Access to Aesthetics

L3 Level 3
Part Time
11 September 2025 — 8 January 2026
Barry Campus
£: This course is free for unemployed adults in receipt of specific benefits. If eligible, you do not pay the 'Course fee' listed under 'Course fee per year'. A registration fee of £10-40 may be charged. Any professional registration fee / exam fee / other fee listed will need to be paid for. Financial support for these costs may be available. To find our more go to www.cavc.ac.uk/PartTimeFunding

About this course

This brand-new course has been designed for all the skin care enthusiasts. It will take place 1 day a week for 10 weeks. It is a beauty therapy qualification aimed at learners with no formal background in beauty therapy training, who wish to gain access to additional study of advanced therapy treatments at Levels 4 and above.

What you will study

This qualification consists of units at level 2 and 3 combined to provide the learner with the required underpinning knowledge to afford direct progression onto specific modality training at level 4 +. Learners must achieve the mandatory units:

  • Maintain health and safety in the salon
  • Skin analysis and facial skincare
  • Consultation and client care
  • Anatomy, physiology and pathology
  • Electrical science

Throughout this qualification, learners will develop their knowledge and understanding of relevant health and safety requirements, anatomy, physiology, and pathology and electrical science, alongside skin analysis and safe practice treatment protocols for facial skin care. Learners will also develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to consult with clients, and provide specific aftercare and home care advice.

Teaching and assessment methods

Teaching methods will include independent study, practical demonstrations and formal delivery.

Assessment methods will include theory exams, assignments and practical observation assessments.

Course fees

Awarding Organisation Fee: £108.00

Course Fee: £212.00

Part Time Administration Fee: £45.00

Entry requirements

GCSE grades C or above or an equivalent qualification.

Age requirement: 18+

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

11 September 2025

End date

8 January 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Part Time

6 hours per week

Location

Barry Campus
Maps & directions
£: This course is free for unemployed adults in receipt of specific benefits. If eligible, you do not pay the 'Course fee' listed under 'Course fee per year'. A registration fee of £10-40 may be charged. Any professional registration fee / exam fee / other fee listed will need to be paid for. Financial support for these costs may be available. To find our more go to www.cavc.ac.uk/PartTimeFunding

Course code

HBCR3P06
L3

Qualification

Access to Aesthetics

More...

What our students say

I really enjoyed my time studying at Cardiff and Vale College, it’s definitely helped me to get to where I wanted to be. I began on the Level 2 Beauty Therapy course and then progressed to the Level 3 Beauty and Spa Therapy. I then returned to do Level 4 Advanced Aesthetics. It was so great learning and getting valuable work experience in a real-life salon. The tutors were amazing, they were really helpful and supportive the whole way through. A real highlight for me was competing in the WorldSkills Competition and taking second place. Since leaving, I have set up my own salon, where I offer a range of different treatments. Next year I’ll be taking on a nail technician and a beauty therapist to help grow the business and offer even more services to my clients.

Beauty owner
Freya Rees
Former Level 2 & 3 Beauty student and Level 4 Advanced Aesthetics graduate

Career prospects & further study

£7.7billion

The industry generates almost £7.7billion for the UK Economy. NHF (2018).

The primary purpose of this qualification is to prepare learners for additional study at level 4+ in the beauty aesthetic industry. Achievement of this qualification will enable learners to further develop their knowledge and skills by completing additional specialist qualifications at Level 4 and 5, for example:

  • VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Award in Skin Peeling
  • VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Award in Skin Needling
  • VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Award in Ultrasound
  • VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Award in Dermaplaning
  • VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Award in High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
  • VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Award in Scalp Micropigmentation
  • VTCT (ITEC) Level 5 Award in Micropigmentation for Camouflage and Restoration

Locations

Barry Campus
Barry Campus

Cardiff and Vale College,

Barry Campus,

Vale of Glamorgan,

CF62 8YJ