Beauty & Spa Therapy

L3 Level 3
Full Time
1 September 2025 — 19 June 2026
Barry Campus
This course is available at other locations or at different start dates/levels.

About this course

Our VTCT Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Beauty and Spa Therapy is a substantial vocational qualification for learners seeking a career as an employed and/or self-employed beauty/spa therapist. This qualification is recognised by the UK's leading professional bodies as being fit for purpose for preparing learners for a career in the sector, and includes all the required elements to work effectively as a beauty therapist including:

Provide Body massage treatments
Provide Indian Head massage treatments                                                         

Provide Stone therapy treatments
Provide Pre-Blend Aromatherapy treatments                                                  

Provide Body wrapping treatments and dry floatation services
Monitoring and operating sauna, steam and hydrotherapy treatments
Monitoring procedures in the salon
Contributing to the planning of a promotional event

What you will study

Learners will further develop their understanding and skills by selecting a number of optional specialist units which include:

Provide Facial electrical treatments

Provide Body electrical treatments


This qualification's structure also provides individuals with the flexibility to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills depending upon their designated career pathway as a beauty/spa therapist. Individuals will also be required to develop sound knowledge of anatomy and physiology for body therapy treatments.
Additional areas that will be covered include:

ESW Literacy & Numeracy
Students will be required to complete E-portfolios, as well as both theoretical and practical evidence of assessment. Pupils will also complete external exams and Essential Skills portfolios.

You will have the opportunity to work within a busy commercial environment in order to develop your vocational skills and competence.


Additionally, learners are also required to purchase a uniform and kit to undertake the course – costs to be confirmed at enrolment.

Course fee per year

Salon Fees: £30.00

Entry requirements

A full Level 2 Beauty Therapy qualification - Certification evidence required. Successful achievement in relevant Level 2 Diploma (Beauty). Interview and satisfactory reference from Course Tutor indicating good behaviour, satisfactory attendance and progress. Prior Learning and work experience will also be considered.

Teaching and assessment

  • Continuous assessment and practical assessment including exams

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

1 September 2025

End date

19 June 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

18 hours per week

Location

Barry Campus
Maps & directions

Course code

HBCR3F70
L3

Qualification

Beauty Therapy

Beauty & Spa Therapy

More...

What our students say

"l enjoy my course because it’s an actual real-life salon so there is real work experience and there are plenty of facilities here."

Beauty
Freya Rees
Former Level 2 and 3 Beauty student

Career prospects & further study

£7.7billion

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

VTCT Level 4 non-medical aesthetics

VTCT Level 3 complementary therapies

Sports massage

Employment opportunity in spa’s, salons and clinics and cruise liners

Locations

Barry Campus
Barry Campus

Cardiff and Vale College,

Barry Campus,

Vale of Glamorgan,

CF62 8YJ