Download our app

Click on the App Store or Google Play logos below to download the College app.

app store

google play

Not sure? No problem

Choosing what to study can be challenging. Speak to one of our advisors to find out what your options are.

Advice & Help Centre

This study programme is designed for 16 to 19 year olds (aged 19 to 24 for students with an Education, Health and Care Plan).

All courses take place on our Sixth Form Campus, therefore any applicants aged 25+ or over who do not have an Education, Health and Care Plan may be required to complete a DBS check as part of the conditional offer to West Suffolk College. The cost to the applicant for a DBS is £30.00 and the DBS check can be completed through the college.

Please visit our Adult EducationDegrees and Employer section for alternative courses.

About the course

This course offers learners a nationally recognised qualification at Level 2 in beauty therapy and is suitable for those who seek careers within the beauty therapy industry. A career in beauty therapy is an exciting one, with close links to the fashion and hairdressing industries. It is varied and diverse, offering lots of opportunities to learn and develop skills in a range of different areas. This is a practically-based course and learners will be required to work to a high professional standard on members of the public within the realistic working environment of our In Vogue Salons.

Learners will be required to complete work related experience within the industry to enrich their programme of study and gain relevant employability skills. Learners will also develop skills in English and Mathematics. The course offers a wide range of enrichment activities throughout the year and learners are encouraged to take part in West Suffolk College and national competitions.

Group photo
Selina massaging the back of a woman laying face down on a table
Photo of someone applying a mask to a person laying down
Photo of someone pointing at a document whilst another is reading it
Group photo of people smiling and talking together
Photo of a woman face down on a table with hot stones laid on her spine
Photo of a woman laying down with a machine spraying a fine mist at her face
Photo of a woman inspecting another womans face through a magnifier

Entry requirements

At least two GCSE passes at A*-C (4) grade (to include English and Science) plus GCSE Maths A*-D (3) grade is required to gain entry onto this course. However, this course does offer flexibility on the outcome of a personal interview and selection process with the curriculum staff. If English is not your first language you must have a Level 2 ESOL qualification and you must complete an ESOL assessment.

Some of the products used in the hairdressing and beauty industry contain nuts and therefore this occupation may not be suitable for those people with an allergy to nuts.

Qualifications

Level 2 Technical Certificate in Beauty Therapy

What you'll learn (core modules)

This course is designed to give learners a good foundation in Beauty Therapy and all learners are expected to be in College three to four days a week as well as complete at least one day a week of home study and compulsory work related experience hours working within the beauty industry. The course will include the following: Anatomy and Physiology, Principles of Practice for Beauty Therapists, Hair removal treatments, Facial and skin analysis, Manicure treatments, Pedicure treatments, Light cured gel polish, Lash and brow treatments, Apply make-up services and Introduction to the spa industry. The course is assessed via an external practical and theoretical assessment. The practical exam could be up to 6 hours with the theoretical exam consisting of short and extended answer style questions. You will need to provide your own models for practical assessment. Students are also required to attend an employability programme covering personal and social development.

Any student aged 16 to 19 who does not hold a GCSE A* to C (9 to 4 on the new grading structure) or equivalent qualifications in Maths and English by age 16 will need to continue to study these subjects in each academic year.

Benefits, skills and character strengths

Working in the hairdressing, barbering & beauty industry attracts passionate, artistic and hardworking individuals, this is a demanding industry where maximum job satisfaction is guaranteed for the right person. This is an industry where teamwork, artistry and personal flair is part of every working day and that brings with it the responsibility and rewards that ensure that every day is a new and exciting challenge. If you are looking for a long term, varied career that motivates and inspires your passion then this is the career for you.

How will I be assessed?

This course has an end point practical assessment, similar to a trade test, this covers practical skills and behaviours of the professional beauty therapist, this happens at the start of the third term. There will also be an end of course exam at the end of the second term, this covers theory taught across all units of Level 2 beauty therapy. Students will also complete optional units. All elements must be completed and achieved in order to achieve a full qualification.


Where is the course delivered? (facilities/classrooms)

In Vogue Salon in West Suffolk College.

Where will the course take me?

On successful completion of the Level 2, learners can progress on to the Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Beauty and Spa Therapy.

Will I need any materials or equipment?

Upon enrolment for this course learners will receive order forms that list all the equipment, tools and uniform requirements of the course. The uniform will consist of grey tailored trousers, two tunic tops, plain black cardigan and flat black closed shoes. Each learner will be required to buy recommended text books that support the knowledge delivered for this course. You may need to consider an additional cost for trips and activities throughout the year. Students must be in full and correct uniform for all practical lessons with hair in a tight bun, nails must be short and unvarnished. Nail extensions and visible piercings are now allowed during practical sessions.

How much will it cost?

The course is free for any students aged 16-19 years of age. There is an approximate cost of £500 for kit and £60 for the uniform that MUST be purchased. Any student over the age of 19 will need to pay full costs unless they are in receipt of benefits, the Student Welfare department will be able to help you with this application. Additional costs will be for the recommended text book, trips and enrichment courses.

I'm interested. What should I do now?

Apply on line and complete the application form, you will be called in to the college to interview with a member of the team who will give you more detail about the programme an help you enrol onto the course.

Days & times

Starting September 2023


Ask us a Question

If there is anything more you would like to know about this course, please message us here.

Please enter your name
Please enter a valid email address
Invalid Input
Please enter a message

Ask us a Question

If there is anything more you would like to know about this course, please message us here.

Please enter your name
Please enter a valid email address
Invalid Input
Please enter a message