VTCT (iTEC) Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Aesthetic Treatments
The main aim of the VTCT (iTEC) Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Aesthetic Treatments is to enable students to gain the necessary practical skills and knowledge in order to provide a range of advanced aesthetic treatments to the general public and to gain employment in the beauty industry. The qualification is designed to provide occupational competence at Level 4. It also provides a sound platform into further learning.
Entry requirements
Students are required to hold either the VTCT Level 2 Award in Facial Massage and Skin Care or VTCT (ITEC) Level 2 Certificate in Facial Skincare (or equivalent) and a qualification in Level 3 Anatomy and Physiology.
Course units
Students will be required to complete the units below to gain the qualification:
- Principles, practice, and ethics of advanced aesthetic therapies.
- Investigative consultation for advanced aesthetic therapies.
- Skin science for advanced aesthetic therapies.
- Provide radio frequency treatments.
- Provide cosmetic skin needling treatments.
- Provide skin peeling treatments.
- Perform hair growth reduction using laser systems. (optional)
- Perform skin rejuvenation using Intense Pulsed Light systems. (optional)
Throughout this qualification, students will develop their knowledge and understanding of relevant
anatomy and physiology and health and safety pertaining to Level 4 non-medical aesthetic therapies.
They will also develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to consult with and analyse clients
whilst providing treatments in skin needling, skin peeling, micro-pigmentation, laser and light.
In parallel, students will develop their communication and customer service skills and widen their knowledge of the principles and practices of Level 4 non-medical aesthetic therapies, all of which are valued highly by employers.
Assessment
You will be assessed in the following ways:
Practical exam
Online theory test
Assignments
Course fees
TBC
Contact our Admissions team if you have any course fee-related questions regarding funding eligibility etc: info@yorkcollege.ac.uk
Course progression
Students may wish to widen their treatment offering and study other courses including progressing to Level 5 courses.
Dates & course durations
September 2026, 35 week course.
Study methods
Study methods include:
Practical Training Sessions: Hands-on learning delivered in professional salons and workshops, where students practise techniques under the expert guidance and supervision.
Classroom-Based Theory: In-depth classroom sessions covering consultation techniques, anatomy and physiology, health and safety, and aftercare procedures.
Client Case Studies: Real client consultations and treatment planning to build confidence and competence in providing tailored services.
Independent Study: Assignments and research tasks completed outside of class to reinforce theoretical understanding.
Assessment: Continuous assessment through practical observations, written assignments, and portfolio development.
This structured, hands-on approach prepares students to deliver safe, effective, and personalised treatments in real-world settings.
Facilities
York College offers outstanding facilities designed to support and inspire students in the Hair, Beauty, and Media Make-up industries. Our Hair & Beauty department features two large, fully equipped hairdressing salons and four professional-standard beauty therapy salons, providing real-world environments for students to refine their skills. A welcoming commercial salon reception area enhances the professional experience, while three dedicated media make-up workshops offer creative spaces for students to bring their artistry to life using industry-standard tools and products.
Beyond the Hair & Beauty department, all students can enjoy the wider College’s outstanding facilities, including the modern Learning & Research Centre, quiet study hubs, well-equipped computer areas, multi-function printers, and expert support from the on-site helpdesk team—ensuring the perfect environment for both practical learning and academic success.
Additional costs
Students will need to purchase a uniform.
Students can purchase an optional skin kit.
Please get in touch for further information.
Career progression
The primary purpose of this qualification is to prepare students for employment in the advanced non-medical aesthetic industry providing a range of aesthetics treatments.
VTCT Level 2 NVQ Award in Providing Manicure Services
Courses for Adults
Subject Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Evening
Start Date
April 2026
Duration
12 Weeks
Level
Level 2
VTCT Level 2 Award in Facial Massage and Skincare
Courses for Adults
Subject Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Part-time
Start Date
September 2025
Duration
12 Weeks
Level
Level 2
VTCT Level 2 Award in Eyelash & Eyebrow Treatments
Courses for Adults
Subject Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Evening
Start Date
January 2026
Duration
12 Weeks
Level
Level 2
VTCT Level 2 Complementary Therapies
Courses for Adults
Subject Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Part-time
Start Date
September 2025
Duration
36 Weeks
Level
Level 2
Beauty Therapy Diploma VRQ Level 3
Courses for Adults
Subject Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Evening
Start Date
September 2025
Duration
36 Weeks
Level
Level 3
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
VTCT (iTEC) Level 4 Certificate in Micropigmentation with Antony Turner
University Centre
Courses for Adults
Subject Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Part-time
Start Date
October 2025
Duration
6 Weeks Pre-Learning, 5 Days in College
Level
Level 4
VTCT (iTEC) Level 3 Certificate in Access to Aesthetic Therapies
Courses for Adults
Subject Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Part-time
Start Date
January 2026
Duration
20 Weeks
Level
Level 3
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
February 2026
Duration
5 Days
Level
Level 4
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 Skin Needling
University Centre
Courses for Adults
Subject Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Part-time
Start Date
February 2026
Duration
5 Days
Level
Level 4
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 2025
Duration
5 Days, followed by an external exam.
Level
Level 4
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
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
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 City & Guilds Certificate in Barbering
Courses for Adults
Subject Area
Hair, Beauty & Media Make-up
Study Mode
Part-time
Start Date
September 2025
Duration
35 Weeks
Level
Level 2
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
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
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
