Aesthetics

OVERVIEW
As growth in the non-surgical aesthetic market increases exponentially year on year, the demand for a qualified and highly skilled workforce is at an all-time high. Open to therapists and non-therapists alike, our Aesthetics degree will help you develop a range of transferable skills, enabling you to pursue a reputable and lucrative career in aesthetic industries with optional pathways in business or training.

You will study a range of non-medical cosmetic procedures such as laser and light technologies and chemical peels, as well as exploring theories and concepts including science of skincare, skin health education, ageing theories and physiology. You will develop professionalism through learning, teaching and industry exposure, with an optional pathway in business or training, shaping both your personal and professional growth.

As part of our course, you will engage with industry experts through conferences, guest speakers, mentors, networking events and trips, including the opportunity to visit the Mesoestetic laboratory and production facility in Spain. You will also have the chance to undertake additional training courses as well as benefiting from access to a range of initiatives.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

• Specialise your studies – Our course is designed with two pathways – training or business – with optional modules based on your choice of pathway

• Industry links – We work closely with leading brands including Lynton, Mesoestetic, Neostrata, Canfield VISIA and Observ to ensure our course content is up-to-date

• Residential visit – Learn first-hand about the industry on a visit to the Mesoestetic production facility in Barcelona, Spain

• Enrichment – Explore the industry through competitions, guest speakers and additional training programmes

• Practical application – Gain experience and expertise by participating in clinic sessions, case studies, practical workshops and demonstrations, as well as developing showcase portfolios

• Work placement (BA only) – Put your training into practice on an optional paid 48-week work placement, with no tuition fees during your placement year

• Award-winning university – Study at the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023)

FACILITIES
You will develop a range of skills on campus in our aesthetics suite. We have three purpose-built laser rooms, over 30 private treatment rooms, a designated retail space and three consultation rooms with access to a range of comprehensive client management and analysis software as well as a social media hub to develop your digital skills.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING
You will have opportunities to complete a variety of training courses in addition to your main programme of study. These include core of knowledge, trans awareness and skin cancer vigilance.

Please note extra qualifications may incur an additional fee.

PLACEMENTS
Our course includes the option to undertake a 48-week work placement after your second year. You will not incur any tuition fees during the placement.

Employers we have worked with include sk:n (Leamington), Skin & Tonic (Tamworth), Envie Clinic (Birmingham), Fiji Skin Clinic (Birmingham), Hampton Clinic (Birmingham), Beauty Lounge Training Academy (Birmingham), Medizen (Sutton Coldfield) and My Skin Spa (Solihull).

CAREERS AND PROGRESSION
Examples of careers you could pursue following this course:

• Business development manager

• Brand trainer

• Global education and training manager

• Area sales manager

• Aesthetic clinic manager

• Academy manager

You could also progress onto one of our postgraduate courses at University College Birmingham.

• Please refer to our website www.ucb.ac.uk for the latest updates to this course

YEAR 1

• Chemical Peeling for Skin Rejuvenation
• Aesthetic Principles and Consultation
• Laser and Light Technologies
• Non-Invasive Interventions
• Venture Incubator
• The Coaching Concept

YEAR 2

• The Aetiology of Aging
• Empowering Leadership
• Interventions for Skin Rejuvenation
• Critical Approaches to Research Methods in Aesthetic Practice
• Science of Skincare

Plus one option from:

• The Training Cycle
• Venture Concept and Planning

YEAR 3

Optional Work Placement (BA only)

YEAR 3/4

• Aesthetic Identity
• Global Wellness
• Sustainability in Aesthetics

Plus one option from:

• Dissertation
• Venture Creator

Plus one option from:

• Digital Skills and Social Media Marketing
• The Training Enterprise

Note: Indicative information only. Actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website: www.ucb.ac.uk

TEACHING

Example of a typical teaching week (up to 16 contact hours):

• Large group teaching – 4-6 hours
• Smaller group teaching – 2-3 hours
• Hands-on learning in the clinic – 3 - 6 hours
• Tutorials –1 - 3 hours

Please note that these hours will vary each year of the programme. You will also need to commit around 20 hours per week for individual study time.

ASSESSMENT

Estimated breakdown of assessment for this degree course:

• Coursework – 68%
• Practical assessment – 23%
• Written examinations – 9%

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.