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Beauty and Complementary Therapies

STUDYING BEAUTY THERAPY AT WESTON COLLEGE 

Are you artistic and looking for a creative outlet? Love to experiment with your look, obsessed with make-up tutorials? With the right support and training, you could turn your personal passion into a successful career.

A qualification in beauty can lead to several successful careers in the industry and enable you to perform professional treatments. On average a beauty therapist starts on a salary of £15,000 and with experience and higher qualifications this can go up to £20,000.

All courses are taught by industry experts in the Hair and Beauty Centre at the Knightstone Campus, where you will get real client experience.

There are two routes to choose from:

  • Full-time - at the Hair and Beauty Centre
  • Apprenticeship – work-based training in the surrounding area with regular sessions at the Hair and Beauty Centre

Use this page to discover your perfect course, and apply direct right here.

Careers in Beauty Therapy

Here are just a few examples of job titles that have shown to be the most popular listings in the South West region within the last year.

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We've bundled the best education in the area with career boosted benefits - and are leveraging our contacts as one of the largest Colleges in the country to give you the best possible chance of success.

Our beauty qualifications have been developed in conjunction with local and national employers, giving you qualifications that employers look for - opening the door to a successful career in this fun and fulfilling sector.

Taught by tutors with impressive industry careers, you will also benefit from our partnerships with: Dennis Williams Hair and Beauty Supplies, Eve Taylor, CKD (College Kits Direct), Florenceroby (The luxury uniform company for beauty, hair and spa) and VTCT.

Our programmes are endorsed by:

 

Unique unisex hairdressers
Cadbury house logo
Asthetics by Erin logo
Cabello logo
Beauty Rooms Medi Spa logo
Bella Beauty logo
Nek's logo

 

FIND OUT MORE

 

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  • T-Levels
Level 2

Beauty, Technical Progression Programme

1 Year
Sep 2025
KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS
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This qualification has been specially designed for learners wanting to progress to the Beauty Therapy Diploma (Level 3). It has been specifically designed to bridge any gaps in knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to succeed on the Level 3 course. The assessments on this programme will help learners prepare for the expectations of the Leve...

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Level 3

Beauty Therapies, Technical Diploma

1 Year
Sep 2025
KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS
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This qualification is based on the national occupational standards for beauty therapy and includes all the required elements to work effectively as a beauty therapist. Learners must achieve all mandatory units which include: Health and safety in the salon Client care and consultation Body analysis Skin analysis Swedish massage therapy B...

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Level 3

Theatrical, Special Effects, Prosthetics and Make-up, Extended Diploma

2 Years
Sep 2025
KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS
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If you’re looking to develop your passion and skills in media hair and makeup, this qualification will teach you all you need to help you achieve a career in the industry. This course will encourage you to be creative and inventive and try techniques you’ve never had the chance to before, while discovering what is most effective in differe...

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You can progress onto degrees and higher apprenticeships with UCW...
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Weston Musem

Hannah Hoskin-Love

The Beauty Spot

“Through Weston College’s Career Excellence Hub, we are able to get involved and support students....

Whether that be through delivering masterclass sessions, playing a part in the development of curriculum or offering work experience."   

THE FACILITIES

All hair and beauty programmes are based in the Hair and Beauty Centre, at the Knightstone Campus.

  • The Hair and Beauty Centre includes five purpose-built, industry standard salons including, hairdressers, barbers, beauty salon, a nail salon and a specialist media make-up facility
  • The Hair and Beauty Centre is open to the public giving you regular, real client experience ensuring you are ready for the industry
  • All the Hair and Beauty Centre lecturers have many years experience working in the sector, so you will be learning from experts with current and relevant knowledge
  • Plus, you will have the opportunity to experiment with different styles and techniques, displaying them at our end-of-year hair and beauty show.
 
 
 

Competition squad selections for 2023 are open!

Find out more

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

Anna
Anna
"The thought of going to university had never crossed my mind before my journey at the College, however I have now completed a BA Honours degree!"
Studied:

Level 2 Hair and Media and BA (Hons) Degree in Hair, Make-up and Prosthetics for Production

Amelia
Amelia
My favourite part of being a Weston College student is the lecturers, they are all so amazing. They are so unbelievably helpful with your work but are always there personally as well.
Studied:

Hair and Media, Level 3

LATEST NEWS

Learner taking part in demonstration with Guinot

<p>Last week, our Level 3 Beauty Therapy learners were treated to a guest lecture and demonstration from an industry professional at <a href="https://www.guinot.co.uk/en_GB">Guinot</a&gt;. Guinot, the No. 1 Beauty Salon in France, offers beauty treatments and exclusive skincare treatments for the face and body in approved beauty salons.</p>

<p>Jenna Ratcliffe, the Divisional Lead of Sector Services, explained the demonstration, and how this benefits the learners in their studies: “Learners focus on providing advanced skincare therapies during their course; the industry masterclass was focused on enhancing learner awareness around alternatives to aesthetic medicine. Guinot was the perfect brand to offer this insight to our learners as they have over 50 years' experience in the professional beauty therapy industry with treatments available in 70 countries.”</p>

<p>Jenna continued: “Learners had the opportunity to further develop electrical therapy technical skills under the direction of Michelle, our Guinot representative. Learners explored Guinot's Hydradermie, Hydraclean and Hydralift treatments and were fascinated by the results.”</p>

<p>At Weston College, we understand how vital live demonstrations are in bridging the gap between education and industry. Learners are aware of professional brans, however being given the opportunity to experience them first hand is far more supportive for the learner’s progression into industry.</p>

<p>One learner participating in the session commented: “I thoroughly enjoyed today's Guinot masterclass with Michelle. She provided so much information on the treatments and products available, allowing us to test each product out. The fragrances were phenomenal, and the quality of the product is definitely top of the range and allows me to see treatment profit margins.”</p>

<p>Jenna commented on the success of the visit: “I’m so thrilled that at Weston College we are able to present opportunities such as these to our learners; as our motto is ‘careers, not courses’, industry professional demonstrations opens the door for our learners to achieve those dream careers!</p>

<p>“Michelle from Guinot stated that she would offer any of our learners a career pathway at Guinot, stating that they were professional and very knowledgeable! We are immensely proud of our learners, and so grateful to Michelle for sharing her expertise and knowledge with us all!”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… you would like to find out more about our Hair and Beauty courses, you can do so here.</a></p>

Student getting their makeup done

<p>In the <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti…, Makeup and Prosthetics for Production (HMPP) three-year degree programme</a>&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">UCW</a&gt;, there is a module which requires the learners to work to an industry brief. This year, <a href="https://www.puxton.co.uk/">Puxton Park</a>&nbsp;delivered the brief for the learners, for an event they held, called “Phobia”; a Halloween event that took place from 22nd – 29th October, consisting of five haunted attractions including a Haunted Tractor Ride, Doll House and the ‘Dark Wood’. The learners were required to design and apply makeup to a very high quality for this event, for up to 40 actors a night!</p><p>In total, 30 students across both HE &amp; FE took part; the third year HMPP learners were in charge of running the event, and the first and second year HMPP learners also took part as assistants. The <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… 2 Hair and media makeup</a> learners were also involved as further assistance on certain makeup zones. Every learner was there every night, from 4:30 – 10:30pm, to ensure every actor was ready for their performance. It was important that they planned and practiced every aspect before the event started, as they had to make sure they could carry out the same quality in a fast-paced environment, under time pressure!</p><p>As well as designing and applying the makeup on the nights, the 3rd year learners were also tasked with ordering the products and costumes, and keeping within a budget, as well as holding workshops for the Level 2 students to demonstrate the desired looks, and build their confidence in their abilities.</p><p>The feedback from everyone involved has been overwhelmingly positive – the learners absolutely loved the opportunity to work in a professional event, working with other students across multiple courses, and being given a true insight into the industry. Puxton Park have also commented on the creative talent of the learners, and praised them for their professionalism. The general public, who attended the event, have said it was “a fantastic, immersive experience, but very scary!”</p><p>Tara O’Hare, an HMPP lecturer, has commented “I would like to personally thank my third year HMPP students, with special thanks in particular to Holly and Beth, who acted as project managers on the event, liaised with the other groups who were helping out, and worked professionally and fully committed themselves to the project throughout.</p><p>Both the HE and FE makeup students worked with enthusiasm and confidence throughout They will be an absolute asset in the makeup industry, and without them, this project would not have been as successful. We can’t wait to be back next year!”</p><p>If you’re interested in a qualification in Hair and Makeup, you can find out more information, below!</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… Education</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/hair-make-up-and-prosthetics-for-producti… Education</a></li></ul>

Nail technician doing customer's nails

<p>When welcoming learners on work experience into Touch of Beauty, we expect someone with a driven and motivated mindset, who is keen to learn on the job.</p>

<p>Our learner who came to experience a hands-on approach to learning <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/beauty-therapy… Therapy</a> was Faye. She exuded herself with outstanding confidence when working and engaging with clients due to her natural ability to chat to anyone.</p>

<p>When being taught different treatments that were offered at the salon, she got stuck in, regularly asking questions and determined to watch how to correctly carry out the procedure to improve to become a better beauty technician. She had completed a few pedicures and gel polish removals for clients, and learnt the do’s and don’ts of more technical processes such as eyelash extensions and eyebrow lamination.</p>

<p>As well as work experience benefiting Faye through her learning crucial skills, her being there also was a huge help to us. She would go above and beyond to help everyone in there, both staff and clients, and would clean up behind us before we could even ask her!</p>

<p>From the experience and skills she gained while working with us, we could see Faye was focused on succeeding in the beauty industry, and we are confident she is going to achieve this goal.</p>

<p>Faye was a fantastic compliment to the salon, and lived up to our excellent reputation, we really don’t want her to leave!</p>

<p>We would highly recommend taking on work experience learners from the college, as they are keen to learn, and will give you the helping hand you need; it benefits you as much as it benefits them! It gives the learners a huge amount of experience to continue on developing skills to secure a full time job in the industry.</p>

<p><em>Eleanor Kirby, Touch of Beauty</em></p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/students/industry-placements-and-work-experien… out about work experiences opportunities we offer and how to apply, here!</a></p>

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