Certificate in Makeup Artistry and Hair Styling
Bring your passion to life and become an expert in makeup artistry and hairstyling across the worlds of fashion, screen, stage, and beyond. Our industry-focused Level 4 certificate gives you the practical and creative skills to build a standout portfolio and launch a career in the fast-paced hair & makeup industry.
Why Study Level 4 Makeup at Cut Above?
Direct your own photoshoot
You’ll develop and direct your own photoshoot, giving you invaluable experience as well as more material for your portfolio to wow prospective clients and employers.
Work on theatre and fashion shows
Hands-on experience is everything! You’ll get the opportunity to work on a range of theatre productions and fashion shows, practicing all the different looks you’ll be mastering.
More than makeup & hair
You’ll not only explore the magic of makeup and hairstyling, you’ll also learn workplace and small business practice skills. Plus you’ll gain extra skills in business practices, styling, and how to market yourself as an all-rounder.
Exclusive Work Experience Opportunity
During the course, discover the excitement of being part of the makeup & hair crew on a film set, theatre production, or backstage at a fashion show. As students are working on industry-level productions, each experience is different and unique to every class.
Learning Hours
37.5 hours per week, including approx.:
22 contact hours
15.5 tutor directed and self-directed hours
Get More Info
Interested in finding out more? The Cut Above team are here to help. Fill in your details and we will give you a call to chat through your options.
Course Content
Immerse yourself in learning the full range of skills in makeup, hairstyling, fashion, cosmetics consultancy, editorial and photographic work from tutors with years of professional experience.
Delve into the glamour of the 50's, the terror of the vampire underworld, and explore a range of genres as you design different looks across the ages.
Progress to advanced techniques in stage and screen including corrective, character and period makeup, body art, stage FX, decade hair and the art of drag.
Transport yourself to the runways of Europe as you progress to makeup and hairstyling for high fashion editorial runway.
Build your business skills so you can be your own boss or assist with the running of a small business.
Makeup services & cosmetic consultancy
Fashion makeup and hairstyling
Blow drying, advanced braiding and hot tools
Wig and hairpiece styling
Photographic skills and model posing
Corrective and glamour makeup
Catwalk and promotions hair & makeup
Makeup & hair for performing arts
Film and television makeup & hairstyling
Character and period makeup & hair
Introduction to Special Effects (SFX) and Body Art
Career Opportunities
Once you have graduated you can seek employment as a makeup artist in the following industries:
Film
Television
Advertising
Theatre
Fashion
Freelance
Photographic studios
You will also be able to work in the cosmetics industry as a sales representative or technical consultant.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Zealand Certificate in Makeup Artistry and Hairstyling (Level 4)
120 credits
General admission, applicants must:
Be aged 17 or older on commencement of the programme
Have completed secondary education to NCEA Level 2 or equivalent or have an acceptable equivalent level of secondary education from a recognised education institution overseas
Have access to a computer/laptop with prescribed basic hardware requirements as per marketing material, a microphone, and a reliable internet connection.
Note: Phones are not considered as appropriate devices
Additional International Requirements:
Learners must be aged 18 years or older at the start of the programme. Applicants under 18 may be accepted but must provide evidence that they are living with a parent or legal guardian.
Demonstrate a level of English language competency gained in the last two years equivalent to IELTS Level 5.5 (Academic) with no band less than 5.
Domestic
You may be eligible for fees free study! Refer to the website www.feesfree.govt.nz to check if you are eligible, as course fees are paid up to a maximum of $12,000.
Tuition Fee: $9,158
Student Services Levy: $350
Course Related Costs: $1000**
*2025 fees are subject to change.
**Also known as the CSSF or Compulsory Student Services fee. This fee covers the learning, employment, wellbeing and counselling support you might need during your time with us. This cost is paid together as part of your course fees. You can find out more information about what this covers here.
If you're eligible for fees free study, you still need to apply for a Student Loan if you want to borrow course-related costs or living costs. Find out if you're eligible by calling StudyLink on Freephone 0800 88 99 00 or visit Studylink.
International
Tuition Fee: $26,000 NZD
Course Related Costs: $2,000 NZD
Download the international fees PDF here.
Intake Dates
Cut Above Academy is one of the trading names for the registered PTE Yoobee Colleges. Your enrolment is with Yoobee Colleges Ltd and your qualification is issued by Yoobee Colleges.
Qualifications are issued by Yoobee Colleges Ltd. Yoobee Colleges Ltd is an NZQA Category 2 registered provider.
Term dates are subject to change pending enrolment numbers, availability and unforeseen funding fluctuations. Yoobee Colleges Ltd reserves the right to modify schedules to make sure the College runs well and students are offered the best learning experience.