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Key Details

Course Area:

Hair and Beauty

Student Type:

16 - 18 | 19+ student

Course Type:

Full-time FE course

Course Introduction

This course is perfect if you are looking to pursue a career in a specialist environment such as in a day spa, on a cruise liner, or in a dedicated facility in a high-end hotel.

This course provides a great foundation for a career in spa management or progression on to university.

Beauty therapists work in close contact with clients from different age groups and backgrounds. Good social and interpersonal skills, discretion and respect for others are important characteristics. You will also need to have physical stamina as you are often on your feet all day.

You’ll learn a range of advanced beauty techniques, such as:

  • Body massage
  • Stone therapy massage
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Facial electrotherapy treatments.

You’ll also cover:

  • Client care
  • Consultation
  • Health and safety
  • Sales of products and services

The Programme of Study (PoS) will give you the opportunity to not only gain work specific knowledge and skills but will provide an opportunity to carry out 30 hours of work placement related to your course. You will also be engaging in enrichment activities that include the development of those wider skills which are vitally important when working in industry. These include problem solving, communication, teamwork, collaboration and following instructions all of which are required when working in industry.

You will also have a pastoral tutorial which will cover current topics including PREVENT, British Values, keeping safe, to name but a few. In addition, you will also have a personal tutor which will set academic targets to keep you on track to achieve.

You can expect a dedicated team of lecturers who still work in the industry, so have up to date skills and experience.

This will be a hands-on learning experience to ensure you get a solid grounding in the main beauty therapy techniques, using high quality products. You will be expected to work in a commercial salon carrying out treatments on paying clients.

Practical skills will be assessed when carrying out treatments on paying clients which will be mapped against the City & Guilds grading criteria of Pass, Merit, or Distinction.

This qualification will also help you improve communication and customer service skills, awareness of environmental sustainability and commercial skills, all of which are valued

You’ll need to complete a work experience placement as part of your course.

Course Information

City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy

Level 3

You must have 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C) including Maths and English, and a relevant Level 2 qualification in beauty.

All students must undertake and pass a practical dexterity test prior to enrolment to ensure you are suitable for this course.

If you are a progressing student, you must have achieved 90% attendance and passed a relevant Level 2 course. Please speak to your tutor regarding your progression options.

You will be assessed through practical observations, assignments, portfolio, and theory-based online tests.

On successful completion of this course you could work in industry - beauty salons, spas, cruise liners, hotels, freelance, or a Level 4 qualification in advanced aesthetics treatments.

You will be required to purchase a kit and uniform. Costs will be discussed at interview.

You are not permitted to have nail extensions or nails that are past the tips of your fingers and hair must be tied up in a bun if below shoulder. Above shoulder hair must be secured away from your face.

You may be required to provide your own models.

Please note your timetable may include one late evening.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Nottingham College is proud to have been recognised as a Ragdale Hall Spa College of Excellence.