Posted on June 22 2025
Your guide to weekend courses, qualifications, and building a freelance beauty career – starting in Birmingham.
Dreaming of a career in makeup but can’t take time off work? Whether you’re working full-time, juggling childcare, or exploring a new path after years in another job – you can become a qualified makeup artist without quitting your day job.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to start a career in makeup artistry, what courses work best for busy lives, and how to train on weekends at an accredited school in Birmingham.
Can You Really Train as a Makeup Artist While Working Full-Time?
Yes – and many do!
Makeup artistry is one of the most flexible and fulfilling careers, especially for people looking to:
- Change industries (beauty is booming!)
- Work freelance around family commitments
- Earn extra income through bridal and event makeup
- Express creativity and meet new people
The key is finding a part-time course that’s practical, recognised, and tailored to real-world skills.
The Best Weekend Makeup Course for Beginners:
IMA-Accredited Foundation Makeup Course in Birmingham
At The Central School of Make-Up, our 10-week Foundation Makeup Course runs every Saturday, meaning you can train alongside your existing job or lifestyle. You’ll gain a globally recognised IMA qualification and hands-on experience in:
- Day & evening makeup
- Bridal looks
- Soft glam, heavy glam, smoky eyes & more
- Tattoo cover
- Waterproofing
- Hygiene & client consultation
- False lashes, sculpting & soft glam
- Business and freelance skills
Why Weekend Training Works
Weekend courses allow you to:
- Build skills gradually over 10 weeks
- Apply techniques between sessions
- Stay focused while balancing work, family or study
- Network with other creatives and grow your confidence
And because the course is accredited by the International Make-Up Association (IMA), you’ll leave with a qualification that’s recognised worldwide.
Why Train in Birmingham?
Our school is based in Birmingham’s Creative Quarter, easily accessible from across the Midlands, with modern studios and industry-trained tutors. Whether you’re local or travelling in on Saturdays, you’ll feel part of a professional learning environment from day one.
Who Is This Course For?
- Beginners with no prior experience
- Self-taught makeup lovers ready to go pro
- Beauty therapists and hair stylists adding new skills
- Mums returning to work
- Career changers ready for a fresh start
- Retail hopefuls aiming for brands like MAC or Charlotte Tilbury
Top Tip: Don’t Wait for the “Perfect Time”
Life is busy—but the beauty of a part-time makeup course is that it fits around your life. Many of our students say they wish they’d started sooner. If you’re passionate about beauty and want to take the next step, the best time to begin is now.
Ready to Start Your Makeup Career?
Join our next IMA Foundation Weekend Course in Birmingham and take the first step toward your future as a makeup artist.
Upcoming start dates:
- Check our part-time courses here
Course Fee: Starting from £800
Qualification: International Make-Up Association Foundation Certificate
Enrol Now – Limited Spaces Available
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