View programs
Do you have a passion for the beauty industry and possess a creative, artistic spirit? The Cosmetic Techniques and Management program will prepare you to be a leader in the cosmetics, personal care and fragrance industries, giving you the competitive edge you need to launch a successful career.
Experience weekly hands-on instruction in state-of-the-art lab facilities, where students learn practical make-up application techniques using a comprehensive professional student kit. Working alongside experienced faculty, you will create a range of cosmetic applications, including make-up for special events, media, photography, as well as period, airbrushing, creative and special effects application. In keeping with industry trends, students are also introduced to brow and lash enhancement techniques.
Foundational concepts are also at the core of the program to develop as an industry professional, where students experience training in areas ranging from colour theory and skincare analysis to communication and client consultations. Recognizing that cosmetics is an ever-growing billion-dollar industry, the program takes a holistic approach that emphasizes important business skills and entrepreneurial training. A strong focus is placed on meeting industry professional standards, including teaching best practices and protocols in infection control. Students also have the opportunity to collaborate with a professional photographer in their final semester and develop their portfolio of work to assist with obtaining future job opportunities.
Our expert faculty and program team have diverse training and industry experience, ranging from beauty, fragrance, and creative special effects, as well as cosmetics retail and event management. Faculty have represented prominent luxury cosmetics brands and have also had their special effects work featured on Breakfast Television for Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland.
View full costs
View all courses
To help students succeed in programs with remote learning requirements, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified minimum technology recommendations. While these are not program requirements, these suggestions will help ensure students have the right tools to support a quality remote learning experience.
View all recommendations
View all career options
Fill out the form to get more information on your program of interest, upcoming events, and how to become a Durham College student. By submitting your information below, you consent to Durham College contacting you via email and/or SMS with a minimum of 4 messages per month. You may withdraw consent at any time.
905.721.3000
Please contact the international office.
Our Cosmetic Techniques and Management program prepares you for an exciting career in the fast-paced, growing cosmetics and personal care industry. Our program uses a holistic approach and covers a variety of disciplines that students require to enjoy success in the cosmetics industry. Hands-on courses cover fundamental and advanced cosmetic application techniques, including make-up for a variety of media and events, creative, period and special effects applications, as well as brow and lash enhancement techniques. Fundamental core courses in areas such as colour theory, skincare analysis and product knowledge help students develop further as professionals to meet industry standards. Within the program, a strong emphasis is placed on cosmetic selling and customer service protocols, retail management, marketing for make-up artists, event planning, business communications and development of entrepreneurial skills.
You will complete a three-week field placement and have the opportunity to network with employers and industry insiders to complement your in-class learning, as well as hands-on experience gained while working onsite in the fully operational Durham College Spa. Students also consolidate their skills, collaborating with a professional photographer in their final semester to develop a portfolio of work that assists in obtaining future job opportunities and commanding professional rates.
In order to participate in the lab component of the program uniforms must be worn at all times. Students must meet the pre-lab requirements in order to receive their uniform and student kit.
To be eligible for the lab/placement component of this program you must (at your expense) provide:
In order to maintain confidentiality and security, the program utilizes an independent provider, Verified by Synergy Gateway for DC Spa Lab for field placement documentation collection and validation. This process is the Electronic Requirements Verification (ERV). There is a cost associated with this external agency of $51.50. Please refer to the Cosmetic Techniques and Management Program ERV Information Package for details.
Durham College is a member of Cosmetics Alliance Canada.
BOARDS OF TRADE AND CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE PARTNERSHIP
First-year students enrolled in a diploma program or select graduate certificate program through the Faculty of Business will receive a membership to all eight of Durham Region’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade for the duration of their studies, plus an additional year following graduation. As one of the only colleges in Ontario with this offering, DC is proud to provide students access to local businesses at a regional level.
The eight Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade include:
Membership benefits:
First-year students enrolled in a diploma program or select graduate certificate program through the School of Business, IT & Management will receive a membership to all eight of Durham Region’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade for the duration of their studies, plus an additional year following graduation. As one of the only colleges in Ontario with this offering, DC is proud to provide students access to local businesses at a regional level.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
More than 75% of this program is delivered in-person.
The rest of the coursework will be delivered using hybrid, flexible or online formats. Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Program fees listed include charges for student kit learning materials and uniform retained by the student. These items are non-refundable once received and will remain the property of the student.
Over a three-week period, you will network with employers, industry insiders and have the ability to experience the cosmetics industry first-hand. You will get an inside view of the day-to-day operations and have the opportunity to work alongside professionals in the cosmetics, personal care and fragrance industries to gain real-world experience and open doors for future career advancement.
Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.
To help students have the best remote learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.
Processor: i3 RAM: 4GB Storage: 256GB SSD Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1 Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version) Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter Camera: Webcam/built-in camera Internet connection
Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk or the school office.
App Store
Google Play