Beauty Therapy VRQ Level 2
This course will be infilled into the full-time Beauty Therapy Certificate/Diploma Level 2 course.
You’ll learn techniques in facials, waxing, manicure, pedicure, lash and brow treatments and make-up (design and create an image), whilst also gaining knowledge of health and safety practices and client care. With hands-on training in a professional salon environment, you’ll build the confidence and expertise needed to progress into the industry or further your studies.
Dates & course durations
September 2026, infilling wwith the Level 2 full-time course.
Enrolment for autumn courses will open in June.
Entry requirements
Students will need to demonstrate enthusiasm and interest and have a genuine desire to both provide and receive beauty therapy treatments. Students who have already achieved Level 1 Beauty Therapy will be at an advantage and will receive credit for prior learning. 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.
Students generally require a minimum of three GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade D/3 or higher to gain entry to the course. Mature students may be exempt from this requirement if they have appropriate work experience/life skills or additional qualifications.
Course units
Topics you will study include:
- Facial Treatments
- Waxing for Hair Removal
- Manicure Treatments
- Pedicure Treatments
- Make-up (including themed make-up design)
- Lash and Brow Tinting
- Eyebrow Shaping
- Artificial Eyelashes
- Health and Safety
- Client Care and Communication Skills
- Promotional Skills
- Reception Duties
Assessments
- Assessment consists of practical observations on paying clients, demonstrating professional skills and effective client care and communication. Students are often required to find some of their own models for assessment.
- Oral and written questioning, assignments, projects and tests online are used to test knowledge and understanding.
- Assessment will be graded Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Course fees
£0-£3,304
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 Info Team: info@yorkcollege.ac.uk
Study methods
This course is predominantly a practical-based course. This means that the majority of your training will be delivered in one of the College salons or workshops. You’ll be expected to complete theoretical knowledge through homework activities and directed learning, although some theory work will also be embedded into practical sessions. Tests and assignments will also be used to check and test your knowledge and understanding.
Facilities
York College offers outstanding facilities designed to support and inspire students in the Hair, Beauty, and Media Make-up industries.
The Hair & Beauty department includes two large, fully equipped hairdressing salons and four professional-standard beauty therapy salons, providing realistic commercial environments for students to refine their skills. Due to the success of higher-level Beauty Therapy qualifications, an additional advanced clinic will be introduced in September 2026.
A welcoming commercial salon reception area enhances the professional experience, while three dedicated media make-up workshops provide creative spaces equipped with industry-standard tools and products.
Beyond the department, students benefit from the wider College’s excellent facilities, including the modern Learning & Research Centre, quiet study hubs, well-equipped IT areas, multi-function printers, and expert on-site support services—creating an ideal environment for both academic and practical success.
Additional costs
All students are required to purchase a practical kit and uniform, details of which will be provided at enrolment.
Course progression
Level 3 Beauty Therapy (full-time during the day).
Career progression
Employment as a beauty therapist in a salon environment. Some adult learners choose to work independently as a mobile beauty therapist.
VTCT Level 2 NVQ Award in Providing Manicure Services
Courses for Adults
Curriculum Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Evening
Start Date
September 2026
Duration
13 Weeks
Level
Level 2
VTCT Level 2 Award in Facial Massage & Skincare
Courses for Adults
Curriculum Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
April 2027
Duration
14 Weeks
Level
Level 2
VTCT Level 2 Award in Eyelash & Eyebrow Treatments
Courses for Adults
Curriculum Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Evening
Start Date
January 2027
Duration
12 Weeks
Level
Level 2
Beauty Therapy Diploma VRQ Level 3
Courses for Adults
Curriculum Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
September 2026
Duration
36 Weeks
Level
Level 3
VTCT Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Beauty Therapy
University Centre
Courses for Adults
Curriculum Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
September 2026
Duration
35 Weeks
Level
Level 4
VTCT (iTEC) Level 5 Certificate in Non-surgical Aesthetic Procedures for Skin Rejuvenation
University Centre
Courses for Adults
Curriculum Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
October 2026
Duration
35 Weeks
Level
Level 5
VTCT (iTEC) Level 4 Certificate in Micropigmentation
Courses for Adults
Curriculum Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
February 2027
Duration
17 Weeks
Level
Level 4
VTCT (iTEC) Level 3 Certificate in Access to Aesthetic Therapies
Courses for Adults
Curriculum Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
September 2026
Duration
17 Weeks
Level
Level 3
VTCT (iTEC) Level 4 Certificate in Radio Frequency Treatments
Courses for Adults
Curriculum Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
May 2026
Duration
5 Days
Level
Level 4
VTCT (iTEC) Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Beauty Treatments
University Centre
Courses for Adults
Curriculum Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
September 2026
Duration
35 Weeks
Level
Level 4
VTCT (iTEC) Level 4 Certificate in Skin Needling
Courses for Adults
Curriculum Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
September 2026
Duration
5 Days
Level
Level 4
VTCT (iTEC) Level 4 Certificate in Skin Peeling
Courses for Adults
Curriculum Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
September 2026
Duration
10 Weeks
Level
Level 4
City & Guilds Level 3 VRQ Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing
Courses for Adults
Curriculum Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
September 2026
Duration
35 Weeks
Level
Level 3
Level 2 City & Guilds Diploma in Hairdressing
Courses for Adults
Curriculum Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Evening
Start Date
September 2026
Duration
35 Weeks
Level
Level 2
Level 2 City & Guilds Certificate in Barbering
Courses for Adults
Curriculum Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
September 2026
Duration
35 Weeks
Level
Level 2
City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate Hairdressing & Barbering
Courses for Adults
Curriculum Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Evening
Start Date
September 2026
Duration
35 Weeks
Level
Level 1
BA (Hons) Media Make-up, Special Effects & Hair Design (Top-up)
University Centre
Courses for Adults
York School of Art
Curriculum Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
September 2026
Duration
1 Year (2 days per week)
Level
Level 6
Foundation Degree (FD) Media Make-up, Special Effects & Hair Design
University Centre
Courses for Adults
York School of Art
Curriculum Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
September 2026
Duration
2 Years (2 days per week)
Level
Level 5
