Summary
This industry-recognised Level 2 course is designed for adult learners interested in developing the practical skills and knowledge needed to carry out a full one-hour facial and head massage treatment to a professional standard. You will learn the techniques and benefits of facial and scalp massage, skin analysis, cleansing, exfoliation, toning, and moisturising, as well as how to select suitable products for different skin types. You will also acquire skills in a range of threading techniques design to shape brow and remove unwanted facial hair. The course also covers health and safety, hygiene practices and professional client care. Ideal for those looking to start a career in beauty therapy or enhance existing skills, this hands-on course blends theory with practical sessions to build confidence and competence.
Taught in dedicated facilities by industry-tutors who have a wealth of salon experience, this course is the perfect preparation for direct entry into employment or into further study.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements. However, you should have good communication and dexterity skills, be keen to work with the public and have a professional attitude.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
01 Nov 2027
|
Bispham Campus
|
10 Weeks
|
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
The beauty industry in the UK continues to grow currently generating a revenue of over £30 billion a year as does the number of individuals it employs. That's good news for anyone considering this course as a stepping stone into a career in the sector. Salons and spas, in particular, have seen increased spending so there are plenty of opportunities here either to secure a permanent role or to work as a freelancer in several businesses.
Successfully completing the course also means you are eligible to become a member of the following recognised professional bodies:
- The British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC)
- Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT).
Additionally, the qualification is recognised internationally which means you can work overseas, including in the travel industry.
Next steps at B&FC
If you want to further your studies, the next step at B&FC is to move onto the Level 3 Beauty Therapy course. Alternatively, you could look to add to your portfolio of beauty skills with other Level 2 courses such as nail treatments or professional make-up.
Employment Opportunities
Typically, individuals successfully completing this qualification would look to secure work as a facialist and head massage therapist in a salon or spa. Self-employment is also an option work from home or as a mobile beauty therapist.
Career Options and Progression
This qualification provides you with eligibility to become a member of recognised professional bodies including:
The British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) or Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT).
This qualification has national and international recognition and so associated travel is also a benefit.
Careers for consideration include:
- Commercial salon
- Day/destination spa
- Independent/self employed/mobile/home-based settings
The primary aim of this qualification is employment but it also provides an excellent opportunity to develop skills and knowledge further if you want to achieve a Level 3, or a higher qualification.
Key information
Fees and funding
Please read our tuition fee guide.
Extra costs and equipment
All students are required to wear a uniform to work in the beauty salon at the college which can be purchase from B&FC for a cost of £35. Students with longer hair will also be required to put this up into a bun for which a bun ring may be required.
Additionally, students will be expected to provide their own stationery to enable them to take notes in class and may also consider buying a fob watch to time their treatments as no jewellery or wristwatches can be worn during their duration.
There is discretionary funding available for eligible students to help them cover additional course costs. More information on this can be found on our funding pages signposted below.
Regulation and Accreditation
Accrediting Institution: N/A
Awarding Body: Vocational Training Charitable Trust
Regulatory Body: Ofsted
Terms and conditions
Read our full terms and conditions for more information.
What will I learn?
The course centres around three modules: providing facial skincare, client care and communication in beauty-related industries, and health and safety practice in the salon. The facial treatment process and skincare are the main focus of the course with students learning how to:
- Analyse the skin and select suitable products for the facial
- Remove client make up effectively and safely
- Cleanse the skin thoroughly
- Steam the face, perform extractions and exfoliate the skin
- Apply and remove a mask
- Tone and moisturise
- Massage the face, head and neck
You will also learn about the essential anatomy and physiology of the face and head and contraindications to enable you to carry out a facial safely and effectively.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
Whilst there is no work placement attached to this course, we recommend to all students that they try to find their own placement as this not only benefits them in terms of being able to practice the techniques they have learnt but also gives them valuable experience to include on their CV.
How will I learn?
At Blackpool and The Fylde College we recognise that all students learn differently and for some it may be a return to the classroom following a break from formal learning. Our tutors work with you to ensure that their teaching methods support the way that you like to learn.
One key teaching and learning method is that of demonstrations. Your tutors ensure that demonstrations are used whenever possible so you can see the practical skill being used so you can then practise the skill. You will work collaboratively with your peers in group work, presentations and within practical salon sessions. Following demonstrations you will then have hands on practical time where you will be learning the practical skills. You will be required to model for your peers as well so you can experience the therapies first hand. In addition, you will also be expected to apply these skills to clients in our working salons.
There will be dedicated individual/self-study time on your programme which needs to be supported by your own study out of the College learning environments.
Within the curriculum we also use a range of on-line apps to support, enhance and motivate learning. Your tutors will be support you with new technologies used in the classroom.
Your tutors will also support you in preparing for your examinations.
The course runs for 10 weeks during which time you will be expected to attend one day per week.
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.
How will I be assessed?
Your tutors will provide regular feedback during the course particularly whilst observing your practical sessions. This will allow you to improve your technique so that you are working to a professional standard by the point you are formally assessed.
To achieve the qualification you will be required to pass two exams and demonstrate practical skills to awarding body standards. There will also be some written questions to complete during home study.
Assessment Methods
You will be required to pass two exams and demonstrate practical skills to awarding body standards. There will also be some written questions that would be completed as home study.
Assessment is continuous and both formative (allowing you to regularly reflect on and improve your performance) and summative (carried out at the end of a learning period).