FAQ's

To enrol on a course at The Central School of Make-up we use just five easy steps. Firstly browse through the courses and see if the start date is suitable. If so, please read our Terms & Conditions. Follow the link to the booking form from the course information page. Once the booking form has been submitted, select the course and date required and pay the deposit. We will then send you a Letter of Confirmation and some Key documents for you to read ahead of your Course. Approximately 3 weeks before your course is due to start, we will issue an electronic invoice for you to pay the balance. Please note, all deposits are non-refundable.

WHAT ARE THE COURSE FEES?

The course fees are currently:

4 Week Combined Foundation and Creative Course with Photoshoot	£2,610.00
20 Week Combined Foundation and Creative Course with Photoshoot	£2,610.00
2 Week Foundation Course	£1100.00
9 Week Evening (Weds) Course	£790.00
10 Week Saturday Course	£1100.00
10 Week Sunday Course	£1100.00
10 Week Sunday Course	£1100.00
2 Week Creative Course	£1,510.00
10 Week Saturday Creative Course	£1,510.00
5 Day Hair Styling	£720.00

(All Foundation Level Make-up Courses include text books, a set of professional brushes, a beauty pack and use of all premium products)

WHEN ARE THE FEES PAYABLE?

The deposit is payable upon booking a course with us and the balance of the course fees is payable no less than 14 days before the course commences.

DO YOU OFFER LOAN SCHEMES OR FINANCIAL HELP?

As we are not government funded we are currently unable to offer bursaries towards training.

DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT BY INSTALMENTS?

To secure your place on the course, you simply pay a deposit of 20% of the total course amount. This can be paid on-line or if you would prefer over the phone or in person at the school. We accept all major credit and debit cards. The remaining balance is then due for payment 2 weeks before your start date. We unfortunately, cannot allow students to start a course without full payment being made. This also applies to One-to One make-up lessons.

DO YOU HAVE A WAITING LIST FOR FULLY BOOKED COURSES?

Should your chosen Course be fully booked. Please register your interest to be added to our reserves list. Places do frequently become available closer to the course start date. Email info@centralschoolofmakeup.co.uk

WHAT IS THE IMA?

IMA stands for The International Make-up Association. The IMA is an international awarding body specifically designed for the make-up artist. This prestigious awarding body prides itself on offering the highest industry standards, ensuring that it's quality of tuition is second to none. For private schools to offer the IMA, the awarding body must first vigorously assess the establishment and it's lecturers. The Central School of Make-up is delighted to bring the IMA to the Midlands, exclusively for the first time. The IMA can be found also in London and several schools across the world.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN IMA COURSE AND AN NVQ, OR ANY OTHER MAKE-UP CERTIFICATE?

The difference between IMA and other awarding bodies is that IMA is recognised internationally not just in the UK. This means that potentially you could study further IMA courses at various IMA schools in London as well in other countries around the world. The award is also less beauty-based and more make-up focused, therefore as a student you will be 'hands on' from the start of your course, under the guidance of top 'working' professional make-up artist lecturers, including the schools Creative Director. This will enable you to really master the true art of make-up artistry in a more intensely focused environment. We firmly believe that this is key, as you cannot learn the art sitting in a classroom! Other awarding bodies may include a more beauty-based curriculum. The IMA is designed by make-up artists for make-up artists, and sets the highest industry standards. A standard that you can be proud to advertise to your future clients and employers. We aim to help you to into your career as quickly as possible, the courses are in depth and intensive, allowing you save valuable time on unnecessary study hours and holidays in between your course. This means that you train to become an artist, then start earning your money sooner!

WHAT CAN I DO AFTER TAKING THE IMA QUALIFICATION?

Since being established the IMA has awarded thousands of students in the UK and abroad. Due to the quality of the teaching, curriculum and reputation, many IMA make-up artists have gone on to work for celebrities, fashion weeks in London, Paris, New York and Milan, T.V. and Film and major glossy magazines such as Vogue and Tatler, working with top photographers and models across the world. Many premium cosmetic houses welcome IMA graduates as employees within the retail sector, as the training received is of the highest standards within the industry.

DOES THE CENTRAL SCHOOL OF MAKE-UP HELP ME BUILD MY PORTFOLIO?

During the advanced creative make-up courses, up to two professional make-up shoots are provided. This gives the student the opportunity to start building their portfolio to show potential clients their new found skill. Each shoot takes place with a professional fashion photographic photographer and hairstylist and the opportunity to work on professional models. Throughout the course you will be given career advice and instructed on the etiquette of the industry. One to one sessions will take place throughout the course to discuss your ambitions and the direction in which you wish to succeed, whether that be Bridal, Retail, Fashion, Catwalk, Theatre or T.V or Film. Your specialist teachers have the knowledge, experience and often contacts to help you take the next step of your career. We also offer the chance to join the event team, giving you the opportunity to work on shoots, events and shows and therefore build up your portfolio and credentials, to date this has been a phenomenal success, Our graduates have gone to work for Bobbi Brown, set up their own freelance businesses, attended fashion shoots across the city.

WILL I BE ABLE TO OBTAIN INSURANCE AFTER GRADUATING WITH THE IMA CERTIFICATE?

Yes, once qualified as an IMA artist and if you wish to become a freelance artist you can gain public liability insurance. The majority of insurance companies can assist you. It is strongly recommended that before you start your freelance career you obtain quotes and purchase public liability insurance.

WILL I BE ABLE TO GET JOBS AFTER I COMPLETE THE COURSE?

We want you to succeed in your make-up career and offer advice and guidance on how to set yourself up as a freelance make-up artist. Our philosophy is that we don’t just wave goodbye to you once you have left the school and graduated. We are always on the end of the phone to support and encourage through your new venture.
Often the school is approached by clients, brides, photographers, models and event organisers looking for Make-up Artist. These jobs are passed on to our graduates. We guide you with your website and marketing.
During your one to one sessions, you will have the opportunity to discuss with the teacher your individual plan of action for employment. As there are many different roles as a Make-up Artist this can be tailored to you! The school will offer guidance on how to gain employment.
To give you food for thought, here are just some of the jobs within the industry.

Retail/ Cosmetics counters
Hair salons/beauty salons/Spas
Freelance Bridal/ Proms/ Clients/Events
Fashion Editorial
Catwalk
Celebrities
T.V. and Film
Music videos
Internet fashion/cosmetic companies
Teaching/Training
On line tutorials
Theatre
Corporate shoots and events
Assisting established make-up artists

DO I RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE AFTER THE COURSE HAS FINISHED?

Once you have completed your course and handed in your portfolio (up to 1 month after your course has finished) you can expect to receive your IMA certificate within 6-8 weeks. The school will notify you when the certificate is ready for collection.

I'VE BEEN WORKING AS A MAKE-UP ARTIST FOR YEARS, HOW WILL THIS QUALIFICATION BENEFIT ME?

If you are already working within the industry and feel you would like to gain an international qualification or perhaps would like to refresh your skills then this may be for you.

DOES THE SCHOOL ACCEPT OVERSEAS STUDENTS?

The Central School of Make-up can accept overseas students from outside the EU, but only for a maximum length of 30 days. All UK and EU residents are free to study at the school. Please check with your border agencies for further visa information.

DO YOU OFFER STUDENT VISAS?

No we do not offer student visas. You will have to apply for this from your own country

WHAT IS THE MAKE-UP CENTRAL EVENT TEAM AND HOW CAN I JOIN?

We encourage that all graduates join our event team on completion of their course. This will help you gain valuable industry experience and allow you to experience the role of a make-up artist. We want you to succeed in your new career as a make-up artist, therefore we understand the importance of work experience on your CV. To date, our Event Team have worked on several events, shoots and shows across Birmingham and are building a fantastic reputation as Birmingham's trusted Glam Squad for the cities prestigious events. The Event Team is not mandatory, however is advised as part of your development as a new make-up artist. It allows flexibility to fit in around your work commitments and you only attend the 'jobs' you wish to attend. Often, members of the Event Team have made industry contacts leading to paid roles! An opportunity not to be missed!If you have not trained at the school, yet think you have the right talent, skills, drive and professional attitude to join the Make-up Event Team, then we want to hear from you. Please contact info@centralschoolofmakeup.co.uk

DO I HAVE TO BRING MY OWN MAKE UP?

All make up and hygiene equipment is provided in the studio during your course. The school is not affiliated with just one brand as we know the importance as a make-up artist to understand and have experience of using many different products. This is, after all, what you will need when you build your own professional make- up kit. Brands you can expect to see are Chanel, Yves St Laurent, Charlotte Tilbury, Make Up For Ever, MAC, Kyrolan and many more.

CAN I BUY MAKE UP BRUSHES AND BRUSH CLEANSER FROM YOU?

Yes, you can purchase a professional set of 'real' natural hair brushes. It is important to ensure brushes are non-synthetic to obtain optimum make up results. Because we buy in bulk, we are able to offer you the best quality at trade price. However, if you wish to purchase your own set you can from an independent brand. You will need a dry brush cleaners, which again can be purchased at trade price through the school or independently.

Natural brushes tend to be best for a professional result. However, please be aware that with emerging technologies and manufacturing techniques there are many high quality synthetic brushes available that offer similar results

WHICH MAKE-UP BRANDS DO YOU USE?

The school is not affiliated with just one make-up brand. We use premium and high street cosmetics to ensure that students gain exposure to a variety of cosmetics. You can expect to use brands such as MAC, Makeup for Ever, Chanel, Charlotte Tilbury and much more.

WHICH MAKE-UP BRUSHES DO I NEED?

If you do wish to purchase your brushes from an independent brand, please ensure you have the following natural hair or good quality synthetic brushes as a minimum:

Foundation Brush
Concealer Brush
Shader brush
Blusher brush
Powder brush
Lip brush
Eyeliner brush
Eye shadow applicator
Blender brush/socket brush
Angled eyebrow brush
Mini blender brush

The school recommends that if you purchase your own set, that you choose a brand such as MAC, Nars, Charles Fox or equivalent.

WHO ARE THE GUEST MAKE-UP ARTISTS? DO THEY WORK IN THE INDUSTRY?

Our guests at the school are current industry experts with hundreds of years' experience collectively! You can expect artists from all roles within make-up as each artist is handpicked to teach their specialist subject, meaning that you receive up to date current trends and techniques. All our guest lecturers have a minimum of 10 years industry experience. Often, London based artists who travel to the school to educate their specialist skills in the Midlands. The guest artists work frequently on Celebrities, Models, Fashion Magazines, TV and Film. We only welcome guest artists who are of the highest calibre, this often means that because of their demand within the industry, guest artists can change from one course to the next. You can rest assured, you are being taught be the most current and BEST make-up artist in the industry.

You will receive a comprehensive IMA course note book on the first day of your course. This will give you all the theory you will need to get you started. Should you wish to purchase additional reference books the school recommends:

The Complete Make-up Artist By Penny Delamar
Makeup Your mind: Express yourself by Francois Nars
Face Forward by Kevyn Aucoin

Also one of the Schools tutor's Becky Hunting lets you know her favourites here

It is recommended that a variety of brands and products are used. During your course you will have the opportunity to discover many premium and high street brands. Each make-up artist has their personal favourites, often mixing high end cosmetics with high street. The school encourages the students to experiment and enjoy finding what works best for you.

CAN I APPLY FOR A STUDENT DISCOUNT ON TOP BRANDS?

As a school we have a long established relationship with many top brands, therefore we often have special discount events that are exclusive to our students. You will be informed of these discounts events when you start your course.

My Cart