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, Top-up (Level 6) student information will be shared with returning student information.
Important dates
Enrolment: 8 September 2025 - 10 October 2025
Induction: w/c 22 September 2025
Teaching starts: w/c 29 September 2025
Induction information for new students
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 ahead of the welcome week, so please check this page again prior to w/c 22 September for any updates or amendments.
Course activities
Please note: you are required to attend your course induction session and other activities unless you have enrolled after these have passed.
Tuesday 23 September
Welcome Talk: Meet your teaching team and join our learning community
Location: McIntyre House (MH), MH227
Time: 9am-12pm
Lecturer(s): Claire Prew, Zhanae McNeil, Lauren Pryer, Rochelle Maynard
Join us for a welcome talk from the team. Within this, you will be inducted onto the course and meet your academic community. This session is an opportunity to meet your teaching team, be allocated to your group (you will need to know this to enable you to join the correct session on Wednesday), to connect with fellow students and begin your journey with us. We will share with you the course structure, weekly timetable and what to expect during induction. 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.
Wednesday 24 September
Professional Practice Induction
Location: Summer Row (SR)
Time: See table below
Lecturer(s): Zhanae McNeil, Lauren Pryer, Emma Smith, Kelly Clarke
Session 1: you will learn about clinic etiquette, health and safety, sustainability and how we work together to create a respectful, inclusive, environment.
Session 2: this is your opportunity to start developing the professional skills that will shape your future practice. This session will review clinic and skin preparation protocols and includes an element of practical. Please wear comfortable clothing, e.g. a t-shirt and loose trousers, and flat, closed-toe footwear.
For those inexperienced in facial treatments, please watch the preparation (cleanse) stage procedure prior to attendance here. We look forward to supporting you as you begin this new chapter.
Important: Please check the information below for your allocated timeslot.
| Group | Time | Session | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 9am – 10am | Session 1 | SR603 |
| 10am – 11am | Session 2 | SR Aesthetic Clinic (5th floor) | |
| B | 9am – 10am | Session 1 | SR603 |
| 10am – 11am | Session 2 | SR Aesthetic Clinic (5th floor) | |
| C | 9am – 10am | Session 2 | SR Aesthetic Clinic (5th floor) |
| 10am – 11am | Session 1 | SR603 | |
| D | 9am – 10am | Session 2 | SR Aesthetic Clinic (5th floor) |
| 10am – 11am | Session 1 | SR603 | |
| E | 11am – 12pm | Session 1 | SR603 |
| 12pm – 1pm | Session 2 | SR Aesthetic Clinic (5th floor) | |
| F | 11am – 12pm | Session 1 | SR603 |
| 12pm – 1pm | Session 2 | SR Aesthetic Clinic (5th floor) | |
| G | 11am – 12pm | Session 2 | SR Aesthetic Clinic (5th floor) |
| 12pm – 1pm | Session 1 | SR603 | |
| H | 11am – 12pm | Session 2 | SR Aesthetic Clinic (5th floor) |
| 12pm – 1pm | Session 1 | SR603 |
Thursday 25 September
Laser and light Core of Knowledge: mandatory training
Location: McIntyre House (MH), MH227
Time: 9am-12pm
Lecturer(s): Rochelle Maynard, Shazia Iqbal, Hannah Harris, Lauren Pryer
You are invited to take part in the Core of Knowledge training for laser, light and IPL system. This is an essential foundation for anyone entering the sector. This nationally recognised training is a prerequisite for operators and laser protection supervisors and is integral in building your professional identity.
Friday 26 September
Mesoestetic brand training - you are invited to training with the globally recognised skincare brand Mesoestetic
Location: Join the online meeting
Time: 10am-12pm
Lecturer(s): Jo Lancaster, Helen Barrett-Cox, Portia Foster, Claire Prew
You will learn about clinical-grade products and protocols used in aesthetic clinics worldwide. Engaging with industry-standard practices will provide insight into professional expectations and develop knowledge and understanding of the range prior to clinical practice. Please note: You will need to register an account prior to the training session. Please ensure that you have a suitable device to access the training.
Support sessions
Throughout the welcome week, we have arranged our support teams to run different introductory sessions so you can learn about the support they offer and how to access it.
The support services involved include Disability and Neurodiversity Support, Mental Health and Wellbeing, academic support through the Centre for Academic Skills and English (CASE) and the Library. You can meet up with the Guild of Students (the student union at UCB) and learn about their work, and also explore the activities organised by the Student Engagement Team.
Tuesday 23 September • DNS, Academic Support, Mental Health and Wellbeing
| 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, how UCB can support students with specific learning difficulties or disabilities, and how you can access our counselling services. | Join online meeting Tim Ashwell Mike Taylor-Crabb |
| 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 Tim Silk |
| 3pm–4pm | Mental Health and Wellbeing (Online): chat online to a member of our Mental Health and Wellbeing Team and find out how they can support you during your time at UCB. | Join online meeting Colette Lewis |
Wednesday 24 September • Library, Academic Support
| Time | Session | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 Downs |
Thursday 25 September • WelcomeFest
| Time | Session | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10:30am-2pm There will be a quiet hour from 9.30am-10.30am |
Come along to WelcomeFest to celebrate the end of your induction programme. WelcomeFest is an opportunity to meet new friends and become part of the UCB community. We have a fun-filled programme of activities including:
|
Moss House Ground floor |
Friday 26 September • Student Engagement Team, Library
| Time | Session | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1pm–2pm | Student Engagement Team (Online): chat online to a member of our Student Engagement Team and find out how they can support you during your time at UCB. From advice on staying on track with your studies to signposting to other support services, this is an opportunity to learn more about what the team can do for you. | Join online meeting Rose Murphy |
| 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 |
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! | Thursday 25 September, 3pm-4pm | Join online meeting |
The Kick-Start Scheme (Home students)
Induction information for returning (continuing) students
Welcome back to the new academic year! Although you may be familiar with UCB by now, your lecturers have arranged activities for you during the welcome week. If you are joining this course as a Top-up, the Level 6 (final year) information is for you.
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Level 5 (Year 2)
| Session | Time | Location | Lecturer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Back – Introduction and Induction into the programme Join us as we welcome you back to the UCB community. This session is an opportunity to update you, meet your teaching team, and make new connections with fellow students. We will share the course structure and what to expect as you progress into your 2nd year, including how we support your learning and wellbeing, and how your voice matters in shaping your experience. |
Tuesday 23 September, 9am-12pm | McIntyre House (MH), MH129 | Claire Prew, Helen Barrett-Cox, Shazia Iqbal, Portia Foster |
| Professional Practice: Mandatory Training Join us for your mandatory Mesoestetic Mpen training. A protocol developed to afford spectacular results and efficacy in the field of dermoepidermal biostimulation. |
Wednesday 24 September, 9.30am-11.00am | Join online meeting | Joanna Lancaster and Shazia Iqbal |
| 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 24 September, 3pm-4pm | Join online meeting | |
| Come along to WelcomeFest and celebrate the start of the new academic year We have a fun-filled programme of activities where you can try out our delicious street food, find out more about the Gym membership and their taster classes, explore student societies and sports clubs, learn more about how to find part-time work, discover all the support available to you during your study and enjoy a range of fun activities and games. Don't forget to say hello to the support services, Engagement Team, and the Guild of Students. They’ll all be available to answer any questions you may have. |
Thursday 25 September, 10.30am-2pm | Moss House (MS), Ground floor | Multiple teams |
Level 6 (final year)
| 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 24 September, 3pm-4pm | Join online meeting | |
| Welcome back: introduction and induction Join us as we welcome you back to the UCB community. This session is an opportunity to update you, meet your teaching team and make new connections with fellow students. We will share the course structure and what to expect as you progress into your third and final year, including how we support your learning and wellbeing, and how your voice matters in shaping your experience. |
Thursday 25 September, 9am-10am | McIntyre House (MH), MH129 | Helen Barrett-Cox, Claire Prew, Portia Foster |
| LinkedIn Professional Networking: presentation and workshop In today's competitive job market, making the right impression online is just as important as face-to-face. This interactive session will introduce you to LinkedIn and guide you in creating a profile that reflects your strengths, ambitions and individuality. By exploring key features such as insights, connections and industry trends, you will begin shaping your digital presence. The workshop is an opportunity to develop the content for your profile so that you can start networking! This is an interactive session - please ensure that you have a suitable electronic device. *Please register and create an account on LinkedIn BEFORE arrival to the session. |
Thursday 25 September, 10am-12pm | McIntyre House (MH), MH129 | Guest Speaker: Dr Luciana Iwasa and Helen Barrett-Cox Portia Foster Claire Prew |
| Come along to WelcomeFest and celebrate the start of the new academic year We have a fun-filled programme of activities where you can try out our delicious street food, find out more about the gym membership and their taster classes, explore student societies and sports clubs, learn more about how to find part-time work, discover all the support available to you during your study and enjoy a range of fun activities and games. Don't forget to say hello to the support services, Engagement Team and the Guild of Students. They’ll all be available to answer any questions you may have. |
Thursday 25 September, 10.30am-2pm | 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’s name on the dedicated page linked 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 our subject guides page. To contact the library, please email library@ucb.ac.uk