its integration with the NFTS production ecosystem.
Throughout the year, students will collaborate directly with other departments including:
- Directors
- Producers
- Cinematographers
- Production designers
- Performers
This immersive approach allows students to experience the real creative and logistical structures of film and television production.
Working on live film projects enables students to understand how makeup design supports:
- narrative storytelling
- production scheduling
- departmental collaboration
- budgeting and resource management
These skills are essential for artists who want to progress into senior industry roles.
Developing Leadership Skills in the Hair and Makeup Department
Hair and makeup departments in film and television require far more than technical artistry.
Professionals working at senior levels must be able to:
- Interpret scripts and character requirements
- Manage continuity across long production schedules
- Oversee budgets and materials
- Supervise assistants and department teams
- Collaborate with directors, producers and costume departments
- Work with wigs, prosthetics and specialist materials
The MA programme develops these capabilities through progressive production responsibility, independent projects and reflective professional practice.
Students will also document their work throughout the year, building a professional portfolio through course modules and optional projects.
Led by The Iver Makeup Academy
The programme is led by Elizabeth Tagg, Principal of The Iver Makeup Academy, alongside industry professionals with extensive experience in film and television.
The Iver Makeup Academy is recognised for its specialist training in screen hair and makeup, and is led by BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning professionals with credits across major international productions including:
- Star Wars
- Avengers
- Ghostbusters
- Black Mirror
- Supergirl
Through this collaboration with NFTS, students benefit from both world-class filmmaking education and specialist industry training.
Preparing the Next Generation of Makeup Designers
Elizabeth Tagg explains the motivation behind the course:
“Most hair and makeup training focuses purely on craft and working in junior roles within departments. The step from junior artist to supervising is a very different skill set. Artists must understand budgeting, team leadership and how their department collaborates with production, costume and visual effects teams.
This course was created to provide that progression. Through The Iver Makeup Academy’s collaboration with NFTS, students train within a real filmmaking environment while building relationships with other departments and an exceptional alumni network preparing them for the next generation of supervising and designing roles in film and television.”
Application and Selection Process
Applicants to the MA programme must demonstrate the required level of experience through:
- A professional portfolio
- Interview assessment
- Practical evaluation of hair, makeup and SFX skills
The course is designed for practitioners with previous training, self-taught experience or professional credits who want to move beyond junior roles and develop into department leaders.
Launching January 2027
The MA in Hair and Make Up for Film and Television will begin in January 2027 at the National Film and Television School.
This new programme represents an exciting development for the industry, creating a pathway for experienced makeup artists to develop the creative, technical and leadership skills required for modern screen production.
Further information about the programme and application details will be available via the National Film and Television School website.
