AESTHETIC PRACTITIONER
BA (Hons) Top-up
Accredited by University College Birmingham
Award
BA (Hons)
Duration
1 year FT
UCAS Code
W210
Entry
September
Fees
View Fees
Learn and work in our state-of-the-art commercial aesthetics clinic
Experience placement opportunities in a variety of settings to support your career progression
Non-surgical and non-invasive aesthetic treatments are on the rise in the UK, putting demand for qualified practitioners at an all-time high. Our Aesthetic Practitioner top-up degree course builds on your existing knowledge and skills for practising a wide range of non-medical procedures, offering you a gateway to a range of reputable and lucrative careers in this rapidly expanding sector.
Designed for anyone who has previously studied a relevant subject (up to Level 5) or with substantial industry experience, this aesthetics top-up course will help you further develop the specialist knowledge and skills needed for a variety of industry roles. The course covers a range of non-medical procedures within cosmetology, hair removal and skin rejuvenation, as well as advanced electrical face and body technologies.
Working with real clients in our state-of-the-art Treatment Rooms clinic at University College Birmingham, you will gain valuable hands-on experience using the latest equipment, procedures and techniques. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Mesoestetic production facility in Spain, as well as the chance to engage with industry experts.
Why should I choose this course?
- PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Gain experience and expertise by participating in clinic sessions, case studies, practical workshops and demonstrations
- INDUSTRY LINKS – We work closely with leading brands including Lynton, Mesoestetic, Neostrata, Skinade, E Clinic, Canfield VISIA and Observ to ensure our course content is up-to-date with industry
- RESIDENTIAL VISIT – Learn first-hand about the industry, for example on a visit to the Mesoestetic production facility in Barcelona, Spain
- ENRICHMENT – Explore the industry and meet with experts through events and visits from guest speakers
- EXPERT TUITION – Learn from our diverse team with an extensive range of qualifications, expertise and specialisms in aesthetics and associated industries
- AWARD-WINNING UNIVERSITY – Study at the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023)
Our facilities
Our aesthetics course provides a balance of theory and practical training. You will have the opportunity to develop a range of skills on campus in our Aspire Aesthetics suite.
Treatment Rooms are a working clinic providing access to an extensive range of products and non-medical cosmetic procedures
We have three purpose-built laser rooms, over 30 private treatment rooms, a designated retail space and three consultation rooms with access to a range of comprehensive client management and analysis software
Our clinic features cutting-edge technology including Lynton Motus AY pain-free hair reduction, Lumina, VISIA, Observ 520, Mesoestetic MCT device and MPen, as well as providing a range of other non-medical cosmetic procedures
We use a variety of cosmeceutical product ranges and treatments from leading brands such as Mesoestetic, Neostrata, Lynton and Skinade
Treatment Rooms
Take a look around Treatment Rooms, our professional clinic that offers a wide variety of non-medical treatments for the face and body.
Course breakdown
- Modules
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
A relevant HND or a foundation degree with 240 credits.
If you are unsure if your previous qualification is suitable, please contact us before completing an application. You can call us on 0121 604 1040 or complete our enquiry form here.
Work experience
Students will also be considered if applying with significant industry experience. We will explore with you whether your experience permits exemptions of previous modules based on your experiential learning. If you are interested in securing a place via this route, please contact our Admissions team upon submission of your application as you will be required to attend a meeting with the teaching teams to provide evidence of your industry knowledge.
EU/international students
European and International qualifications studied in a relevant subject matter will also be considered. Applicants will need to have achieved 120 ECTS or equivalent (European Credit Transfer).
If you are unsure if your previous qualification is suitable, please contact us before completing an application. You can call us on 0121 604 1040 or complete our online enquiry form:
Key information
Teaching and assessment
Note: Indicative information only – actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction.
Teaching
Example of a typical teaching week (up to 16 contact hours):
- Large group teaching – 4-6 hours
- Smaller group teaching – 2-3 hours
- Hands-on learning in the clinic – 4-6 hours
- Tutorials – 2-3 hours
You will also need to commit around 20 hours per week for individual study time.
Assessment
Estimated breakdown of assessment for this top-up degree course:
- Coursework – 50%
- Practical assessment – 50%
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
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 home students
If you are a home student enrolling on a bachelor's or foundation degree course at University College Birmingham, the 2024/2025 academic year tuition fee for full-time study is £9,250. For part-time study, the fee is £4,625.
In 2025/2026, the full-time fee will be £9,535 per year, while the part-time fee will be £4,767.50 per year.
Kick-Start Scheme
As a new student studying this course full-time, you will receive £300 per year through our Kick-Start Scheme (UK students only, eligibility criteria applies). This scheme will support your studies and future career by contributing to course-related materials, uniform or selected items on campus. You may also qualify for an additional £500 per year.
Find out more about the Kick-Start Scheme here.
Unibuddy Community - meet other students on your course
Starting university is an exciting time, but we understand that it can sometimes feel a little daunting. To support you, you will be invited to join our Unibuddy Community, where you can meet other students who have applied for the same course at University College Birmingham, before you start studying here.
As soon as you have been made an offer, you will be sent an invitation email to complete your registration and join the Unibuddy Community. For more information, check out our Unibuddy Community page.
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
The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Business development manager
Average Salary: £42,500
Skincare consultant
Average Salary: £15,000
Aesthetic practitioner (laser and skin practitioner)
£23,000 - £26,000
Area sales manager
Average Salary: £34,136
Aesthetic clinic manager
£30,000 - £40,000
Aesthetic practitioner
£23,000 - £26,000
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.
Maria’s Story
Maria was one of the very first students on this pioneering degree course, launched to answer demand for results-driven, non-medical treatments.
Meet your lecturers
