Beauty Therapy

Level 3

Cheltenham Gloucester

Course Overview

Part Time
Certificate

Take your passion for beauty therapy to the next level as you learn advanced skills and discover holistic therapies and the latest industry trends. From massage using pre-blended aromatherapy oils to stone therapy massage, this course covers it all. With hands-on experience you can work with real clients and take part in masterclasses from industry experts. You’ll gain the advanced skills and knowledge needed to deliver advanced beauty treatments in professional salons, or study at a higher level.

What you’ll learn

You’ll learn how to deliver advanced beauty treatments in a professional setting, developing a skillset that’s in high demand. Beyond learning practical skills, you’ll also learn about promoting and selling products, health and safety, and current beauty trends.

This course covers:

Anatomy, Physiology & Pathologies (theory linking with consultations)
Body massage
Single eyelash extension treatments (Glos campus only)
Micro-dermabrasion (Cheltenham campus only)
Massage to using pre-blended aromatherapy oils
Stone therapy massage
Indian head massage
Self-tanning (manual & spray)
Promoting and selling products and services
Health and safety

*Additional sessions cover current trends, such as bamboo massage, dry body brushing & body scrubs, Hopi Ear candles.

You’ll gain real-world experience in our industry-standard salons, practicing on peers and paying clients to develop your skills and build your confidence. You’ll also use a professional range of products to deliver treatments.

With experienced lecturers, professional guest demonstrations and trips, you’ll develop the right skills and a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to shine in the beauty industry.

Highlights

You can look forward to:

Work on real clients in our industry standard beauty salons
Masterclasses led by professionals in beauty
Access to professional tools and products
‘Skills Week’ with in-house competitions and masterclasses on additional techniques, such as crystals and chakras, and paraffin wax moisturising treatments
Meeting local and national employers, as well as past students

Assessment

You’ll be assessed through written assignments, tests and projects, and you’ll complete a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate your progress. You’ll also complete assessments which are undertaken on paying clients throughout the course.

Anything else?

There is a course fee charged at enrolment to cover essential course materials, books, course trips and visits. You can contact Student Services to find out about financial assistance.

At Gloucestershire College we want students to develop their English and Maths skills so that they achieve their learning goals and future career aims. For this reason, all full-time students (16-18) who have not achieved grade 4 or above English language or maths GCSE will study these subjects as part of their course.

You’ll also develop additional employability and work-based skills through our Which Three Skills programme, and benefit from a weekly pastoral session with a student mentor for any additional support. You’ll need to be able to demonstrate good interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, commitment and an ability to communicate effectively.

Typical Entry Criteria
- A full level 2 qualification in the relevant subject must be completed
  - Any relevant Level 2 qualification must be translatable to the current qualification structure delivered and verified by the College
Gloucestershire College welcome any other/combinations of relevant qualifications that are comparable and/or equivalent to the typical course entry requirements.
Applicants that do not have recognised qualifications may still meet course entry requirements through alternative methods of assessment at the College’s discretion.
All queries regarding course entry criteria including the equivalency of qualifications and exceptional extenuating circumstances should be directed by email to the Admissions Department through applications@gloscol.ac.uk.
This 1 year course will provide you with openings to take employment as a beauty therapist or you wish to progress on to higher education studying beauty and spa management.

Shortlist and Apply

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What You Will Pay

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If you want to work in a vibrant, ever-changing industry, a career in hairdressing, beauty and spas could be the right choice for you.

Employment prospects in this industry are diverse and exciting, with opportunities to work in high street salons, hotels and spas, or perhaps on cruise ships travelling the world. You may even like to set up your own business.

As a student, you’ll have the chance to use industry-standard facilities in our on-site salons at the Cheltenham, Gloucester and Forest of Dean campuses.

Throughout your training programme you will carry out treatments for your peers as well as for paying clients, giving you the chance to develop your skills and gain the widest possible range of experiences.

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Student Stories

My aunty owns her own spa and really sparked my interest in the beauty industry. My dream is to become a Beauty Therapist and my course has taught me all of the skills needed, as well as how to be professional and confident. If you want to study a hands-on course, I would definitely recommend GC for its wide range of courses and facilities."

Georgina Wilson

Level 2 – Beauty Therapy – Cheltenham Campus

I was originally doing A Levels and was going to work in engineering! Doing hair has always been something I enjoyed. College is very different to school. I like how everyone respects each other, and it’s friendly here. I went in not knowing anyone and they’re now my closest friends. At first I wasn’t very confident but the more I did it the easier it got. When I started talking to our clients more, I felt way more comfortable asking for help. 100% I’m more confident now!

Kasey Tyler

Level 2 - Hairdressing - Forest of Dean Campus

I chose my course because I really enjoy hairdressing – I like styling people’s hair and making them feel happy after I’ve finished with their look. I like learning new things, learning different colours and how to do different cuts. I find the processes really interesting. I work at a salon currently and would like to stay on there. Getting that experience of a salon, seeing how stylists do different things in different ways is really good to see.

Cornelia Smith

Level 3 - Hairdressing - Cheltenham

I like doing colour because it’s more creative and you can do a lot more with it. It's really satisfying with the before and after photos. Finding clients but it is a really good way to learn and do the assessments. My lecturers are really good, they’re always there to help. I wasn’t very confident with cuts but the more practice I’ve had, the more confident I felt doing haircuts. It’s really lovely getting the client feedback afterwards.

Lucie Scammell

Level 3 - Hairdressing - Cheltenham Campus

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Next Steps

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