Complementary Health Associate Professionals
Up to £41,116 /year
Complementary health associate professionals use non-mainstream treatments in support of conventional medical treatments.
Admissions
Entry Requirements
What You'll Need
- A Level 2 Beauty Therapy qualification
- A genuine interest in the specialist Level 3 treatments
- Successful interview with our team
If you're coming up from a Level 2 route and still need to top up Maths or English, we can build that in alongside your course.
Explore Related Courses
Other courses you might be interested in:
Level 1 Level 1 Certificate Introduction to the Hair & Beauty Sector VTCT – Beauty
Level 2 Level 2 Diploma Beauty Therapy Studies VTCT
Level 2 Level 2 Diploma in Hair and Media Make-Up Studies
Level 3 Level 3 Diploma in Nail Technology
View all Beauty and Make-up courses →
What You'll Learn
Specialist Treatments. Salon-Ready.
Level 3 is where beauty therapy becomes specialist. You’ll cover body massage, facial electrical treatments and body electrical treatments as the core, alongside the professional foundations of health and safety, client care, and working in industry. This is salon-senior work, not entry-level.
Your optional units let you specialise further: pre-blended aromatherapy, Indian head massage, or contributing to the effective running of a business (the practical foundation forself-employment). Everything happens in the Salon at The Hub, our professional on-campus salon with real paying clients. By the end of the year you’ll have the qualification to work at senior salon level, move into complementary health, or go self-employed with real assurance in your work.
Mandatory units
- Health and Safety
- Client care
- Working in Industry
- Provide body massage
- Facial electrical treatments
- Body electrical treatments
Optional units
- Pre-blended aromatherapy
- Indian head massage
- Contribute to the effective running of business
How You're Assessed
Assessment Methods
Coursework
Written assignments, research projects, and case studies that let you explore topics in depth.
Practical Assessment
Hands-on tasks and practical demonstrations in realistic working environments.
Exams
Formal examinations to test your knowledge and understanding under timed conditions.
Career Destinations
Where This Course Takes You
Hairdressing and Beauty Salon Managers and Proprietors
Up to £46,823 /year
Hairdressing and beauty salon managers and proprietors plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the activities and resources of hairdressing and nail salons, beauty treatment, pet grooming and similar establishments.
Beauticians and Related Occupations
Up to £22,780 /year
Beauticians and related workers give facial and body beauty treatments, apply cosmetics and dress wigs.
Your Progression Pathway
- Level 3 Level 3 Diploma Beauty Therapy Treatments VTCT
- University or Employment
Life on the Course
See What It's Really Like
Our Facilities
Salon at The Hub
The Salon at The Hub is our professional on-campus salon. Real treatments happen here on paying clients, and at Level 3 you'll deliver more advanced specialist treatments as part of the qualification.
Salon at The Hub
professional on-campus salon with genuine treatments on paying clients.
Masterclasses from industry professionals
workshops and talks that connect your training to how the industry actually works.
Work placements
build confidence and experience in a professional setting.
Real Salon · Real Clients · Real Treatments
Student Voice
“
With the support and opportunities provided by staff and tutors, I developed valuable skills through interview preparation and guidance. This gave me the confidence to go self-employed and enter the beauty industry with assurance in my work.
For Parents & Carers
Supporting Your Child's Journey
Real Career Prospects
These qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for — locally and nationally.
See career optionsQualifications That Count
These are nationally recognised qualifications with real academic weight. Your child will develop practical skills and knowledge that employers and universities genuinely value.
See the full unit listFinancial Support Available
Bursaries are available, and free meals are provided for those who qualify. If cost is a concern, there's help — and it's straightforward to apply.
Financial support info For Careers Advisers
Quick Reference Guide
Level
Level 3
Duration
1 year
Study Mode
Full-Time
Awarding Body
VTCT
Assessment
Coursework + Practical Assessment + Exams
Progression Routes
Route A: L3 Beauty Therapy Treatments → Senior salon employment, complementary health, or self-employment
Ready to Specialise?
Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Questions? Call free 0800 358 7575 or email dcinfocentre@don.ac.uk