The Central School of Make Up
// I N T E N S I V E // 5 Day Foundation and Bridal Intensive - Deposit Paid Today
IMA Foundation Makeup Course – 5 Day Intensive (In Person)
Course Fee: £820 Deposit: £150
Beginner-Friendly Makeup Training in Birmingham
- Get qualified with the International Make-Up Association (IMA)
- Learn day, evening & bridal looks from industry experts
- Start your career in makeup – no experience required
- Format: 5 days in-person training + home study
- Coursework + Theory Test
- Exam (exam fee not included)
Our affordable five-day Foundation course includes intensive, hands-on makeup training, providing core professional techniques and artistry. You will learn day, evening and special occasion looks, including bridal, and work towards an industry-recognised qualification.
This course is ideal if you want an insight into the makeup industry, are limited on time, are self-taught and already working without a qualification, want to refresh your skills, or simply want a new hobby. The course is balanced between demonstrations and practical, hands-on lessons in our fully equipped studios.
Who Is This Course For?
- Beginners and refreshers
- Those already working in the industry who want a recognised qualification
- A taster or introduction to makeup artistry
- Those learning makeup as a hobby or new skill
- Those working in retail or wanting to start a bridal / special occasion business
- CPD hours (Continuing Professional Development)
What You’ll Learn
Core techniques
- Health & safety
- Hygiene
- Colour theory
- Skin analysis
- Cleansing and preparing the skin
- Foundation matching and colour selection
- Choosing eyeshadow for eye colour (colour theory)
- Contouring
- Perfecting lips
Day, evening & bridal looks
- Day makeup application
- Evening makeup application
- Soft glam / heavy glam
- Classic bridal makeup
- Bridal consultation techniques
Eyes, brows & lashes
- False lash application (strip)
- Individual lash application
- General client consultation
- Face charts
Assessments & Qualification
No previous experience is necessary. All makeup and skincare are provided, however students will need to bring their own brushes, palettes and some other tools. Delegates will receive a qualification from the International Make-Up Association (IMA).
After your five-day in-person training, you will complete an at-home study programme using course notes provided and complete a training portfolio of evidence. This includes a practical and written assignment, plus approximately 10 makeup looks (completed at home).
Once your portfolio is complete (this can take approximately 2–12 weeks), you will return for one day to sit a practical exam and a multiple-choice theory paper. Coursework assessments and practical examinations are conducted by external examiners from the IMA.
Examination dates are scheduled monthly throughout the year and are subject to a booking fee of £150.
Course Dates & Timetable
- Days: Monday – Friday
- Times: 10:00am – 5:00pm
- 20th April – 24th April 2026
- Sundays Only: 28th June - 26th July 2026
Fees & Payment Options
- Course fee: £820
- Deposit to secure your place: £150
- Remaining balance: invoiced 14 days before the course start date
- Exam Fee: £150 invoiced 14 days before chosen exam
Interest-free payment options are available via the school. You can also choose to spread the cost of the balance over 3 months. To check eligibility (without affecting your credit score), please email: office@centralschoolofmakeup.co.uk. Learn more about payment plans here.
Please ensure that you read the Terms & Conditions and complete the booking form prior to paying your deposit.
What’s Included in the Course Fees
- Awarding Body lifelong registration
- Awarding Body assessment book
- Comprehensive course notes and access to our online school (extra tutorials beyond the course)
Recommended but Not Included
The following items are not included in the course fee but are recommended:
- Brush set (required before starting)
- Brush cleaner
- PPE (including visor)
- Exam Fee
You can order these from our online store when you book online.
Age requirement: 18+
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