VTCT Level 2 Award in Facial Massage and Skincare
The VTCT Level 2 Award in Facial Massage and Skin Care at York College is a practical, industry-recognized qualification designed for individuals interested in starting a career in beauty therapy. This comprehensive course provides learners with the essential knowledge and skills to perform professional facial treatments, including skin analysis, cleansing, exfoliation, massage and mask application.
Delivered by experienced tutors in purpose-built salons, the program combines hands-on training with theoretical understanding of skin types, anatomy, and product knowledge. Ideal for beginners or those seeking to enhance their beauty therapy repertoire, the qualification serves as a strong foundation for further study or immediate employment in the skincare industry.
Entry requirements
Level 1 English and Maths is required, as students will need to verbally communicate with clients and complete written work booklets and tests.
Students will be required to wear a College salon black T shirt and black trousers. Shoes must flat, black and fully support the foot. Long hair must be tied up so that it is fully off the face and neck (ideally in a bun). Nails must be short and product free. Jewellery must not be worn for practical activities, this includes piercings.
Course units
Learners must achieve the following units to complete this qualification:
Follow health and safety practice in the salon - The aim of this unit is to increase your understanding of health and safety and its importance in the salon in which you work. You will develop the ability to carry out a simple risk analysis, recognise a hazard, responsibly deal with the hazards you have found and follow safe and hygienic working practices. You will also need to be able to locate firefighting equipment, first aid resources and have an awareness of fire, emergency and evacuation procedures.
Client care and communication in beauty-related industries - This unit is about client care and communication in beauty‑related industries. You will develop your communication skills to deal with consultations, complaints, client comfort and all forms of client care. You will develop a client‑centred approach to all your treatments.
- Provide facial skin care - In this unit you will learn about maintaining and improving facial skin condition using exfoliation, skin warming, comedone extraction, facial massage, mask treatments and facial moisturising products. You will need to maintain effective health, safety and hygiene procedures throughout your work.
Assessments
Learners on the VTCT Level 2 Award in Facial Massage and Skin Care Treatments will be assessed through a combination of practical assessments, written assignments, and oral questioning.
Practical assessments will take place in a realistic salon environment where learners must demonstrate their competence in performing eyelash and eyebrow treatments to professional standards on real clients. These assessments are observed and marked by qualified assessors.
In addition to practical work, learners must complete knowledge-based tasks, including written assignments and/or online tests, to demonstrate their understanding of underpinning theory such as health and safety, client care, and anatomy and physiology.
All assessments must be successfully completed and meet the VTCT assessment criteria to achieve the qualification.
Course fees
£588
Contact our Admissions team if you have any course fee-related questions regarding funding eligibility etc: info@yorkcollege.ac.uk
Course progression
On completion of this qualification you will be able to progress to the following qualifications:
- Level 2 Beauty Therapy
- VTCT Level 2 Award in Eyelash and Eyebrow Treatments
- VTCT Skills Level 2 NVQ Award in Providing Manicure Services
- VTCT Level 2 Diploma in Complementary Therapies
- VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Certificate in Access to Aesthetic Therapies
Dates & course durations
September 2025 - December 2025
Students will attend College one evening per week (Monday 6.00pm-9.00pm).
Study methods
The VTCT Skills Level 2 Award in Facial Massage and Skin Care at York College is delivered through a blend of classroom-based learning and practical salon sessions.
Learners will study through interactive lectures, group discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on practice in a professional training environment.
The course emphasizes learning by doing, allowing students to develop their skills through guided practice on models or peers under the supervision of experienced tutors.
Additional study methods may include self-directed learning, the use of online resources, completing assignments, and revising theory in preparation for assessments.
This combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application ensures learners are fully prepared to perform treatments to industry standards.
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 the salon Inspired T shirt – cost to be confirmed (approximately £15). They will need to wear their own plain, smart black trousers and flat black shoes that fully support the foot (not trainers, boots or sandals).
Career progression
Upon completing the VTCT Level 2 Award in Facial Massage and Skin Care at York College, learners can pursue entry-level roles in salons, spas, or as freelance skincare specialists.
The qualification also provides a pathway to further study, such as the VTCT Level 3 Access to Aesthetics, which broadens career opportunities and enhances earning potential.
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