North Kent College

Applications Open - 26th September 2025

Applications Close - 14th August 2026 for application forms - please visit www.northkent.ac.uk if applying after this date for GCSE Open Events and Open Enrolment Dates.

How to Apply - Apply through KentChoices

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

Assessment is continuous throughout the course. Assessment will consist of practical observations written and oral questions, coursework and end of unit tests. You will also be required to produce a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate your skills and knowledge. The summative assessments for the qualifications require the candidates to undertake: practical tasks, and underpinning knowledge tasks for each unit.

The VRQ Level 3 Diploma in Beauty and Spa Therapy aims to provide you with a range of essential technical and practical skills and knowledge, which will equip you to seek employment or further training within the Beauty and Spa Industry. As part of your continued training, you will spend a minimum of 3 sessions a week in our well equipped beauty salons which includes one late night until 8.30pm. You will be taught by experienced vocational lecturers who have worked, or are currently working, in the Beauty Therapy Industry and they therefore have a wide and current experience of the industries needs and trends. Students are expected to dedicate time for home study to devleop and deepen the core underpinning knowledge, promoting long term memory. You will study the following content: * Working with colleagues within the beauty related industries * Monitor and maintain health and safety practice in the salon * Client care and communication in beauty related industries * Promote and sell products and services to clients * Provide body massage * Provide massage using pre-blended aromatherapy oils * Monitor and maintain spa area * Provide spa treatments * Provide facial electrotherapy treatments * Provide body electrotherapy treatments Your initial training is carried out on peers within your group, performing and receiving beauty services before participating in a commercial salon on paying clients to create a realistic working environment. You will be expected to behave in a highly professional manner at all times, within our teaching and learning environments developing employability skills. Uniform and equipment will need to be purchased (refer to course costs)You will wear a salon uniform at all times and are required to bring all equipment with you for each salon session. Full participation and engagement in developing Maths and English, employability skills, personal development in behaviour attitude and skills are compulsory and are monitored weekly and progress reviews are performed four times a year will be part of the wider curriulumn.

During your programme of study, you will have the opportunity to attend various different events such as Professional Beauty and oppotunities for additional training such as Dermalogica/Eve Taylor/Spa Find skin and body care work shops and also have the opportunity to attend additional workshops and short courses at an additional cost in a range of areas to include tanning, stone therapy as examples. We encourage local employers to contribute to the knowledge and delivery of training. Employers may provide demonstrations and talks on the industry and their is an expectation to complete work placement within the beauty and spa industry. This practically based training is ideal preparation for gaining employment in the beauty or spa therapy industry or specialist further study.

Assessment is continuous throughout the course. Assessment will consist of practical observations written and oral questions, coursework and end of unit tests. You will also be required to produce a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate your skills and knowledge. The summative assessments for the qualifications require the candidates to undertake: practical tasks, and underpinning knowledge tasks for each unit.

You will need a minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above which includes, English and Maths or previoulsy achieved a Level 2 qualification in Beauty. Your enrolment is subject to a successful interview, positive references/report evidencing excellent attendance, behaviour and attitude and successful completion of taster sessions to include assessment of your underpinning knowledge and technical ability.

You could progress into employment or to other Level 3 qualfications or Level 4 qualification in Advanced Techniques or Management, such as: City & Guilds Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Beauty Therapy Techniques. City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Make-up Artistry City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Theatrical, Special Effects and Media Make-up Artistry This qualification could lead employment as a senior beauty/spa therapist working in one of the following establishments: * Beauty salon * Spa * Cruise ship * Hotel salon

Beauty - Spa Therapy - Level 3 - Dartford