The VTCT Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Therapy is a Technical Certificate qualification aimed at learners aged 16-19 who are in a full-time Level 2 education programme and wish to pursue a career as an employed and/or self-employed beauty therapist.

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 safety and hygiene
• Consultation techniques and client care
• Manicure treatments
• Pedicure treatments
• Waxing services
• Facial treatments
• Skin type analysis
• Eyebrow shaping services
• Eyelash and eyebrow tinting services
• Make-up applications
• Anatomy and physiology for beauty therapists

Throughout this qualification, learners will develop their knowledge and understanding of relevant anatomy and physiology and health and safety. They will also develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to consult with clients whilst providing a range of beauty treatments including facial treatments, skin analysis, manicure, pedicure, waxing, eyelash/eyebrow treatments and make-up applications. In parallel, learners will develop their communication and customer service skills, their awareness of environmental sustainability and their commercial skills, all of which are valued highly by employers. Problem solving, team working and research skills will also be developed.

How will I be assessed?

All units and the overall qualification is graded Fail/Pass/Merit/Distinction/Distinction* which allows for learners to aim for the very highest qualification.

To be awarded this qualification, learners must successfully achieve the following assessments:

• Externally set and internally marked graded practical assessments (50% of qualification grade)
• Externally set and marked examinations (30% of qualification grade – x2 exams)
• Externally set and internally marked graded synoptic assessment (20% of qualification grade)

What do I need?

Work at Grade 4 at GCSE, in English Language, Maths and Science. Support will be given during advice and guidance if you do not meet this requirement, where an alternative course will be offered.

Where can it take me?

Learners who achieve this qualification are eligible to become members of the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) or Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT). As a beauty therapist, learners could progress directly into employment in a variety of contexts, which include:

• commercial salons
• destination/day spas
• independent/self-employed/mobile/home-based settings
• care homes

Whilst the primary purpose of this qualification is to prepare learners for employment, learners may choose to develop their knowledge and skills further by completing a specialist qualification at Level 3 in one or more of the following areas:

• beauty therapy
• holistic therapies
• sports therapy

Additional information

There will be a kit and uniform to purchase, along with stationary requirements for theory lessons. All further details will be shared during enrolment.

Your progression route will be Level 3 Beauty Therapy TLQ.