Quick facts
| Qualification type | City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Study times |
You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:15 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
| Entry requirements |
Entry is by interview. You are required to have achieved at least two GCSE passes at grade 4 or above, (to include English and Science), plus GCSE Maths at grade 3 is required to gain entry onto this course. If you are progressing from Level 1 Beauty Therapy, you must have achieved L2 functional skills English and L1 functional skills in maths. Current WSC students wishing to progress to level 2 or 3 programmes, must have excellent attendance and have raised their achievement levels in year to progress on to higher level courses. This expectation also applies to Maths and English courses. |
| Campus | The Academy of Hair and Beauty, West Suffolk College sixth form campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Yes |
Is it for me?
A career in beauty therapy is an exciting one, with close links to the fashion and hairdressing industries. It is varied and diverse, offering lots of opportunities to learn and develop skills in a range of different areas. If this sounds like the career for you, then this course could be the one!
This programme provides an ideal introduction to the world of Beauty Therapy, allowing you to develop and gain knowledge and understanding of how the industry works. You will be given hands-on experience with a range of products and techniques to develop your practical skills within this industry. As a practical course underpinned by a theoretical background, the skills that are learned will be taught through a variety of situations in the salon and in theory lessons.
Throughout the year there are many exciting opportunities to get involved in and showcase your new skills, from fundraising and charity events and national and in-house competitions.
Beauty therapy can lead you into a rewarding career centred around helping people relax, gain confidence and enriching lives. If you would like to join this dynamic, ever-changing industry, kickstart your career with this Level 2 course.
What you'll learn
-
Hair removal treatments – facial and body with warm and hot waxes
-
Facial and skin analysis
-
Manicure and pedicure services
-
Light cured gel polish application
-
Lash and brow treatments – lash and brow tinting, lash lifting, brow shaping
-
Application of makeup
-
Spray tanning
-
Anatomy and physiology
-
The principles of practice in Beauty Therapy
Equipment required for the course
The uniform will consist of grey tailored trousers, two tunic tops, plain black cardigan and flat black closed toe shoes. Students must be in full and correct uniform for all practical lessons, with hair in a tight bun, nails must be short and unvarnished. Nail extensions and visible piercings are not allowed during practical sessions.
Kit costs approx.= £400
Uniform costs approx.= £45
Work experience placements
Learners will be required to complete a number of work-related experience hours within the industry to enrich their programme of study and gain employability skills.
Assessment
This course has an end point practical assessment, similar to a trade test, this covers practical skills and behaviours of the professional beauty therapist, this happens at the start of the third term. There will also be an end of course exam at the end of the second term, this covers theory taught across all units of Level 2 beauty therapy. Students will also complete optional units. All elements must be completed and achieved in order to achieve a full qualification.
Further study
-
Beauty and Spa Therapy Advanced Technical Diploma Level 3
-
Nail Professional Technical Certificate Level 2
-
Nail Professional Advanced Technical Diploma Level 3
Example careers
- Beauty Therapist
- Spa Therapist
- Brow Specialist
- Lash Technician
- Beauty Salon Manager
Days & times
Starting September 2025