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Study level:
Undergraduate

Course summary

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 foundation 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. 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

  • 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

  • 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
Students on our FdA course are encouraged to gain industry experience.

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

Upon completion of the foundation degree, you can also progress onto the final year of our full BA (Hons) degree.

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

Modules

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

Assessment method

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.

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How to apply

Apply by
31 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
W200
Institution code:
B35
Campus name:
University College Birmingham
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 32 - 56 points

Non-electrotherapy - You will have previously studied electrotherapy as part of a Level 3 qualification. Level 3 qualifications are accepted at UCB for entrance, a minimum of 32 UCAS Tariff points will be required. If you are unsure if your qualification is accepted call us on 0121 604 1040 or email admissions@ucb.ac.uk.

A level - CD - DD

UCB will accept A Level in General Studies for this course and will also take into consideration applicants who are studying an extended project.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PPP

This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.

Access to HE Diploma

You will need a minimum of 32 UCAS Tariff points

Scottish Higher

You will need a minimum of 32 UCAS Tariff points

T Level - P

A T-level graded Pass with a core component profile less than C.

Non-tariff: Non-UCAS Tariff based Level 3 qualifications are also considered for entry please contact admissions@ucb.ac.uk to check your eligibility.

Work-based: We also give equal consideration to applicants who are currently in work and wish to apply to UCB. To apply, you must have a minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience, demonstrating management or supervisory duties. Your application must also include a reference from your line manager supporting your entry to higher education. For further details please contact Admissions.

Students who are studying a mixture of qualifications will receive an offer that will be inclusive of all Level 3 qualifications.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
Cambridge English AdvancedLevel B2BA/BSc - Minimum 170 with no less than 160 in any skill FdA/FdSc - Minimum 160 with no less than 150 in any skill
IELTS (Academic)BA/BSc - Overall score of 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each component FdA/FdSc - Overall score of 5.5 with no less than 5.0 in each component
Institution's Own TestBA/BSc - Overall score of B2 with no less than B2- in in each component FdA/FdSc - Overall score of B2- with no less than B1+ in in each component
To apply for all undergraduate degrees, if your first language is not English, you will need to sit an approved test in English.

UCB English Language Requirements http://www.ucb.ac.uk/our-courses/international/english-language-requirements/english-language-requirements-table.aspx

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades students were previously accepted with - learn more. It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

50 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

70 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Republic of Ireland£9250Year 1
EU£13500Year 1
International£13500Year 1
England£9250Year 1
Northern Ireland£9250Year 1
Scotland£9250Year 1
Wales£9250Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

UK:
If you are a UK student enrolling on a Foundation Degree or a BA/BSc at University College Birmingham in 2021/22, your fee for this academic year will be £9,250. A half year tuition fee is £4625.
This is a yearly fee, and will increase with inflation in subsequent years (in line with the government’s permitted rise).
If you are an English student studying your first higher education qualification, you can apply for a tuition fee loan from the Student Loans Company. You will not start repaying this loan until you leave the course and are earning over £25,000 a year.
If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you should apply to Student Finance Wales, Student Finance Northern Ireland, or SAAS. The loans and grants available to you will differ from those available from Student Finance England.
UCB does not charge for 24 or 48 week placements.
More information about UK Fees please go to our website here -
https://www.ucb.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/undergraduate-fees/

EU and International:
More information about International Fees please go to our website here - https://www.ucb.ac.uk/our-courses/international/tuition-fees-and-scholarships.aspx

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