Your browser is unsupported and may have security vulnerabilities! Upgrade to a newer browser to experience this site in all it's glory.
Skip to main content
Courses for Adults

Beauty Therapy Diploma VRQ Level 3

Subject Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Start Date
September 2025
Study Mode
Evening
Duration
36 Weeks
Level
Level 3
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 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.

Other similar courses
These other courses may be more suited to your interests or needs
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up department

VTCT Level 2 Complementary Therapies

Courses for Adults

Subject Area

Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up

Study Mode

Part-time

Start Date

Variable

Duration

Bespoke

Level

Level 2

VTCT Level 2 Complementary Therapies

Courses for Adults

Beauty Therapy VRQ Level 2

Courses for Adults

Subject Area

Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up

Study Mode

Evening

Start Date

September 2024

Duration

35 Weeks

Level

Level 2

Beauty Therapy VRQ Level 2

Courses for Adults

VTCT (iTEC) Level 4 Certificate in Radio Frequency Treatments

Courses for Adults

Subject Area

Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up

Study Mode

Part-time

Start Date

April 2025

Duration

12 Weeks

Level

Level 4

VTCT (iTEC) Level 4 Certificate in Radio Frequency Treatments

Courses for Adults

VTCT (iTEC) Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Aesthetic Treatments

Courses for Adults

Subject Area

Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up

Study Mode

Part-time

Start Date

September 2025

Duration

36 Weeks

Level

VTCT (iTEC) Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Aesthetic Treatments

Courses for Adults

VTCT (iTEC) Level 4 Certificate in Laser and Light Treatments

Courses for Adults

Subject Area

Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up

Study Mode

Part-time

Start Date

May 2025

Duration

12 Weeks

Level

Level 4

VTCT (iTEC) Level 4 Certificate in Laser and Light Treatments

Courses for Adults

VTCT (iTEC) Level 4 Certificate in Skin Needling

University Centre

Courses for Adults

Subject Area

Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up

Study Mode

Part-time

Start Date

February 2025

Duration

4 Days

Level

Level 4

VTCT (iTEC) Level 4 Certificate in Skin Needling

University Centre

Courses for Adults

VTCT (iTEC) Level 4 Certificate in Skin Peeling

University Centre

Courses for Adults

Subject Area

Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up

Study Mode

Part-time

Start Date

October 2024

Duration

4 Days

Level

Level 4

VTCT (iTEC) Level 4 Certificate in Skin Peeling

University Centre

Courses for Adults

Level 3 VTCT Certificate in Swedish Massage

Courses for Adults

Subject Area

Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up

Study Mode

Evening

Start Date

September 2024

Duration

35 Weeks

Level

Level 3

Level 3 VTCT Certificate in Swedish Massage

Courses for Adults

City & Guilds Level 3 VRQ Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing

Courses for Adults

Subject Area

Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up

Study Mode

Part-time

Start Date

September 2024

Duration

33 Weeks

Level

Level 3

City & Guilds Level 3 VRQ Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing

Courses for Adults

Level 2 Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing

Courses for Adults

Subject Area

Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up

Study Mode

Evening

Start Date

September 2025

Duration

35 Weeks

Level

Level 2

Level 2 Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing

Courses for Adults

Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Barbering

Courses for Adults

Subject Area

Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up

Study Mode

Part-time

Start Date

September 2024

Duration

34 Weeks

Level

Level 2

Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Barbering

Courses for Adults

City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate Hairdressing

Courses for Adults

Subject Area

Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up

Study Mode

Evening

Start Date

September 2024

Duration

35 Weeks

Level

Level 1

City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate Hairdressing

Courses for Adults

BA (Hons) Media Make-up, Special Effects & Hair Design (Top-up)

University Centre

Courses for Adults

York School of Art

Subject Area

Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up

Study Mode

Full-time

Start Date

September 2025

Duration

1 Year (2 days per week)

Level

Level 6

BA (Hons) Media Make-up, Special Effects & Hair Design (Top-up)

University Centre

Courses for Adults

York School of Art

Foundation Degree (FD) Media Make-up, Special Effects & Hair Design

University Centre

Courses for Adults

York School of Art

Subject Area

Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up

Study Mode

Full-time

Start Date

September 2025

Duration

2 Years (2 days per week)

Level

Level 5

Foundation Degree (FD) Media Make-up, Special Effects & Hair Design

University Centre

Courses for Adults

York School of Art