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NFTS Makeup Course – MA in Hair & Makeup for Film & Television
Train with NFTS & The Iver Makeup Academy
The NFTS Makeup Course in Hair and Makeup for Film & Television is a specialist postgraduate programme developed in collaboration between the National Film and Television School (NFTS) and The Iver Makeup Academy.
Launching in January 2027, this advanced MA is designed for experienced artists ready to progress into senior roles within film and high-end television production.
At The Iver Makeup Academy, you gain the practical, industry-ready foundation, with a clear progression pathway into one of the most prestigious film schools in the world.
Why Choose an NFTS Makeup Course?
The National Film and Television School is globally recognised for producing industry-leading talent across film, TV and games.
This collaboration offers a unique career pathway:
- Start with comprehensive industry training at The Iver Makeup Academy
- Get experience in junior roles in TV and Film
- Progress into the NFTS MA programme
- Move into senior roles within film and television
This route is built around real production experience, not just theory.
What is the NFTS MA Hair & Makeup Course?
The NFTS MA in Hair and Makeup for Film & Television is a:
- One-year, full-time Master’s degree
- Designed for experienced makeup artists
- Focused on film, TV and high-end production
It bridges the gap between:
- Technical makeup artistry
- Real-world film production
- Leadership within makeup departments
This makes it ideal for artists moving from junior roles into supervisors or designers.
A Clear Career Pathway from The Iver Makeup Academy to NFTS
At The Iver Makeup Academy, students build the core skills required to enter the industry, including:
- Film and TV makeup techniques
- Hair styling and wigs
- SFX and prosthetics
- On-set working practices
From there, the NFTS programme takes your career further by focusing on:
- Department leadership
- Budget management
- Script interpretation
- Collaboration across production teams
This structured progression ensures you are fully prepared for high-level industry roles.
Learn in a Real Film Production Environment
One of the biggest advantages of the NFTS makeup course is its integration with live productions.
Students work alongside:
- Directors
- Producers
- Cinematographers
- Costume designers
- Performers
This gives you hands-on experience in how makeup supports:
- Storytelling
- Continuity
- Scheduling
- Production workflows
You are not just learning techniques, you are learning how to operate within a real film set environment.
Develop Leadership & Creative Direction Skills
Senior makeup artists need more than technical ability.
This course prepares you to:
- Lead makeup departments
- Manage teams and assistants
- Control budgets and materials
- Maintain continuity across shoots
- Collaborate with costume and VFX teams
These are the exact skills required to move into roles such as:
- Makeup Designer
- Department Head
- Supervising Artist
Led by Industry Experts
The NFTS MA programme is led by Elizabeth Tagg, Principal of The Iver Makeup Academy, alongside leading industry professionals.
The academy itself is known for training artists who go on to work with major productions including:
- Netflix
- Disney
- BBC
- Warner Bros
Graduates gain access to real industry opportunities, helping them transition directly into professional roles.
Who is the NFTS Makeup Course For?
This course is designed for:
- Experienced makeup artists
- Industry professionals looking to progress
- Artists with film, TV or SFX experience
You will typically need:
- A professional portfolio
- Practical makeup experience
- Understanding of on-set workflows
Entry Requirements & Application Process
To apply for the NFTS MA Hair & Makeup course, candidates must demonstrate:
- A strong professional portfolio
- Practical assessment of skills
- Interview with course leaders
This ensures students entering the programme are ready for advanced, industry-level training.
Why Start at The Iver Makeup Academy?
The Iver Makeup Academy is based at Pinewood Studios, one of the world’s leading film production hubs.
We provide:
- Industry-led training
- ScreenSkills-accredited courses
- Hands-on production experience
- Direct pathways into the film industry
We have also collaborated with NFTS since 2015, giving students real on-set opportunities and industry exposure.
Start Your Journey to NFTS Today
If your goal is to study at NFTS and build a career in film and television, your journey starts here.
At The Iver Makeup Academy, we prepare you with the skills, experience and industry knowledge required to succeed at the highest level.
Frequently Asked Questions
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OSCAR
6
BAFTAs
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PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
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MAKEUP ARTIST/HAIRSTYLIST GUILD
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OFTA AWARDS
I was allowed to reconnect with making a career in something I was/am passionate about. Anyone attending a course here will experience something wonderful.
Thank you to all the talented tutors and support team for changing my life – for the better.
Aftercare at the Iver Academy is great with regular updates about job opportunities and experience to help you get your foot in the door, and they continue to support you further into the future after graduating. All the Tutors and Staff are so supportive and genuinely want to see all their students succeed once leaving the school.
Anyone wanting to begin their development in the Make-Up industry would highly benefit from studying at the Iver Academy!
The teachers are amazing and offer the most relevant and up to date knowledge and education as they are all passionate about the industry and working in film,TV,Theatre,Fashion and anything inbetween.
The benefit of being in Pinewood Studios is that there is so much going on around you,if there would be an opportunity for work experience,it may be here.......
Aftercare with The Iver Makeup Academy is great and you get regular updates about work experience and opportunities.There are also many opportunities to meet amazing tutors and make connections for future work experience.
I have had a positive experience and would do The Advanced Certificate in Hair and Makeup Artistry all over again if I could.
I recommend coming here if you want the absolutely,very best education and opportunities thereafter.
The tutors that teach at the academy are absolutely world class and they are actively working hair and make-up artists in the industry. Their patience with all students is amazing, with regular feedback being given on progress throughout the modules they really encourage the best for all students.
Following completion of the course all students are put on the academy's agency where I have received several jobs from this agency already and has added to my contacts and my portfolio as a professional.
If you are serious about working as a hair and make-up artist in the TV, Film, Theatre and Fashion industry this is definitely the place to be trained. I really cannot thank The Iver Make-up Academy enough for all they have done for me and I definitely recommend them to all future make-up and hair artists!
After graduation you are added to the Academy's Agency where you regularly receive job opportunities. This was an excellent way to build my portfolio as well as get my foot in the industry. It is apparent that all tutors and staff genuinely want all their students to be successful and will always be there for help and advice to both current student as well as alumni.
The Iver Make-Up Academy has given me the skills, support and confidence to work within the Film and Television industry and I could not recommend them more!
The Iver Makeup Academy, based at Pinewood Studios, provides specialist training in Makeup, Hair and Special Effects for TV, Film, Theatre, and Fashion . Our Advanced Course is industry-recognised and accredited by ScreenSkills Select. We are proud to partner with the National Film and Television School and be part of the BAFTA Scholarship Programme.
