Level 2 VTCT Diploma in Beauty Specialist Techniques

For anyone wishing to become a professional beauty therapist, make-up artist or nail technician and would like to learn new skills to unlock future earning potential in a thriving and lucrative industry.

Units include:

• facial skincare treatment

• enhancing eyebrows and lashes

• waxing

• manicure and pedicure

• salon reception and client care

• make-up

• creating images and display stock.

You may have the opportunity to go on national and international visits. Alongside valuable work experience placements, you could also take part in a variety of voluntary and charitable activities, including Nurses Day at the Queen Alexandra Hospital, Victorious Festival and community events.

And you will be encouraged and supported to take part in local and national competitions, including WorldSkills. Additional courses covering spray tan, henna brows, gel nails and lash enhancements may be available.

Entry requirements

A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English.

What attendance is required?

Your course is full-time over one year starting in September. The exact days and times depend on the timetable, but you can expect to attend for a minimum of 15 hours per week. A minimum of 90% attendance which includes English and maths classes, must be achieved to ensure success on the course.

If you are aged 16 to 19 and achieved a 3 in maths and/or English GCSE or Level 1 Functional Skills then you will attend GCSE timetabled sessions to improve your grade.

If you are aged 16 to 19 and achieved 2 or below in maths and/or English GCSE or Entry Level 3 Functional Skills then you will attend Functional skills timetabled lessons. If you are aged 16-19 and achieved a 4 or above in maths you will have the opportunity to complete core maths.

If you have declared a learning difficulty and are aged 19 to 25 the above will also apply to you. Improving your maths and English skills will help you progress further in your career.

Our salons are run as commercial businesses, to improve your employability skills and some sessions will run into the evening.

How is the course assessed?

Throughout the course you will be assessed regularly against the standards set down by the examining body. These assessments will be pre-arranged and will be as unobtrusive as possible.

Once you have completed the practical assessment of a unit to the set standard, you will sit online exams. You will be given assignments throughout the course with lots of help and guidance.

You will also be required to complete online study as part of your course.

What does this course lead on to?

You can progress to a Level 3 VTCT Diploma in Massage Therapy, an apprenticeship or directly into employment. Possible careers include make-up artist, beauty consultant and beauty therapist.