of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
Why should I choose this course?
- PRACTICAL APPLICATION - Work with real clients in our state-of-the-art clinic, featuring the latest equipment from cryotherapy machines to high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)
- WORK PLACEMENT - Start building your professional network and gain invaluable real-world experience with the opportunity to complete a work placement during your course
- RESIDENTIAL VISIT - Learn first hand about the industry, for example on a visit to the Mesoestetic production facility in Barcelona
- ENRICHMENT - Engage with industry professionals at events such as ACE Conference and Professional Beauty North, as well as meeting a variety of expert guest speakers
Our facilities
Our Aesthetic Practitioner course lets you get hands-on with real paying clients working in our Aspire Aesthetics clinic on campus, enabling you to put your training into practice using the latest technology and equipment.
Aspire Aesthetics
Take a look around Aspire Aesthetics, our professional clinic that offers a wide variety of non-medical treatments for the face and body.
Course breakdown
*Note: Optional modules in Year 1 are dependent upon your existing qualifications
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
Core Modules
Academic Essentials
Your underpinning knowledge and vital skills will be developed to enable you to study effectively via a structured delivery of academic study skills related specifically to the Aesthetic Practitioner programme. Key learning concepts will be identified and related to skills relevant to the industry, which will then be developed through a variety of tasks and activities. This is done in a relevant context that takes into account the wider education and community focus of your course as a whole.
Aesthetic Technologies in Hair Removal and Skin Rejuvenation
Vital skills and practical abilities to identify skin and hair conditions and those clients suitable for intense pulsed light and laser systems will be developed to enable you to practise effectively at an undergraduate level. You will work in the aesthetic clinics to practise and develop key learning concepts related to the aesthetic industry using current products and technologies. All procedures will be delivered inline with Covid-19 restrictions.
Chemical Peels: Theory and Practice
You will gain practical ability to carry out chemoexfoliation (chemical peeling) treatments at an undergraduate level. You will work in the therapy suites clinics to practise and develop key learning concepts related to the aesthetic industry using current products and technologies.
Physiology of Ageing
You will learn how the human body ages physiologically, developing an in-depth understanding of intrinsic and extrinsic ageing. This knowledge will support your assessments in the consultancy suites and clinics enabling you to select suitable treatment protocols to maintain skin health.
The Aesthetic Consultation
This Level 4 module provides aesthetic practitioners with the knowledge and understanding of a range of aesthetic consultative assessment techniques for the face or body. You will identify the information and techniques which are pertinent to creating an aesthetic treatment plan which is compliant and which identifies the possible risks, outcomes and benefits, resulting in improved client engagement.
Plus one option from:*
Electrotherapy in Aesthetic Practice
This module will introduce learners to the understanding and use of electrical and manual treatments for the face or body which are used in the beauty industry. This will promote the use of specific electrotherapy and manual prescription treatments for individual's needs and promote the effectiveness of products and treatment interventions.
Non-invasive Aesthetic Procedures
This module will introduce learners to the understanding of specific electrical equipment combined with the use of pharmaceutical products and treatment procedures for the face and body, which are used in the aesthetic industry.
Core Modules
Advancements in Technologies
This Level 5 module provides you with the knowledge and understanding of current and emerging non-surgical and non-invasive technologies for the face and body, enabling you to perform a range of advanced multi-platform treatment protocols. You will learn the assessment techniques to enable you to analyse, assess and provide a customised and prescriptive treatment protocol. You will complete a range of non-surgical and non-invasive face and body technologies, and conditions, to maintain skin health. You will critically analyse and research current or emerging trends of non-surgical and non-invasive technologies for within the aesthetic industry.
Aesthetic Business Operations
Aesthetic business practice is a general introduction to clinical reasoning within the world of aesthetic beauty practice. This module considers the speed of change, the highly competitive market and the demands of the aesthetic patient. In a flourishing and dynamic industry like aesthetics, the employment opportunities that arise require an extensive array of skills and attributes learned from aesthetic professionals sharing and learning experiences from a variety of industry sectors.
Clinical Aesthetic Procedures
Having completed a solid foundation in core techniques this module will promote considerable opportunity for advancing and diversifying your skills. Appropriate vascular and pigmentation treatments and advanced skin resurfacing techniques will further promote advanced use of the laser, enabling students to measure clinical ends and client reported outcomes. An introduction to the concept and use of injectable treatments also will be included, in addition to advanced chemical peels and skin needling treatments.
Critical Approach to Research Methods in Aesthetic Practice
You will be developing your understanding of the rigours of academic undertaking through the critical analysis and evaluation of advanced research methods in order to achieve clear and coherent arguments supported with robust evidence. You will be encouraged to challenge yourself in the proposal, design and execution of a small-scale, independent, academic research project in order to explore literature and data relevant to your chosen sector. You will analyse, interpret and conclude on your findings, which will lead to evaluation and recommendations to improve your self-reflective critical thinking and academic practice.
Science of Skincare
Within aesthetic beauty practice the use of skincare products is an essential tool. Facilitating students with knowledge surrounding skincare products preparation, use, function and development will assist in obtaining a fundamental understanding of their parameters in the aesthetic beauty industry. The exploration of research, development and technological advancement in the area of skin and the effect on the aesthetic beauty industry will also be explored.
Work Based Practice in Aesthetics
You will develop essential life skills and attributes, providing an experience beyond university-based learning, which prepares you for a career in non-medical aesthetics, demonstrating and consolidating your knowledge and expertise. You will identify objectives, which will enable you to create a personal development plan, to ensure that the organisation focuses on your interests, career goals and skill set while building self-esteem, encouraging independence and giving you a competitive edge in the workplace. You will be encouraged to relate this diverse and transient range of skills from theory to practice. This is an exciting opportunity to broaden your experiences, develop professional networks and demonstrate your abilities to potential employers.
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 entry requirements
An overall average of at least 65% in 12th Standard from both State and Central Examination Boards.
Advanced entry to certain undergraduate degree programmes may be possible for students who hold a UK HND or India Diploma in a relevant subject.
English entry requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need a recognised English Language qualification to meet the entry requirements onto a degree programme.
English Entry requirements for students applying from India
Board | Minimum Requirement (2021) |
---|---|
CBSE | B Grade |
ICSE | 60% |
Cambridge | B Grade / 6 Pointer |
Maharashtra State | 60% |
Andhra Pradesh | 60% |
Kerala | 60% |
Karnataka | 60% |
West Bengal | 60% |
If you do not have one of the above qualifications, please see here for the full list of accepted alternatives.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
IELTS 6.0 with no element less than 5.5
Key information
Assessment
Assessment
Estimated breakdown of assessment for this degree course:
- Coursework – 68%
- Practical assessment – 23%
- Written examinations – 9%
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024 (UK website).
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
For international students enrolling on a full-time BA/BSc degree in 2022/23, your fee for the academic year will be £13,500 per year.
If you undertake a placement year, there will be an administration fee of £500 for a full year, or £250 for a half year.
Work placements
Work placements are vital for gaining real-life experience and for building your confidence and skills before you finish your course – and they may even lead to a job when you graduate. Our hired@UCB team can help find the ideal placement for you.
Our BA Aesthetic Practitioner course encourages a work placement during your second year.
Work alongside experts in your sector
A snapshot of some of the employers we have worked with:
- sk:n (Leamington)
- Skin & Tonic (Tamworth)
- Envie Clinic (Birmingham)
- Fiji Skin Clinic (Birmingham)
- Hampton Clinic (Birmingham)
- Beauty Lounge Training Academy (Birmingham)
- Medizen (Sutton Coldfield)
- My Skin Spa (Solihull)

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.
Career opportunities
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Business development manager (graduate)
-
Skincare consultant
-
Aesthetic practitioner (laser and skin practitioner)
-
Area sales manager
-
Aesthetic clinic manager
-
Aesthetic practitioner
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.
Please note: The examples of roles are to serve only as a guide.
hired@UCB
Our dedicated careers, employability and placements team is here to support you in every step towards your future.