For this task, I have been asked to produce a document to gather and compare all of the options for university progression that I was required to research during Task 1 – Part A. In this document I have summarized my findings, by comparing and contrasting them against each other, finalizing on which I believe is best suited for me, and why.
During this unit I have been required to conduct research into universities that offer degree level courses in my subject area. The first University I researched was the University of the Arts London, and their BA (HONS) in Hair and Make-Up for Fashion. This course is taught using a range of masterclasses, workshops, and classroom time to ensure students receive a wide range of training. This course is taught by lecturers both from an academic, and industry professional background, making this course both practical and academic work based. Furthermore, as potentially obvious by the universities name, this course is taught at London School of Fashion (in London), therefore meaning I would have to move away from home, and in to the capital city – one of the most expensive places to like in the whole of the UK. However, living in London would offer me many progression opportunities, right on the doorstep, so even though it may be more expensive to live here I would most likely be saving potentially thousands of pounds in transport. The tuition fees for this course fall at £9250 per year, plus trip and kit costs that are not listed online. However, this university does offer scholarships for those coming from certain prestigious schools or colleges, or for those with exceptional grades – way over the minimum 112 UCAS points required for entry.
Next, I researched the BIMM institute’s BA (HONS) Hair and Make-Up for Screen and Film, taught at the Film and Screen School’s Brighton Campus. As this course is directly aimed at students wanting to work in the Film and TV industry, this university has created top of the range mock film sets for everyday work – allowing students to become familiar with the layout of a set, and more importantly allowing them to identify the roles and responsibilities of every person present on a film set. This university also only uses current industry professionals as teachers, allowing students to get clear insights into what the working industry is really like. Although this may be positive for some, this course is heavily practical based, and has essentially no academic work included. Therefore I don’t personally believe it’s the best suited for me, out of the three options I researched, as I do also enjoy the academic side of this work. Furthermore, this course is based in Brighton, which once again would require me to move away from home, which is not my ideal choice. However, living in Brighton would provide many incredible work experience progression opportunities for me, as its beautiful scenery makes it the perfect film location. Tuition fees for this course fall in at the same £9250, however kit costs are averaged at around £1200 – rather than providing you with a pre-made kit, this university gives you a list of key essential tools, equipment and products for you to source yourself. Additionally, this university does not offer any scholarships or bursaries, meaning government funding is the only available option. Finally, this course requires a much lower minimum of only 64 UCAS points, as they are more focused on your practical ability, rather than your academic and writing abilities.
The third university I researched was the Solent University, in Southampton, and there BA (HONS) in Hair and Make-Up Design. This university boasts extremely high spec, industry standard facilities ensuring that students have great opportunities to work in facilities that will potentially mirror their future job settings. Furthermore, this course is led by a mixture of both academic and industry professionals allowing for a wide range of teaching and support. They also host regular guest speakers and master classes, and are also known for sending their students to invaluable work experience placements such as London Fashion Week. This ensures students have access to a large range of support during their progression journey, much like the course offered by UAL. Trips to high profile fashionista locations such as New York and Paris are also run to support the students’ learning. This course is based in Southampton, meaning I would still have the option to live at home, as the university is only around a thirty minute drive from my current residence. Although I may not be living in a city as big, or as high profile, as London, Southampton offers train lines all across the country, and even an airport, meaning I could easily travel to work experience or progression opportunities. Mirroring the previous two courses, the tuition fees fall at £9250 per year, however Solent offers a pre-made kit to their students, costing £1207. Additional kits may have to be added during the second and third years of study, depending on which optional units students choose to take. Trip costs are also included, however these change due to current airfare and hotel prices, rough estimates are listed on Solent’s website, at around £276 for Paris, and £864 for New York. Solent university requires a minimum of 104, and a maximum of 120 UCAS points for entry to this course. They offer scholarships to those students with grades that exceed the 120 UCAS point maximum requirement as a well done for exceptional academic and extracurricular achievement. They also offer a wide range of bursaries, unlike BIMM university.
Overall, I believe Solent University would be the best suit for me, as it meets most of my ideals; as it is close to home, and based on both practical and academic learning. However, I also understand some people may not want to attend university at all, due to the cost and amount of work expected from you. Attending university requires taking on a lot of responsibility, but I believe I will truly enjoy the next chapter of my progression journey, as I am dedicated to improving my skill and passion for Hair and Make-Up.
Megan Hoff 