Aesthetics BA (Hons) / FdA
Welcome and induction information
Welcome to University College Birmingham
Whether you are joining us as a new student or continuing your studies, we want to make sure you get off to a flying start. On this page, you will find your course-specific induction information, together with the information on additional welcome activities happening throughout the week.
Please note: where applicable, new Top-up (Level 6) student information will be shared with returning student information.
Important dates
Enrolment: 14 Sep 2026 - 25 Sep 2026
Induction: 21 Sep 2026 - 25 Sep 2026
Teaching starts: w/c 28 Sep 2026
Induction information for new students (Level 4)
Further information specific to your course, including induction activities, any uniform/kit requirements and our Kick-Start scheme, is available below. Additional changes may be made to the schedules before welcome week. You are required to attend your course induction session and other activities unless you have enrolled after these have passed.
Please check this page again prior to the week commencing 21 September 2026 for any updates or amendments.
Monday 21 September
Welcome Talk: Meet your teaching team and join our learning community
Location: McIntyre House (MH), MH227
Time: 11am-1pm
Lecturer(s): Shazia Iqbal, Emma Smith, Rochelle Maynard
Join us for a warm welcome to the course and to your new academic community. This session is an opportunity to meet your teaching team, connect with fellow students, and begin your journey with us. We will share the course structure, weekly timetable, and what to expect during induction with you. You will also hear about how we support your learning and wellbeing, and how your voice matters in shaping your experience. This is a chance to ask questions, share ideas, and feel part of a vibrant and supportive learning environment from day one.
Tuesday 22 September
Laser & Light Core of Knowledge - Groups 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D
Location: McIntyre House (MH), MH129
Time: 9am–12pm
Lecturer(s): Rochelle Maynard, Shazia Iqbal, Charlotte Edwards
You are invited to take part in the Core of Knowledge training for laser, light and IPL systems—an essential foundation for anyone entering the sector. This nationally recognised training is a prerequisite for operators and laser protection supervisors and is integral to building your professional identity.
Clinic Induction
Join us as we welcome you into the clinic—an exciting part of your learning journey.
Session 1: This session includes a guided tour of the facilities and a demonstration of key protocols. You will also learn about clinic etiquette, health and safety, sustainability, and how we work together to create a respectful and inclusive environment.
Session 2: This is your opportunity to start developing the professional skills that will shape your future practice. The session will review clinic and skin preparation protocols and include a practical element.
Please wear comfortable clothing, such as a T-shirt and loose trousers, with flat, closed-toe footwear. If you are inexperienced in facial treatments, please watch the preparation (cleanse) stage procedure before attending. We look forward to supporting you as you begin this new chapter.
Please check your online timetable for your group allocation.
| Group | Location | Time | Lecturer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1F | Summer Row (SR), SR603 | 9am–11am | Lauren Pryer |
| Group 1G | Summer Row (SR), SR504 | 9am–11am | Helen Barrett-Cox |
| Group 1H | Summer Row (SR), SR603 | 11am–1pm | Hannah Harris |
| Group 1A | Summer Row (SR), SR603 | 1pm–3pm | Rochelle Maynard |
| Group 1B | Summer Row (SR), SR504 | 1pm–3pm | Shazia Iqbal |
Thursday 24 September
Clinic Induction
Join us as we welcome you into the clinic—an exciting part of your learning journey.
Session 1: This session includes a guided tour of the facilities and a demonstration of key protocols. You will also learn about clinic etiquette, health and safety, sustainability, and how we work together to create a respectful and inclusive environment.
Session 2: This is your opportunity to start developing the professional skills that will shape your future practice. The session will review clinic and skin preparation protocols and include a practical element.
Please wear comfortable clothing, such as a T-shirt and loose trousers, with flat, closed-toe footwear. If you are inexperienced in facial treatments, please watch the preparation (cleanse) stage procedure before attending. We look forward to supporting you as you begin this new chapter.
Please check your online timetable for your group allocation.
| Group | Location | Time | Lecturer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1C | Summer Row (SR), SR603 | 9am–11am | Jo Lancaster |
| Group 1D | Summer Row (SR), SR504 | 9am–11am | Lauren Pryer |
| Group 1E | Summer Row (SR), SR603 | 11am–1pm | Emma Smith |
Welcome week activities and support sessions
Throughout welcome week, we've arranged a programme of support sessions and activities to help you settle into university life, meet other students and discover the services available to you.
You'll have the opportunity to meet teams including Disability and Neurodiversity Support, Mental Health and Wellbeing, the Centre for Academic Skills and English (CASE), and the Library. You'll also have opportunities to connect with the Guild of Students (the student union at UCB), find out more about student life, and take part in activities organised by the Student Engagement and Success Team.
Monday 21 September • Student Support & Wellbeing
| Time | Session | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1pm–2pm | Student Support & Wellbeing (Online) Chat online to members of our Student Support & Wellbeing teams and find out how they can support you during your time at UCB. From advice on managing your mental health and staying on track with your studies to signposting you to other support services, this is an opportunity to learn more about what the team can do for you. |
Join online meeting |
Tuesday 22 September • DNS, Academic Support, Guild of Students
| Time | Session | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1pm–2pm | Disability and Neurodiversity Support (Online) Chat online to members of our Disability and Neurodiversity Support team to find out how the DSA (Disabled Students' Allowance) application system works and how UCB can support students with specific learning difficulties or disabilities. |
Join online meeting |
| 2pm–3pm | Academic Support (Online) Chat online to a member of our CASE (Centre for Academic Skills and English) team to find out how they can support you with your assignments this semester. You will also find out more about ASET/A-ASET. |
Join online meeting Anna Sadowska |
| 3pm–5pm | Maltings Mingle Looking to meet new people and settle into student life? Join the Guild of Students at The Maltings for a fun social evening and the chance to make new friends and connect with other students. |
The Maltings Hideaway |
Wednesday 23 September • WelcomeFest, Library, Academic Support
| Time | Session | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10.30am–3pm There will be a quiet hour from 9.30am-10.30am. |
Come along to WelcomeFest to celebrate the start of the academic year! WelcomeFest is an opportunity to meet new friends and become part of the UCB community. We have a fun-filled programme of activities including:
Come and say hello to the support services, the Engagement Team, and the Guild of Students. They will all be available to answer any questions you may have. |
Moss House Ground floor |
| 1pm–2pm | The Library (Online) Chat online to a member of our Library team to find out more about the fantastic resources we have on offer (both print and online), in addition to how we can help you find them! |
Join online meeting Academic Librarians |
| 2pm–3pm | Academic Support (Online) Chat online to a member of our CASE (Centre for Academic Skills and English) team to find out how they can support you with your assignments this semester. You will also find out more about ASET/A-ASET. |
Join online meeting Laura Hands |
Friday 25 September • Library
| Time | Session | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2pm–3pm | The Library (Online) Chat online to a member of our Library team to find out more about the fantastic resources we have on offer (both print and online), in addition to how we can help you find them! |
Join online meeting Academic Librarians |
Additional activities • Guild of Students
| Date and time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 29 September 11am–2pm |
Guild Funfair Guild of Students will be running a funfair with games and activities in Moss House, where you will be able to speak to the three elected Officers responsible for making your views heard at UCB. |
Moss House Ground floor |
| Thursday 1 October 6pm–8pm |
Dress as your Course Night Join the Guild of Students for a fun "Dress as your Course" night at the Hideaway! Whether you're a future chef, nurse, business boss, athlete or educator, this is your chance to get creative with your outfit, have a laugh and meet other students in a relaxed social atmosphere. Drinks and refreshments will be available to purchase throughout the evening. |
The Maltings Hideaway |
Other useful information
Have a question about your course or timetable? (Online)
| Session | Time | Location | Lecturer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Have a question about your course or timetable? (Online) Use this link to connect with one of the teaching team – we are here to help! |
Wednesday 23 September, 3pm-4pm | Join online meeting | Claire Prew |
The Kick-Start Scheme (Home students)
Induction information for returning (continuing) students
Welcome to the new academic year! Whether you're returning to UCB or joining us as a new student, your lecturers have arranged activities to help you prepare for the year ahead. If you're studying a Top-up course, please follow the Level 6 (final year) induction information below.
Level 5 (Year 2)
| Session | Time | Location | Lecturer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meet your teaching team Join us in a welcome talk with your teaching team. Within this talk you will receive information on your upcoming timetables, course information and the rest of your induction week | Monday 21 September, 9am-11am | McIntyre House (MH), MH129 | Deb Freeman, Helen Barrett-Cox, Lauren Pryer |
| Have a question about your course or timetable? (Online) Use this link to connect with one of the teaching team – we are here to help! | Monday 21 September, 3pm-4pm | Join online meeting | |
| Mesoestetic Axion Training (Mandatory) CPD Session: Mesoestetic Axion Technology Students will participate in a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) session exploring Mesoestetic’s latest professional microneedling innovation, Axion, an advanced energy-based device that combines multiple technologies to enhance treatment outcomes and patient comfort. The session will develop students’ understanding of emerging aesthetic technologies, evidence-based practice, and the integration of innovative devices within professional clinical settings. | Wednesday 23 September, 10am-12.30pm | Join online meeting | Deb Freeman, Helen Barrett-Cox |
| Come along to WelcomeFest to celebrate the start of the academic year! Reconnect with friends, meet new students and enjoy a lively afternoon of food, entertainment and activities. It's also a great opportunity to discover the support and opportunities available across UCB, and chat to the Guild of Students, the Engagement Team and university support services to help you make the most of the year ahead. | Wednesday 23 September, 10.30am-3pm There will be a quiet hour from 9.30am-10.30am. | Moss House (MS), Ground floor | Multiple teams |
Level 6 (Final year)
| Session | Time | Location | Lecturer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Back! Induction Join us in a welcome talk with your teaching team. Within this talk you will receive information on your upcoming timetables, course information and the rest of your induction week | Monday 21 September, 11am-12.30pm | Moss House (MS), MS208 | Portia Foster, Hannah Harris, Claire Prew |
| Have a question about your course or timetable? (Online) Use this link to connect with one of the teaching team – we are here to help! | Monday 21 September, 3pm-4pm | Join online meeting | |
| Mandatory CPD Training: Mesoestetic 'Axion' Technology Students will participate in a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) session exploring Mesoestetic’s latest professional microneedling innovation, Axion, an advanced energy-based device that combines multiple technologies to enhance treatment outcomes and client comfort. The session will develop students’ understanding of emerging aesthetic technologies, evidence-based practice, and the integration of innovative devices within professional clinical settings. | Wednesday 23 September, 10am-12.30pm | Join online meeting | Deborah Freeman, Helen Barett-Cox |
| Come along to WelcomeFest to celebrate the start of the academic year! Reconnect with friends, meet new students and enjoy a lively afternoon of food, entertainment and activities. It's also a great opportunity to discover the support and opportunities available across UCB, and chat to the Guild of Students, the Engagement Team and university support services to help you make the most of the year ahead. | Wednesday 23 September, 10.30am-3pm There will be a quiet hour from 9.30am-10.30am. | Moss House (MS), Ground floor | Multiple teams |
Reading lists
To view the recommended books and journal articles for the modules you will be studying as part of your course, search for your course or module name on the dedicated page for the reading lists at the link below.
Please note that you will not have full access to eBooks and journal articles until you have a UCB username and password (after enrolment). For more information about the library and our resources, please visit the UCB Library website. To contact the library, please email library@ucb.ac.uk.