VTCT Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Specialist Techniques
Learners who complete this course will become a qualified level two therapist competent in performing face and body treatments. Students will be encouraged to progress onto an advanced qualification to specialize further in the beauty industry and widen their employment opportunities.
why choose this course?
Throughout this qualification, you will develop your knowledge and understanding of all relevant subject areas alongside developing interpersonal and employability skills that will assist you to communicate effectively with clients. This one-year qualification is mainly a practical course, using a variety of teaching methods including discussions, demonstrations, and presentations. You will work on your own, in pairs and in small groups practicing techniques within a realistic working environment in well equipped, purpose-built salons. This qualification includes waxing, make-up, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, eyebrow shaping, manicure, pedicure, facial, skin analysis, consultation techniques and client care, health, safety and hygiene, alongside anatomy and physiology for beauty therapists, which are the fundamental treatments of beauty therapy.
Apply for this course
Start date: 08/09/2025
Top course highlights
Small classes
experienced tutors
industry-standard facilities
modern equipment
industry links
Learn from sector experts
You will be taught by staff with extensive experience who will advance your knowledge and skills to meet the expectations of the beauty therapy industry.
Develop work-related skills
During your tutorial programme, you will also develop personal and work-related skills which will help prepare you for full-time work after you have completed your full-time training in College.
Enjoy professional surroundings
Our working hair and beauty salons all contain the latest industry standard equipment and resources.
What will i learn?
There are two VTCT qualifications that can be taken in Beauty Therapy at Level 2.
Level 2 VRQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy
Whilst both qualifications qualify learners to become a beauty therapist, this qualification allows learners to achieve their qualification with ongoing practical and theory assessments/exams throughout the academic year.
Level 2 TLQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy
This is a technical level vocational qualification and in comparison, to the VRQ qualification the practical synoptic assessments are externally set, internally marked and graded Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Theory assessments are also externally set and marked online examinations with two exam windows throughout the academic year.
Both qualifications include all of the required elements to work effectively as a beauty therapist, this includes waxing services; make-up applications; eyelash and eyebrow tinting services; eyebrow shaping services; manicure and pedicure treatments; facial treatments and skin care, consultation and client care; health, safety and hygiene; anatomy and physiology. The qualifications’ structure provides you with the flexibility to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills as a beauty therapist and prepare students for employment as a beauty specialist/therapist.
Students will have their beauty therapy skills assessed within a realistic working environment and will also be required to complete a one day a week work placement which is a mandatory requirement for both courses. It must equate to 45 days or 315 hours.
Where will it take me?
While this qualification’s primary purpose is to prepare learners for employment as a beautician or beauty specialist, learners may choose to develop their skills by undertaking further qualifications in Beauty Therapy at Level 3. Career opportunities include working in beauty salons or spas, retail concessions, or self-employed.
Progression options: Level 3 Diploma in Nail Services, Makeup Artistry, or Beauty Therapy General. Or, Level 3 Apprenticeship Advanced beauty Therapist or Level 3 Apprenticeship Wellbeing and Holistic Therapist.
Assessment arrangements
Your achievement in this qualification is dependent upon excellent attendance, punctuality and effort. You will study in a friendly atmosphere, using a variety of assessment methods:
- Most assessments are completed through practical observations of skills and techniques. This will be carried out throughout all your units, as you continuously strive to work towards a competent level within your treatments.
- You will be assessed regularly on written theory work that may be conducted within the class, or as a homework activity and feedback will be continuously provided on your progress. You also will be assessed regularly on treatment terminology.
- Your performance will be reviewed during 1:1 sessions with your personal tutor.
- Mock examinations will also be undertaken on each unit throughout your course preparing you for your graded assessments.
Grading
All units in this qualification are graded Fail/Pass/Merit/Distinction/Distinction* by:
- Externally set and internally marked, graded practical assessment through observation
- Externally set and marked online examinations
- Externally set and internally marked graded synoptic assessment through observation
Entry requirements
GCSE Grade 4 in four subjects including both English and Maths.
information & support
We encourage you to practice your treatments away from College, where possible and to utilize the online resources provided by the College for guidance. In addition, we expect you to conduct your own research, during set home study activities to enhance your understanding of treatments, products and anatomy of the human body. However, we will also offer you opportunities to conduct this research at College. You will need salon uniform and specific equipment; full advice will be given on these before the start of your course.
A one day a week work placement is a mandatory requirement for this course. It must equate to 45 days or 315 hours.
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What you could earn
Potential Salary
£49,536
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£16,105
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