Brushes & tools
Brush Family 12-Piece Set
R399
Professional Makeup Artist Diploma
The complete professional training, from hygiene and skin science to bridal, editorial and running your own makeup business.
PA 301 School of Professional Artistry
- Format
- Online, self-paced, with assessed practical work
- Study time
- About 6 months, roughly 120 study hours
- Access
- 24 months of access
- Award
- Diploma in Professional Makeup Artistry
Overview
The Professional Makeup Artist Diploma is the academy's flagship programme. It is built for people who want to work as makeup artists: for brides, on shoots, on set and behind the scenes at events.
You learn in the order a working artist needs. First hygiene, skin and colour; then the face, feature by feature; then the specialisms that pay, bridal and editorial; and finally the business of being booked. Every module ends with practical work that is marked by the faculty, so you always know where you stand.
What you will learn
- Work hygienically and manage a professional kit
- Prepare and read every skin type and undertone
- Match foundation accurately across the full range of South African skin tones
- Design eyes, brows, cheeks and lips for the face in front of you
- Deliver long-wearing bridal makeup and camera-ready editorial looks
- Price your work, take deposits and build a client base
Curriculum
13 modules, studied in order.
Professional practice and hygiene
Sanitation, kit hygiene, client safety, allergies and patch testing, and setting up a station.
Skin science and preparation
Skin types and conditions, skincare before makeup, and prepping for longevity.
Colour theory and correction
The colour wheel applied to skin, undertones, and correcting pigmentation and dark circles.
Face anatomy and proportion
Bone structure, face shapes, and how light and shadow change them.
Base mastery
Foundation matching across all skin tones, coverage, finish and seamless blending.
Brows
Mapping, shaping with product, and brows that suit the face.
Eye design
Eye shapes, blending, cut crease, smoky eyes and liner.
Lashes
Strip and individual lash application, and choosing lashes for the eye.
Cheeks, sculpt and light
Contour, blush placement and highlighting for day, evening and camera.
Lips
Lining, shaping, long-wear and colour selection.
Bridal makeup
Consultations, trials, longevity, bridal party workflow and timing on the day.
Editorial and camera makeup
Lighting, flash, HD skin, working to a brief and with photographers.
The business of makeup
Pricing, deposits, contracts, social media, portfolio and finding clients.
Packages
Every package leads to the same diploma. Choose how much live support, mentorship and kit you want alongside it.
Essential
The full diploma curriculum, studied online at your own pace.
Package feeR9,500
- All 13 modules of video lessons and workbooks
- Marked practical assessment for every module
- Final portfolio review and theory examination
- Diploma certificate on successful completion
- 24 months of course access
Most chosen
Professional
The diploma plus live feedback from the faculty while you study.
Package feeR14,500
- Everything in Essential
- Monthly live group critique sessions on Zoom
- Two 1:1 portfolio reviews with Brandon Walt
- Bridal and editorial specialist certificates included
- Private student community
Deluxe
The full academy experience, with a professional kit and studio time.
Package feeR22,500
- Everything in Professional
- Curated professional starter kit delivered to you
- Four 1:1 mentorship sessions with Brandon Walt
- One in-studio practical day in Pretoria
- Portfolio test shoot with edited images
- Priority consideration for assisting work
Assessment and award
Each module ends with a practical submission: photographs and a short video of your work on a model, marked against the academy's criteria with written feedback. The diploma is awarded on completion of all modules, a final portfolio of six looks and an online theory examination with a pass mark of 70%.
Awarded: Diploma in Professional Makeup Artistry.
Entry requirements
- Aged 16 or older
- A smartphone or camera to record your work
- A practice model, or yourself for the first modules
- A basic professional kit (see the student starter kit in the shop)
Recommended kit
For anyone starting the Professional Makeup Artist Diploma or a specialist certificate. The full kit costs about R1,461.49 from PHOERA.
Brushes & tools
Super Soft Makeup Sponge Blender
R34.99
Cheeks & glow
Correct & Contour Palette
R165
Base
Creamy Liquid Concealer
R90
Powder & setting
Loose Setting Powder
R99
Eyes & brows
Ultimate Eyeshadow x16 Palette
R239
Questions about this programme
Do I need any experience?
No. The diploma starts from the beginning. If you already work as an artist, the early modules move quickly and the assessments show you where to focus.
Is the diploma accredited?
The diploma is awarded by The Makeup Masterclass and certifies that you have completed and passed the academy's assessed programme. It is not a government (SAQA/NQF) qualification.
Can I pay in instalments?
Instalment plans will be offered when enrolment opens. Join the enrolment list and we will send you the options.
Related programmes
Continue your training or combine programmes. Diploma students on the Professional and Deluxe packages receive both specialist certificates.
| Code | Programme | School | Study time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA 210 | Bridal Makeup Specialist Consultations, trials, makeup that lasts from first look to last dance, and how to run a bridal business. |
Professional | About 6 weeks, roughly 25 study hours | R4,500 Enrolment opening soon |
| PA 220 | Editorial, Fashion and Shoot Makeup Makeup for the camera: working to a brief, lighting, HD skin, graphic eyes and building a portfolio. |
Professional | About 6 weeks, roughly 25 study hours | R4,500 Enrolment opening soon |
| MC 201 | The Editorial Glam Masterclass Brandon Walt's full editorial glam, filmed start to finish. Watch tonight, keep it for life. |
Masterclass | 60+ minute video lesson | R750 Enrolling now |