The Best Tattoo Training Courses in the UK: Reviewed

As a tattoo artist, I know the importance of having proper training and education. Tattooing is an art form that requires skill, technique, and knowledge of the human body. That’s why it’s essential to choose the right tattoo training course to ensure you have the right foundation to build your career.

After researching and reviewing various tattoo training courses in the UK, I have compiled a list of the top tattoo training courses. These courses have been selected based on their reputation, curriculum, and student reviews.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced tattoo artist looking to expand your skills, this list has something for everyone.

From traditional tattooing techniques to the latest trends in micro-tattooing, these courses cover a wide range of topics.

So, whether you’re looking to start your career or take your skills to the next level, this list will help you find the right tattoo training course for you.

What to Consider When Choosing a Tattoo Training Course

Location

When choosing a tattoo training course, one of the first things to consider is the location of the course.

It’s important to find a course that is accessible to you and fits your schedule. Some courses may require you to travel or stay overnight, while others may be closer to home. Consider the location and how it will impact your ability to attend the course.

It is worth travelling for a good course

Cost

The cost of the course is another important factor to consider. Tattoo training courses can vary in price, so it’s important to find one that fits your budget.

Keep in mind that the cost of the course may include materials, certification fees, and other expenses.

You also need to think about the cost of accommodation. At least one course includes that in the price.

Be sure to factor in all costs when comparing different courses.

Course Content

The content of the course is another important consideration. Look for a course that covers all aspects of tattooing, from safety and hygiene to design and technique.

It’s also important to find a course that offers hands-on experience and practical training.

Consider the course syllabus and make sure it covers everything you need to know to become a successful tattoo artist.

Duration

Finally, consider the duration of the course. Some courses may be shorter or longer than others, depending on the level of training offered.

Consider your schedule and how much time you can commit to the course.

Keep in mind that longer courses may offer more in-depth training and a better overall experience. It may be worth finding the extra money.

What should a Tattoo Training Course Cover?

Before parting with your hard earned cash its important that you make sure the course covers what you need to industry standard.

A good Tattoo training course will cover

• Skin preparation
• Cross contamination  {some offer a infection control certificate which is good to have}
• Consent forms and legal issues
• Tattoo hygiene
• Basic drawing and design skill
• How to use and service a tattoo machine
• Tattoo placement
• The tattoo procedure
• Aftercare
• Business Development
• Types of Needles
• Tattoo Art

Things to check

You need to check if the course is done on human skin or practice skin. Some courses offer practice skin only which doesn’t help you as much to build up your confidence and real life skills.

Synthetic skin is very different to real skin.

Things to consider

Tattoo Courses Are Not Accepted By The Industry

A tattoo course is one gateway into professional tattooing but it does not fully replace a tattoo apprenticeship.

Tattoo courses are very much frowned upon by the tattoo industry so you may struggle to find a placement in a tattoo studio after the course.

This post goes into a lot more detail about the pros and cons of tattoo school.
Should You Go To Tattoo School. Pros and Cons

There is no “Tattooist Qualification”

There is no “official qualification” to become a tattooist in the UK. Your success stands and falls on the quality of your work so a paper qualification doesn’t mean much.

Now that we’ve covered what to consider when choosing a tattoo training course, let’s take a look at the best tattoo training courses in the UK

The Best Tattoo Training Courses in the UK

Name Of Tattoo School	Duration	Price	Location
The Magik Realm	3 Days	£695	Flintshire Wales
Blue Steel Tattoo Training	2 Days	£500	Middlesbrough
The Tattoo Piercing Academy	10 Days	£2799 {sale prices available}	London & Manchester
UK Official Tattoo Academy	10 Days	£2998 {sale prices available}	Romford Essex
Black Ink Tattoo Academy	10 Days or 30 Days	£2500 or £15,000	Leeds & Hull
London Tattoo Academy	10 Days	UK course £2000 inc VAT. Ireland course €2750 + VAT	London & Limerick City Ireland
The Academy	10 Days	£1999	Belfast, Northern Ireland

1 – The Magik Realm

The Magik Realm have been teaching tattooing for a long time and have a lot of experience.

They offer both online and in-person courses to suit different learning styles.

Their online training is run over zoom and they can supply all equipment needed.

They will help with licensing, set up and how to create a home based tattoo studio

Their main in person courses are a 3 day course or 2 day condensed course for the same price of £695. 

This price also included accommodation with them so is very reasonably priced.

They also have a wide range of tattoo machines to try out so that you can decide what is best for you before you make an expensive purchase.

Length : 3 days or 2 days condensed, Monday to Friday or weekend available

Cost : £695 including 2 nights accomodation.

Do you tattoo on human skin? : It’s unclear from the website. Contact them to find out.

Location : Deeside, Flintshire, Wales 

https://www.themagikrealm.com

2 – Blue Steel Tattoo Training

Blue Steel Tattoo Training is the longest established tattoo training course in the UK. 

They offer a 2 day introductory course at the very reasonable price of £500. This is suitable for the complete beginner.

The person giving the course is qualified in education so knows how to teach well. The course is one on one so you will get individualised help. No getting lost in a massive class.

Length : 2 Day introductory course – weekdays and weekends including bank holidays

Cost : £500 Cash only. They provide lunch and will collect and drop at your hotel.

Do you tattoo on human skin? : It’s unclear from the website. Contact them to find out.

Location : Middlesbrough

https://www.bluesteeltraining.co.uk

3 – THE Tattoo Piercing Academy

The Tattoo Piercing Academy offers a 10-day tattoo training course that is designed for individuals over the age of 18 who are looking to start their career as a tattooist.

The course has a 98% pass rate and includes a certificate upon completion. The course is taught by experienced professionals in the industry and covers everything from tattoo styles, tattoo design to aftercare.

They have 2 training centres in London and Manchester

Length : 10 Days over 2 weeks – Monday to Friday

Cost : £2799 {sale prices available}

Do you tattoo on human skin : Yes

Location : London and Manchester

https://tattoopiercingacademy.co.uk/tattoo-courses/

4 – UK Official Tattoo Academy

The UK Official Tattoo Academy offer a comprehensive tattoo training course in the UK. They have a 10-day intensive course that covers both the theory and practical aspects of tattooing.

The course is taught by experienced professionals in the industry and includes a theory exam as well as a practical exam on the last day of the course.

They stipulate that you must be over 18. You also need to know how to draw as the course will not teach you that.

Areas covered in week 1 include

• Hygiene
• Tattoo machines
• Needles tips and grips
• Skin prep
• The full tattoo procedure
• Consent forms , legal info, aftercare info
• Infections and contamination
• Registration and how to get licensed
• Health and safety precautions
• Hazardous substances and bio hazard waste and how to handle it.
• Cross contamination protection and techniques
• Sterilizing
• Theory Exam

Week 2 is more hands on and covers :

• Drawing
• Creating tattoo designs
• Placement skills
• Stencilling fake skin
• Sterilisation
• Practice skin
• Setting up a machine
• Lining and shading 
• Pigments and inks
• Supplies
• Preparing a person to be tattooed.
• Practical tattooing on a model – you need to bring a friend.

Length :  10 Days over 2 weeks – Monday to Friday

Cost : £2998 {sale prices available}

Do you tattoo on human skin : Yes – but you need to provide your own model it seems.

Location : Romford Essex

/https://ukofficialtattooacademy.co.uk

5 – Black Ink Tattoo Academy

The Black Ink Tattoo Academy is a training program for beginners with zero or little experience who wish to become professional tattoo artists. 

They offer 2 types of training programme.

Basic Tattoo & Hygiene Course

One is a basic beginners course over 10 days which costs £2500 for 10 days. This is done on fake skin.

It covers the basics of tattooing including:

• Machine set up
• Station Set Up
• Needle Types
• Waste and Needle Disposal
• Designing
• Shading
• Colouring
• Linework

30 Day Tattoo Course

The second course they do is more like a paid apprenticeship. It takes place over 30 days over a 60 month period. You work with them on a Tuesday and Wednesday. This will all build towards making you a confident tattoo artist.

This is 1 on 1 private training.

At the end of the course you get a certificate and are offered a job placement to work with them. 

If you choose to work at Black Ink the course will be free but you have to sign a contract to work there for 2 years.

Overall this is a good way of doing an apprenticeship with chance of a position in a tattoo shop  at the end.

This option costs £15,000

Length : 10 days or 30 days

Cost : £2500 or £15,000

Do you tattoo on human skin? : Yes – on the 30 day course. No – on the beginner course

Location : Leeds and Hull

https://blackink.uk.com/tattoo-academy

6 – London Tattoo Academy

The London Tattoo Academy offers a range of tattoo training courses for beginners and experienced tattoo artists alike. They have been teaching budding tattooists since 1993.

Their courses are taught by experienced professionals in the industry and cover everything from tattoo design to aftercare. 

They are the first UK Tattoo course to offer Tattoo Infection Control Level 2 (VTQ) as aport of the course which gives you a 1 year nationally recognised certification.

Their course covers all the prerequisites of a tattooing course. However I particularly like that they cover other important things not mentioned by other courses. 

These in include how to deal with people who faint, good bedside mannered how to deal with nervous clients. All really important knowledge.

Length : 10 days Monday to Friday

Cost : UK course £2000 inc VAT. Ireland course €2750 + VAT

Do you tattoo on human skin? : It’s unclear from the website. Contact them to find out.

Location : London and Limerick City Ireland

https://londontattooacademy.co.uk/tattoo-courses/

7 – The Academy

This tattoo Training Establishment is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. There are only 8 people Per course and all is taught by award winning mentors.

The course is a 10 day intensive taught over 2 weeks Monday to Friday 10am till 5pm

Length : 10 Day introductory course – over 2 weeks Monday to Friday 10am till 5pm

Cost : £1999. You can book with a £300 deposit to secure a place.

Do you tattoo on human skin? : It’s unclear from the website. Contact them to find out.

Location : Belfast, Northern Ireland.

https://theacademyuk.co.uk/pages/tattoo-courses-in-ireland

Conclusion – Best Tattoo Training Courses in the UK

In conclusion, there are many excellent tattoo training courses in the UK. Each of the schools on this list offers valuable information and hands-on experience that will help you start your career as a professional tattooist. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, want an in person or online tattoo course, there’s something on this list that will suit your needs.

Many schools also offer training in Body modification if you would like to become a body piercer.

I have tried to include a wide range of types of school with different approaches to teaching.

If you run a tattoo training course in the UK and would like to be included in this list, please get in touch.

The information on the site is for entertainment only. Anything you do is at your own risk. Consult with your own Tattooist, Piercer or Doctor for advice.