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Beauty therapy is all about treating people and making them feel special in a relaxed and tranquil environment. The College’s professional salons and spa are the perfect backdrop for you to practice your skills.

This qualification is based on the beauty therapy National Occupational Standards (NOS), and is recognised by the UK's leading professional bodies (The British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) and the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)).

You'll learn all the required elements to work effectively as a beauty therapist, including facial skincare, manicure, pedicure and waxing services. You will further develop your understanding and skills base through selecting a number of optional specialist units, and will be provided with the flexibility to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to continue your studies or enter the working world.

  • Entry Criteria

    3 GCSEs (A*-D/9-3) including English or maths and preferably science, or successful completion of a relevant Level 1 programme

  • What will I study?

    You’ll be learning from tutors with a wealth of experience – using professional products on paying customers visiting our salons. You will study a range of subjects including:


    • Anatomy and physiology - understand the role and organisation of the human body, the structure and function of the systems of the body in the areas under treatment and understanding pathology.


    • Facial treatments - improving and maintaining facial skin condition using a variety of treatments. These treatments include: skin exfoliation, skin warming, extraction, facial massage, mask treatments.
    • Manicure and pedicure - consulting with the client, recognising any contra-indications, preparing for the service and producing a service plan. It also covers filing and buffing the nails, using skin and cuticle treatments, massaging the hand and lower arm and providing a suitable nail finish.
    • Hot and warm waxing - removing hair using waxing techniques. The areas to be treated include the eyebrows, face, legs, underarm and the bikini line.
    • Make-up - providing make-up services for a variety of occasions, including day, evening and special occasions. You will need to show you can work with a variety of skin types and conditions.
    • Lash and brow treatments - be able to provide eyebrow shaping and artificial lash treatments using a variety of work techniques. You will also need to be able to tint eyebrows and lashes for clients with different colouring characteristics

  • Future Prospects

    You’ll have the skills to work in a salon at Level 2 or as a consultant on a cosmetic counter. Further your studies with the Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Beauty Therapy or Level 3 Diploma in Hair and Media Make-Up.

    You can also earn while you learn with one of our apprenticeship opportunities. Find out more here.

    To find out more visit the National Careers Service.