The VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy is a technical level qualification aimed at 16-19 learners who are in a full-time Level 3 education programme and wish to pursue a career as an employed and/or self-employed beauty therapist.

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification but in order to optimise their chances of success, a learner will ideally hold a Level 2 qualification or equivalent in beauty therapy.

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
• Body electrical treatment
• Facial electrical treatment
• Electrical science
• Mechanical massage
• Anatomy and physiology for the face and body systems

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, successfully promote and retail products, provide a range of beauty treatments including Swedish massage, skin and body analysis and electrical science in order to make informed decisions for face and body electrical treatments. 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 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?

You need to have successfully achieved your level 2 beauty therapy qualification with VTCT. Also, 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
• health farms
• cruise liners
• care homes
• airlines or hotel chains

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 4 in one or more of the following areas:

• salon management
• holistic therapies
• advanced beauty therapy

The Level 3 Beauty Therapy TLQ is a comprehensive course aimed at providing the practical and theoretical knowledge needed for advanced beauty therapy roles, focusing on professionalism, client care, and salon management.

This course prepares students not only for practical roles but also for understanding the business side of the beauty industry.

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.