Beauty Therapy Diploma VRQ Level 3
This course will be infilled into the full-time Beauty Therapy Certificate/Diploma Level 3 course.
You’ll gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills in advanced treatments, including body and facial electrotherapy, massage techniques, and specialised skincare. The course also covers client consultation, health and safety, and business awareness, equipping you with the skills needed to work in high-end salons, spas, or even start your own beauty business. Students completing Level 3 are also invited to apply for Level 4 qualifications in Advanced Beauty Therapy/Aesthetics techniques (for example, skin needling, skin peeling, radio frequency, micro pigmentation and laser and light treatments).
Dates & course durations
September 2026.
Enrolment for autumn courses will open in June.
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
Topics you will study include:
- Body Massage
- Massage Using Hot and Cold Stones
- Indian Head Massage
- Advanced Facial Electrotherapy Treatments
- Advanced Body Electrotherapy Treatments
- Initimate Waxing
- Monitor Procedures to Safely Control Work Operations
- Planning and Implementation of Promotional Activities
- Contribute to the Financial Effectiveness of the Business
Assessments
- Assessment consists of practical observations on paying clients, demonstrating advanced skills and knowledge. You will be required to promote services and find some of your own models for assessment.
- Oral and written questioning, assignments, projects and tests online are used to test knowledge and understanding.
Course fees
£0-£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 Admissions 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 during enrolment.
Course progression
Students could progress to a Level 4 course. Check the Hair & Beauty curriculum page to discover our courses.
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.
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 VRQ Level 2
Courses for Adults
Curriculum Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
September 2026
Duration
35 Weeks
Level
Level 2
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
