Beauty

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Beauty

Why Study Here

At Macclesfield College, our award-winning Beauty courses provide industry experience in our on site commercial salon, where students work with the general public. You’ll develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in the beauty industry, guided by expert teachers with extensive professional experience.

Our strong ties with local employers ensure our courses help you meet the demands of the Beauty sector. From hands on training with clients to learning the latest techniques, you’ll be well prepared for a successful career.

courses available in Beauty

Level 1: Beauty Therapy

Overview

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What will I study?

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. During this course you will explore a full range of units including, but not limited to:

Introduction to the hair and Beauty industries
Provide an introduction to facial skincare and provide day make-up
Provide manicure treatments
Provide pedicure treatments
Salon reception duties

Lectures given by industry experts. Employers input is embedded into projects and exercises, contributing to assessments and examinations. Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On completion of this course you will progress to extend your skills onto a level 2 in Beauty Therapy or out into the workplace.

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course, you will need to have achieved 4 GCSEs grades 1 or above including English and maths. On successful completion of this course, you will gain a Level 1 VRQ Certificate in Beauty Therapy.

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.

Level 1: Beauty Therapy

2025/2026

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Level 2: Beauty Therapy

Overview

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What will I study?

Follow health and safety in the salon
Working in the hair and Beauty industries
Promote Additional products and service to clients in a salon
Provide facial skincare
Remove hair using waxing techniques
Provide manicure treatments
Provide pedicure treatments
Provide eyelash and brow treatments
Provide make-up services
Salon reception duties
Provide facial skin care to male clients

Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On completion of this course you will progress to extend your skills onto an apprenticeship or out into the workplace.

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course, you will need to have achieved 4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above including English or maths or a Level 1 qualification in Beauty. On successful completion of this course, you will gain a Level 2 VTCT Certificate in Beauty Therapy.

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.

Level 2: Beauty Therapy

2025/2026

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Level 2: Nail Technician

Overview

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What will I study?

This qualification is based on the national occupational standards for beauty therapy and includes all the required elements to work effectively as a nail technician. During this course you will explore a full range of units including, but not limited to: • Follow health and safety in the salon • Working in the hair and Beauty industries • Promote Additional products and service to clients in a salon • Apply and maintain nail enhancements to create a natural finish using acrylic • Provide manicure treatments • Provide pedicure treatments • Carry out nail art services • Salon reception duties Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful achievement of this course you may wish to:

Pursue a career as a nail technician
Progress onto Level 3 Nail course
Pursue a career within the Beauty industry

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course, you will need to have achieved 4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above including English or maths or a Level 1 qualification in Beauty On successful completion of this course, you will gain a Level 2 VTCT Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Nail Services

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.

Level 2: Nail Technician

2025/2026

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Level 1: Beauty Therapy
Level 2: Beauty Therapy
Level 2: Nail Technician

Level 1: Beauty Therapy

Overview

apply now

What will I study?

Introduction to the hair and Beauty industries
Provide an introduction to facial skincare and provide day make-up
Provide manicure treatments
Provide pedicure treatments
Salon reception duties

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On completion of this course you will progress to extend your skills onto a level 2 in Beauty Therapy or out into the workplace.

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.

Level 1: Beauty Therapy

2025/2026

apply now

Level 2: Beauty Therapy

Overview

apply now

What will I study?

Follow health and safety in the salon
Working in the hair and Beauty industries
Promote Additional products and service to clients in a salon
Provide facial skincare
Remove hair using waxing techniques
Provide manicure treatments
Provide pedicure treatments
Provide eyelash and brow treatments
Provide make-up services
Salon reception duties
Provide facial skin care to male clients

Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On completion of this course you will progress to extend your skills onto an apprenticeship or out into the workplace.

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.

Level 2: Beauty Therapy

2025/2026

apply now

Level 2: Nail Technician

Overview

apply now

What will I study?

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful achievement of this course you may wish to:

Pursue a career as a nail technician
Progress onto Level 3 Nail course
Pursue a career within the Beauty industry

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.

Level 2: Nail Technician

2025/2026

apply now

aspirational

Careers

Beauty Therapist

Salon Owner/Manager

Beauty Therapist

Skincare Specialist

Spa Manager

Editorial Makeup Artist

Nail Technician

Skills required for Beauty

Ability to use and maintain equipment and tools
Good customer service skills
Ability to work well within a team and on your own

Ability to listen & meet expectations
Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Knowledge of the Hair & Beauty and Industry

Students with a tutor, learning how to wash the hair of 2 female customers

Trips/employers

Throughout your Beauty Therapy course, you'll engage with industry professionals through regular guest talks, offering valuable insights to enhance your learning experience. You'll also have opportunities to visit leading companies like Wella and PLOUISE, allowing you to see how your skills are applied in industry settings.

Additionally, working in our commercial salon environment provides hands on experience, while industry guest speakers and external training sessions further enrich your education. These experiences will deepen your understanding and prepare you for a successful career in the hair and beauty sector.

SKYE LEE

STUDENT

SPOTLIGHT

Skye Lee was named as Beauty Therapy Student of the Year 2024, excelling with outstanding attendanceand exceptional practical skills. Her helpfulness, respectfulness and positive attitude made her a standout in the programme. As she advances to the Level 2 Beauty Therapy course, we are excited to see her continued success.