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University & Professional Development

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Quick facts

Qualification type City & Guilds Level 1 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

Students will be able to start at this level if they have achieved a grade 3 in English & Maths at GCSE. Some students may have completed an Entry level Hairdressing or Beauty programme during year 10 & 11 of Key Stage 4 in formal education but will need to have also achieved at least a grade 3 in English & Maths. 

Campus he Academy of Hair and Beauty, West Suffolk College sixth form campus, Bury St Edmunds 
Work placements Yes

Is it for me?

If you have an existing passion and interest in the beauty industry, this course could be your first step to joining a dynamic, ever-evolving industry. The Level 1 qualification is for those who did not receive grade 4 or above in their English and Maths GCSEs, and the course gives you the chance to re-sit these alongside your studies at college. 

 

This programme provides an ideal introduction to the world of Beauty Therapy, allowing learners 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 this sounds good to you, take your first steps to start your beauty therapy career with us. 

What you'll learn

  • Anatomy and physiology 

  • Basic manicure and pedicure treatments 

  • Skin care 

  • Creating a hair and beauty image 

  • Applying make-up 

  • Nail art. 

  • Presenting a professional image 

  • Health and safety 

  • Working with others 

Equipment required for the course

Upon enrolment for this course, learners will receive order forms regarding uniform requirements of 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.  

 

Uniform costs: £40 

Work experience placements

Learners will be encouraged to complete work related experience within the industry, or in-house at West Suffolk College, to enrich their programme of study and gain employability skills. 

Assessment

Assessment will be on a unit-by-unit basis, each having both theory and practical elements to achieve. You will be given feedback as you progress through the skills taught and then once you are competent, you will be prepared for assessment tasks. Most units offer a Pass, Merit or Distinction grading system. 

Further study

  • Beauty Therapy Technical Certificate Level 2 

  • Beauty and Spa Therapy Advanced Technical Diploma Level 3 

  • Nail Professional Technical Certificate Level 2 

  • Nail Professional Advanced Technical Diploma Level 3 

  • Apprenticeship

Example careers

  • Beauty Therapist
  • Spa Therapist
  • Brow Specialist
  • Lash Technician
  • Beauty Salon Manager

Days & times

Starting September 2025


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