Beauticians and Related Occupations
Up to £22,780 /year
Beauticians and related workers give facial and body beauty treatments, apply cosmetics and dress wigs.
Admissions
Entry Requirements
What You'll Need
- GCSE Grade 4 in English and 1 other subject at Grade 4
- A genuine interest in beauty therapy as a career
- Successful interview with our team
If your GCSEs need a top-up beyond the entry requirement, 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 Certificate in Nail Technology
Level 3 Level 3 Diploma Beauty Therapy Treatments VTCT
View all Beauty and Make-up courses →
What You'll Learn
Ten Units, Real Client Work.
This is a 10-unit Level 2 Diploma covering the core beauty treatments: facial skincare, waxing techniques, eyelash and brow treatments, manicure and pedicure. You’ll start with health and safety and client care in the salon, then move into the practical work itself. Everything happens in the Salon at The Hub, our professional on-campus salon, with real treatments on paying clients.
You’ll pick optional units in nail art, tanning, and salon retail (displaying stock to promote sales), depending on where your interest sits. By the end of the year you’ll have the qualification you need to move directly into salon work, on to Level 3 Beauty Therapy Treatments, or to start building towards self-employment.
Mandatory units
- Follow health and safety practice in the salon
- Client care and communication in beauty related industries
- Provide facial skincare
- Remove hair using waxing techniques
- Provide eyelash and brow treatments
- Provide manicure treatments
- Provide pedicure treatments
Optional units
- Provide nail art
- Apply skin tanning techniques
- Display stock to promote sales in a salon
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.
Complementary Health Associate Professionals
Up to £41,116 /year
Complementary health associate professionals use non-mainstream treatments in support of conventional medical treatments.
Your Progression Pathway
- Level 2 Level 2 Diploma Beauty Therapy Studies VTCT
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, in a real working environment
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
Financial 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 infoGCSE Support Built In
If your child needs to resit GCSE English or Maths, it's built into the timetable — not bolted on as an extra. They'll get structured support alongside their main course.
About student supportReal 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 options For Careers Advisers
Quick Reference Guide
Level
Level 2
Duration
1 year
Study Mode
Full-Time
Awarding Body
VTCT
Entry
GCSE Grade 4 in English + 1 other subject at Grade 4
Assessment
Coursework + Practical Assessment + Exams
Age
16+
Progression Routes
Route A: L2 Beauty Therapy Studies → L3 Beauty Therapy Treatments → Salon work, salon management or self-employment
Ready to Start in Beauty Therapy?
Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Questions? Call free 0800 358 7575 or email dcinfocentre@don.ac.uk