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 programme provides an ideal introduction to the world of Beauty Therapy allowing learners to develop and gain knowledge and understanding of how the industry works and to provide a stepping stone for Level 1 onto level 2 programmes. Designed to build on their existing interest and passion for the beauty industry, the course provides learners with hands-on experience with a range of products and techniques to develop their practical skills within this industry. As a practical course underpinned by a theoretical background, the skills that are learned will be taught through a variety of situations in the salon and in theory lessons. The course also offers a wide range of enrichment activities throughout the year. The purpose of this qualification is to develop skills in beauty therapy and will prepare learners for further learning or training, developing the character strength needed for future employment as well as have the opportunity to improve their English and Maths skills. Learners will be required to complete work related experience within the industry or in-house at West Suffolk College to enrich their programme of study and gain employability skills. Throughout the year the progression to Beauty student will be asked to take part in many fundraising, charity and community events this provided them with the opportunity to develop both practical skills and client care and can be counted toward their WRE hours. During the year there are exciting opportunity's for student to take part in national and in-house competitions to showcase the skills they have learnt and to stretch and challenge them while developing these skills.

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

Entry is by interview. All applicants should show a keen interest in the beauty industry and be post 16 years. Some of the products used in the beauty industry contain nuts and therefore this occupation may not be suitable for those people with an allergy to nuts. This course is designed to introduce the foundation skills in beauty therapy to enable progression onto the L2 Technical Certificate in Beauty Therapy.

Qualifications

Level 1 Certificate in Hairdressing and 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, basic manicure and pedicure treatments, skin care, create a hair and beauty image, applying make-up and nail art. The course is assessed through inhouse practical and theoretical assessment. 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.

Where will the course take me?

Students will progress onto the L2 Technical Certificate in Beauty 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.

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