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Beauty Therapy VRQ Level 2

Start Date

September 2026

Study Mode

Full-time

Duration

35 Weeks

Level

Level 2

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. 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.

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.

September 2026, infilling wwith the Level 2 full-time course.

Enrolment for autumn courses will open in June.

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.

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
  • 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.

£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 

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. 

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.

All students are required to purchase a practical kit and uniform, details of which will be provided at enrolment.

Level 3 Beauty Therapy (full-time during the day).

Employment as a beauty therapist in a salon environment. Some adult learners choose to work independently as a mobile beauty therapist.

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