Beauty Therapy Level 1

Learn by doing as you develop practical beauty skills in a professional salon environment.

You will start with the essential techniques, knowledge and professional behaviours used in the beauty industry. As your confidence grows, you will practise treatments, develop your client care skills and learn how a professional salon operates.

You will explore:

• Health and safety in the salon
• The hair and beauty industry
• Basic manicure treatments
• Basic pedicure treatments
• Basic make-up application
• Skin care
• Nail art
• Themed face painting
• Photographic make-up
• Creating a hair and beauty image
• Salon reception duties
• Working with others in the hair and beauty sector
• Presenting a professional image in the salon

Practical sessions will give you the opportunity to develop your techniques through demonstration, guided practice and repeated experience. You will learn how to prepare for treatments, communicate professionally, work safely and provide a positive experience for clients.

Alongside your beauty skills, you will also develop wider skills such as communication, teamwork, organisation, confidence and preparing for the world of work.

You will normally need:

• At least four GCSEs at grade 2 or above

If you have not yet achieved grade 4 in GCSE English and/or Maths, you will continue to study these alongside your main programme.

You will get the most from this programme if you:

• Have a genuine interest in beauty and the salon industry
• Enjoy practical, hands-on learning
• Are comfortable working closely with other people
• Have a friendly and professional approach
• Are willing to practise techniques to improve your skills
• Can listen to feedback and use it to improve your work
• Pay attention to detail
• Understand the importance of hygiene, safety and personal presentation
• Are willing to become more organised and responsible for your own work

You do not need to arrive with existing beauty therapy skills. A positive attitude, willingness to learn and interest in working with clients are more important.

VTCT Level 1 Diploma in Beauty Therapy

The most common next step is Beauty Therapy Level 2 at Newbury College, where you can develop a wider range of treatments and work towards becoming a qualified beauty therapist.

Depending on your interests and entry profile, you could also explore other routes within the hair and beauty industry.

Possible next steps include:

• Beauty Therapy Level 2 at Newbury College
• Hairdressing Level 2 at Newbury College
• Beauty or hairdressing apprenticeships
• Further training in make-up, nails or other specialist beauty areas
• Entry-level salon, reception or customer service roles

With further training, you could progress towards careers in beauty salons, spas, make-up, nails, beauty retail, self-employment or other areas of the beauty and wellness industry.

The Beauty Therapy qualification is assessed through a combination of practical assessments, portfolio evidence and assessments of your knowledge and understanding.

Your practical skills will be assessed as you demonstrate treatments and salon techniques. You will build evidence throughout the programme to show the skills, knowledge and professional behaviours you have developed.

Your tutors will provide feedback throughout your practical work and assessments to help you refine your techniques, develop your confidence and build evidence of your achievement against the assessment criteria.

Knowledge may also be assessed through written or online questions, depending on the requirements of each unit.

English and Maths, where studied alongside your programme, are assessed separately and may include exams.

You will complete regular independent work outside your timetabled sessions.

This may include:

• Revising beauty theory
• Learning treatment routines
• Completing written work
• Researching products and treatments
• Preparing for knowledge assessments
• Organising your portfolio
• Practising techniques where appropriate

Your independent work will support the practical skills you develop in College.

Your tutors will review your progress and provide feedback, but you will also be expected to become increasingly responsible for preparing for assessments, completing work on time and developing your professional knowledge.

You will take part in activities that help you understand how a professional salon operates and develop the skills employers are looking for.

Depending on the opportunities available during your programme, this may include:

• Working with clients in a salon environment
• Practising professional reception and customer service skills
• Industry-inspired practical activities
• Visiting beauty professionals and guest speakers
• Employer activities
• Visits to salons, spas or other beauty businesses
• Work experience or placement opportunities where appropriate

These experiences will help you develop confidence, professionalism and an understanding of the standards expected when working in the beauty industry.

• All full-time students are asked to contribute £15 towards the College Subscription Fund
• You will need to wear the required Beauty Therapy uniform during practical salon activities
• You will need a Beauty Therapy kit containing the equipment required for practical sessions
• Details and costs for the uniform and kit will be provided before enrolment
• Optional workshops, trips or additional qualifications may have an additional cost, and you will be given information in advance