New Zealand Certificate in Makeup Artistry (Level 4)

Beauty & Personal Care

This practical Level 4 certificate teaches the skills needed to design and apply makeup, style hair, and create complete looks for film, television, fashion, editorial and events. Graduates are ready to enter the beauty industry with a standout portfolio.

NZ$9,156

inc GST

Enquire about international pricing


This course starts anytime

NZQA Level 4 Certification

Study Level

Entry

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

In-person study

Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting

NZMA Christchurch, Christchurch

It will take a total of 32 weeks

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Demonstrate professional standards in a makeup artistry workplace

Implement professional standards, skills, and behaviours in a makeup artistry context.

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Consultation and client management

Consult with clients to identify needs, create or follow a brief, and ensure comfort and safety.

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Makeup technique application

Apply a broad range of makeup techniques to meet client needs and industry standards.

What You're Signing Up For

Learn how to design and apply makeup and style hair across a range of industries, including film, TV, salons, and freelance work. This hands-on programme covers skills in client consultation, fashion and stage makeup, SFX basics, business, and portfolio building. Graduates will develop real-world technical and professional skills and be ready to work in the industry or further their studies.

Course Content

  • Core skills in makeup and hairstyling: health, safety and hygiene, anatomy, skin analysis, and consultation
  • Practical beauty makeup application and basic hairstyling including hot tools
  • Face shapes, skin tones, and product matching
  • Self-promotion, social media management, customer service, retail sales, and beauty trends
  • Glamour and creative makeup, advanced hairstyling, and trend-based techniques
  • Fashion editorial styles and festival face art using body paints
  • Historical and decade-specific makeup and hair (1900–2000), theatrical and stage looks, cultural context
  • Introduction to SFX makeup for fantasy/horror (burns, trauma, bald caps, character looks)
  • Industry standards for film/TV, set etiquette and professionalism, respectful cultural representation including Tȧ Moko
  • Freelance and retail business skills, career preparation, and portfolio building

What you need to know first

At least 17 years old (domestic), 18 years old (international, or living with parent/guardian)

NCEA Level 2 or evidence of ability to succeed

Access to a computer or laptop meeting specified hardware requirements

Microphone and reliable internet connection

For international students: IELTS 5.5 (Academic) with no band below 5 in the last 2 years

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Beauty

  • Personal Care

  • Film and TV

  • Fashion

  • Retail

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Future employment opportunities might be

  • Makeup artist in salons

  • Film and TV makeup artist

  • Retail beauty consultant

  • Freelance makeup and hair stylist

  • Beauty advisor for photographic work

  • Preparation for further study in beauty therapy, hairdressing, or SFX