Beauty Therapy Diploma VRQ Level 3
This course is aimed at adults who already have a Level 2 Beauty Therapy Diploma (or equivalent) and wish extend their knowledge and skills in beauty therapy.
The course will include a substantial amount of home study to meet the demands of the qualification. Students must be able to allocate time at home to complete these activities in addition to attending College two nights a week. Regular attendance each week is vital.
The Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy is designed for students who wish to carry our professional treatments in the health and beauty industry.
Entry requirements
Students are required to have a previously passed Level 2 Beauty Therapy and be confident in these treatments and services. An understanding of anatomy and physiology is advantageous.
Students will need to demonstrate enthusiasm and interest and have a genuine desire to both provide and receive Level 3 treatments.
This course requires students to follow a strict dress code. For reasons concerned with health and safety students must tie up long hair (so that it is off the face and neck), remove all jewellery and piercings and keep nails short and product free. Certain medical conditions may be contraindicated to treatment (please seek further guidance from the tutor).
Course units
Students will be required to complete the units below to gain the qualification:
- Health & safety
- Client care & consultation
- Anatomy & physiology
- Body massage
- Indian head massage
- Facial electrical treatments
- Body electrical treatments
- Hot & cold stone therapy
Assessments
- Observation of practical skills
- Oral questioning to check understanding
- Production of a portfolio of evidence – showing all the treatments that have been completed
- Online tests for each unit
Please note – students will be required to provide their own models on occasions.
Course fees
£3,672
The fees for this course can vary depending on funding eligibility and loan availability, if you feel you may qualify for funding, or wish to discuss loan options, please contact the Funding Team.
Course progression
Students could progress to a Level 4 course. Check the Hair & Beauty curriculum page to discover our courses.
Dates & course durations
September 2025, date tbc.
Study methods
Tutor input and demonstrations are followed by practical application of skills and knowledge. Students are required to work in pairs, practicing the treatments and developing skills until they are ready to work on models and clients. Assignments, work packages and portfolio-building are an integral part of the programme and home study is vital for completion of theory work.
Students will spend one evening a week joining students who are working towards a Level 3 qualification in body massage.
Facilities
York College have 3 large fully equipped hairdressing salons, an inviting commercial salon reception, 2 media make-up workshops and 3 beauty therapy salons. Adult learners will have access to professional products and equipment (including Loreal and Eve Taylor) and will also have the opportunity to join in any with any day time extracurricular activities should they wish to do so. This could include competition work and additional product training.
Additional costs
Students are generally required to purchase a kit; however, we are currently reviewing this situation.
All students will be required to wear a uniform. The details of this will be provided at a later date.
Career progression
Employment as a beauty therapist in a salon or spa environment. Some adult learners choose to work independently as a mobile beauty therapist.
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