Course Overview
The part-time Beauty Specialist Diploma is a hands-on course for those who want to become a Beauty Specialist. This one-year course will give you the skills to gain employment with salons, health farms or cosmetic companies.
Entry Requirements
ITEC requires that students are a minimum of 18 years of age at the time of sitting the examination. You will normally hold a minimum of five GCSEs, one of which should preferably be in English and one in Science, or Level 1 initial assessment in English (taken at your interview at enrolment).
What the course covers
The course covers the practical skills and underpinning theory and knowledge required to practise as a Beauty Specialist.
The course units are as follows:
- Facial skincare to include performance of a full facial
- Lash and eyebrow services including lash and brow tinting
- Make-up application to include the understanding of face shapes and full make-up application
- Manicure to include care of the nails, hand massage and application of polish
- Pedicure to include care of the nails, foot massage and application of polish
- Removal of hair using hot and cool waxing techniques
The learner will also develop knowledge about related anatomy and physiology, health and safety and client care and communication which is essential to work and be successful in the beauty industry.
Fees and funding
Please note:
- Students aged 16 to 18, or those aged 16 to 24 who have a valid EHCP, and are studying Further Education courses are not normally charged course fees
- Adults may need to pay a fee depending on their personal circumstances. This will be assessed against the relevant Funding Body eligibility criteria at point of enrolment
If you don’t qualify for fee remission, the fees for 2026/27 will be:
£1,056* (plus registration fee to be advised at enrolment)
*Exam fee included
Fees are for 2026/27 entry and apply to students eligible for home fee status enrolling to funded programmes. The fees quoted are subject to personal circumstances and will be confirmed at the time of your enrolment, depending on eligibility criteria. For more information about financial support for students, please click here or email studentfinance@nescot.ac.uk
Progression
Students can expect to progress to other courses in beauty or complementary therapies, employment in the beauty industry including work in salons, health farms or in cosmetic companies, perhaps work in their own salon or provide home visiting services.
Next steps/progression routes include ITEC Diploma in Advanced Beauty Therapy Level 3.
Duration
32 weeks (9 hours per week) – daytime course.
Mondays 9.15am : 3pm and Wednesdays 9.15am : 2.45pm