UAL – University of Art London

For this task, I have been asked to research in to Universities that offer courses in my subject area. Here, I have chosen to research the UAL; BA (Hons) in Hair and Make-Up for Fashion. As stated in the title, this degree is focused solely on make-up for fashion, therefore is the perfect option for those who know this is the path they want to take.

Students on this course will be encouraged to work closely alongside complementary courses such as photography, styling, production, fashion imaging and illustration. This helps to ensure students will develop a wide range of skills and understanding of similar disciplines, allowing them to become successful practitioners.

This course delivers a wide range of teaching, through technical workshops, masterclasses and classroom sessions, as well as 1-1 and group tutorials. They also encourage collaboration and work experience, often offering their students opportunities for internships and industry call outs. This course also focuses on cultural and historical writing, making sure all students understand issues that may occur in their field.

Entry requirements

For entry to this course, students must have one or a combination of the following accepted full level three qualifications;

A minimum of 112 UCAS points from two or more A levels (preferably Art, Design, Photography Fashion or Media based) – or a BTEC in a related subject). A Distinction Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, a Distinction/Merit/Merit grade in a BTEC Extended Diploma, a Merit grade from a UAl Extended Diploma, or an Access diploma with a minimum of 122 Ucas points. Additionally, students may have an equivalent EU or non-EU International Baccalaureate Diploma at 25 points. Students must also have at least three GCSEs at grades 4-9.

However, if a student does not meet these requirements, yet can show strengths in related academic work, through previous work experience, a strong personal statement, or an exceptional reference, then they may still be considered.

Language requirements

For students who’s first language is not English, an IELTS with a level 6.0 ( with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking) is required.

Selection Criteria

A careful selection criteria is followed to choose potential candidates for this course. A student must show a strong interest in Make-Up design, as well as enthusiasm for visual communication. Students must provide a strong personal statement and portfolio of previous work, allowing the university to get a taste of who they are and how they work. This will ensure they are picking candidates with potential to become incredible practitioners of their field.

Interview process

Students applying to this course are required to firstly submit an online portfolio through pebble pad. This portfolio must include a maximum of 30 images, including some of their best work. This should be presented to show evidence of technical ability, an understanding of balance, proportion and composition, as well as an understanding of visual communication principles, an exploration of creativity and a range of technical knowledge.

Once the university has received and reviewed a students portfolio, if they were successful in the selection process they will be invited to either an online or face to face interview. This will allow students to talk about their ideas and creative processes, allowing interviewers to get to know potential candidates better.

Study Program

This course runs over a total of 90 weeks in full time mode, and is divided into three stages, taught across three academic years.

A 20-credit unit is approximately equivalent to 200 hours of learning time, which includes a mixture of taught time, independent study and assessment.

Stage 1

During Stage 1, students are required to complete 120 credits at level 4, in order to progress onto stage 2. This stage consists of ;

Introduction to Make-Up and hair for Fashion (20 credits)

Fashion Process and Practice (40 credits)

Fashion Cultures and histories (20 credits)

Better Lives (20 credits)

Collab Practice ; Fashion Spreads (20 credits)

Stage 2

During stage 2, students are required to complete 120 credits, with a minimum of 100 at Level 5. This stage consists of;

Critical issues in Fashion research (20 credits)

Beauty in Moving Image (40 credits)

Artistry in Industry (40 credits)

Situating your practice; Media Placement / Situating your practice ; Fashioned Spaces (20 credits)

Stage 3

In this stage students are required to complete 120 credits at Level 6. This stage consists of;

Collaborative and Experimental Practice (20 credits)

Dissertation media (40 credits)

Personal and Professional Project (60 credits)

Students are all entitled to a tutorial package, consisting of one group tutorial – either group or 1-1, one tutorial per term for the duration of their study, and group tutorials as required. These sessions are designed to ensure all students are accessing the support they need, and are dealt with in an appropriate level of confidentiality.

Progression

This courses can lead to many roles within the Make-Up, Hair and Fashion industries. Recent graduates have become freelance hair and Make-Up artists, Assistants to established industry artists, and worked for huge global brands such as Bobbi Brown and MAC cosmetics.

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for this course come in at £9250 a year for UK nationals, and £25,970 per year for International students. Additional costs for uniforms, kits and trips will also be necessary, but exact costs are not listed online.

Loans and Grants

Tuition fee loans are available through Student Finance England, a Government scheme, and must be repaid. These loans are non-income assessed, meaning your household income will not affect the amount you are eligible for, however you can choose the amount you take out. Furthermore, these loans are paid directly to your University to cover the fees of your course, meaning you don’t have to worry about direct debits each month. These loans may also be suitable for part time and EU students.

Maintenance loans are also given by Student Finance England, and are used to help pay for living and additional course costs. These costs may be used to pay for kits, uniforms, trips, stationary, rent, food etc. They are paid directly to your bank account in three installments through the year, and are means tested. This means your household income will affect the amount you are eligible for, for example;

Those living with their parents can receive a maximum of £8171 per year, whereas those living alone may be eligible for up to £9706 per year.

Full time BA, BSC or Integrated Masters course students may be eligible to a range of Grants depending on their personal circumstances, more information can be found on GOV.UK or Student Finance England.

Scholarships

The Scholarship-hardship fund may be available for students who are less fortunate, offering up to £5000 to help assist with the cost of living. Those with a household income less than £45,000, with caring responsibilities, care leavers, estranged students, those in significant debt, victims of fraud, or those who have experienced exceptional unexpected circumstances are among those that may be eligible to apply for this scheme.

Scholarships may be offered to those students that have progressed from prestigious schools or colleges, or those with exceptional grades.

Location

Although delivered by UAL, this course is taught at the London college of Fashion campuses, spread across seven sites between Stratford and Shepherds Bush. Located in central London this university allows for excellent work experience opportunities, as well as a huge variety of shops, eateries, pubs, clubs, bars, and tourist attractions. Living in the capital also allows for direct train lines all across the county, making travel easy.

Opening and Closing dates

Open days are held between September and December for undergraduate applicants, and between November and April for post graduate applicants. Open days then take place for undergraduate offer holders between March and May, before Exhibitions that are held between June and July. Their application closing date for 2023 is 25th of January , through UCAS.