Level 1 Beauty Therapy

This course is ideal for beginners who are completely new to beauty therapy and want to build confidence, practical skills and professional behaviours. It suits school leavers, adult learners and anyone looking to explore the beauty industry before progressing to a Level 2 qualification. This course allows students to learn about the industry and continue with Maths and English alongside their chosen course. 

Applicants should have a positive attitude to learning and an interest in the beauty industry. A minimum of a grade 3 in either Maths or English (or the equivalent) and a grade 1 or 2 in the other is required to support your progression.  Good communication skills, reliability and enthusiasm for practical work are essential.

During this Level 1 Beauty Therapy course, you will develop introductory practical skills and knowledge to prepare you for further study in the beauty industry. You will learn how to carry out basic skincare routines, apply natural daytime make‑up, and create simple nail art designs using colour, pattern and creativity. You will explore health, safety and hygiene within the salon environment and understand how to work safely and professionally. The course also includes the ‘Create an Image’ unit, where you plan and produce a complete look using make‑up, hair styling and nail techniques to showcase your creativity and build confidence in presenting your work.

During this Level 1 Beauty Therapy course, you will begin developing the essential practical skills and knowledge needed for further progression in the beauty industry. You will be introduced to basic skincare routines, natural daytime make‑up application, and creative nail art techniques using colour and pattern. You will also study an introductory unit on the beauty industry, focusing on presenting a professional image and understanding the fundamentals of health, safety and hygiene to ensure safe working practices in the salon. In addition, the ‘Create an Image’ unit allows you to plan and produce a complete look using make‑up, simple hairstyling and nail techniques, helping you express your creativity and build confidence in showcasing your work.

You will need to bring a professional beauty uniform, closed‑toe salon shoes and basic stationery for your theory work. You should also bring a folder to help you organise and build your portfolio of evidence. Hair must be tied back and jewellery should be kept to a minimum to meet salon health and safety standards. Any kit requirements will be shared at enrolment.

You will be assessed through a combination of practical observations, where tutors watch you carry out treatments in the training salon, and written assignments that check your understanding of theory. You will build a portfolio of evidence containing your practical work, project tasks and completed activities. Some units may also include short exams to assess your knowledge of health and safety, basic beauty techniques and professional standards. This mix of assessment methods ensures you develop both practical skills and essential industry knowledge.

After completing this Level 1 qualification, you can progress to the VTCT Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Beauty Specialist Techniques (maths and English grade dependent), where you will develop more advanced practical skills. Many learners also move into related areas such as Level 2 Hairdressing, Level 2 Media Make-up or Level 2 Nail Services. This course provides the essential foundation needed to continue your training and begin working toward a future career in the beauty industry.

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk