AESTHETIC PRACTITIONER

BA (Hons) Top-up

Accredited by University College Birmingham

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BA (Hons)

Duration

1 year FT

UCAS Code

W210

Entry

September

Fees

View Fees

Department of Creative Industries
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Saturday 13 April 2024

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Learn and work in our state-of-the-art commercial aesthetics clinic

Experience placement opportunities in a variety of settings to support your career progression

Non-surgical and non-invasive aesthetic treatments are on the rise in the UK, putting demand for qualified practitioners at an all-time high. Our Aesthetic Practitioner top-up degree course builds on your existing knowledge and skills for practising a wide range of non-medical procedures, offering you a gateway to a range of reputable and lucrative careers in this rapidly expanding sector.

Designed for anyone who has previously studied a relevant subject (up to Level 5) or with substantial industry experience, this aesthetics top-up course will help you further develop the specialist knowledge and skills needed for a variety of industry roles. The course covers a range of non-medical procedures within cosmetology, hair removal and skin rejuvenation, as well as advanced electrical face and body technologies.

Working with real clients in our state-of-the-art Treatment Rooms clinic at University College Birmingham, you will gain valuable hands-on experience using the latest equipment, procedures and techniques. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Mesoestetic production facility in Spain, as well as the chance to engage with industry experts.

Why should I choose this course?

  • PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Gain experience and expertise by participating in clinic sessions, case studies, practical workshops and demonstrations
  • INDUSTRY LINKS – We work closely with leading brands including Lynton, Mesoestetic, Neostrata, Skinade, E Clinic, Canfield VISIA and Observ to ensure our course content is up-to-date with industry
  • RESIDENTIAL VISIT – Learn first-hand about the industry, for example on a visit to the Mesoestetic production facility in Barcelona, Spain
  • ENRICHMENT – Explore the industry and meet with experts through events and visits from guest speakers
  • EXPERT TUITION – Learn from our diverse team with an extensive range of qualifications, expertise and specialisms in aesthetics and associated industries
  • AWARD-WINNING UNIVERSITY – Study at the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023)

Our facilities

Our aesthetics course provides a balance of theory and practical training. You will have the opportunity to develop a range of skills on campus in our Aspire Aesthetics suite.

Treatment Rooms

Take a look around Treatment Rooms, our professional clinic that offers a wide variety of non-medical treatments for the face and body.

Find out more

Course breakdown

  • Modules

Core Modules

Aesthetic Identity

The aesthetics industry is rapidly growing yet the reasons people choose to participate in aesthetic treatments is often misunderstood. This module aims to explore both sociological and psychological factors that may influence a client's decision to engage in such treatments. What is the ideal image? Does it, or should it even exist? Is it important and who are the drivers of this global industry? This module will ensure graduates/aesthetic practitioners develop a more holistic, well-rounded approach to treating clients.

Applied Aesthetics

This module will facilitate the development of aesthetic studies applied in the aesthetic clinic using research grade analysis on the face and body to provide a vehicle for critical analysis of data

Regenerative Aesthetics

This module will research current invasive and non-invasive regenerative treatments, available in the aesthetic industry. The efficacy and impact on internal and external body structures will be reviewed.

Research Project

You will have the opportunity to engage in an independent research project of your choice. You will have support with preparing your proposal and understanding the competent characteristics of good research. An appointed tutor will help guide you through this important and rewarding process.

The modules listed above for this course are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date and informed by industry as well as the latest teaching methods. On occasion, we may need to make unexpected changes to modules – if this occurs, we will contact all offer holders as soon as possible.

Entry requirements

Academic

A relevant HND or a foundation degree with 240 credits.

If you are unsure if your previous qualification is suitable, please contact us before completing an application. You can call us on 0121 604 1040 or complete our enquiry form here.

Work experience

Students will also be considered if applying with significant industry experience. We will explore with you whether your experience permits exemptions of previous modules based on your experiential learning. If you are interested in securing a place via this route, please contact our Admissions team upon submission of your application as you will be required to attend a meeting with the teaching teams to provide evidence of your industry knowledge.

EU/international students

European and International qualifications studied in a relevant subject matter will also be considered. Applicants will need to have achieved 120 ECTS or equivalent (European Credit Transfer).

If you are unsure if your previous qualification is suitable, please contact us before completing an application. You can call us on 0121 604 1040 or complete our online enquiry form:

Enquiry Form

Key information

Teaching and assessment

Note: Indicative information only – actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction. 

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 – 4-6 hours 
  • Tutorials – 2-3 hours 

You will also need to commit around 20 hours per week for individual study time. 

Assessment

Estimated breakdown of assessment for this top-up degree course:

  • Coursework – 50%
  • Practical assessment – 50%

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

Uniform and kit costs

This course requires a uniform and kit costing approximately £290, depending on the items you purchase. (Prices are subject to change each year – exact costs and information on how to order required items will be provided to you prior to enrolment.)

Tuition fees

UK students

If you are a UK student enrolling on a standard-length Foundation Degree or a BA/BSc at University College Birmingham, your fee for this academic year will be £9,250. A half-year tuition fee is £4,625. There will be no change to this tuition fee for the forthcoming two academic years (2023/24 and 2024/25).

View undergraduate fees

International students

If you are an international student enrolling on a full-time foundation degree or a BA/BSc in 2023/24, your fee for this academic year will be £13,500 per year. The course fee for academic year 2024/2025 is £14,000 per year.

If you complete a placement year, there will be an administration fee of £500 for a full year or £250 for a half-year placement.

View international fees

Kick-Start Scheme

As a new student studying this course full-time, you will receive £300 per year through our Kick-Start Scheme (UK students only, eligibility criteria applies). This scheme will support your studies and future career by contributing to course-related materials, uniform or selected items on campus. You may also qualify for an additional £500 per year.

Find out more about the Kick-Start Scheme here.

Unibuddy Community - meet other students on your course

Starting university is an exciting time, but we understand that it can sometimes feel a little daunting. To support you, you will be invited to join our Unibuddy Community, where you can meet other students who have applied for the same course at University College Birmingham, before you start studying here.

As soon as you have been made an offer, you will be sent an invitation email to complete your registration and join the Unibuddy Community. For more information, check out our Unibuddy Community page.

I chose University College Birmingham because of its location, it offered the course which I really wanted to study, and because of its good reputation. I really enjoy the practical sessions, as well as the theory, and the balance between the two is very good.

Monika Chrzanowska Aesthetic Practitioner FdA

Career opportunities

The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

Business development manager

Average Salary: £42,500

Skincare consultant

Average Salary: £15,000

Aesthetic practitioner (laser and skin practitioner)

£23,000 - £26,000

Area sales manager

Average Salary: £34,136

Aesthetic clinic manager

£30,000 - £40,000

Aesthetic practitioner

£23,000 - £26,000

Want to take your studies to the next level? Completing the BA (Hons) degree will enable you to move onto our postgraduate courses such as Enterprise Management MSc/PGDip.

Hired

We are here to support your career goals every step of the way. 

Find out more

Maria’s Story

Maria was one of the very first students on this pioneering degree course, launched to answer demand for results-driven, non-medical treatments.

 

Read Story

Undergraduate students

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