Course information

If you’re ready to take your beauty career to the next level, the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy offers advanced training that will prepare you for high-end roles in salons, spas, or as a self-employed beauty therapist. This course is designed for those who already have a foundation in beauty therapy and want to build on their existing skills with more technical, specialised and commercially focused treatments. It's the ideal next step for learners looking to expand their expertise and boost their employment prospects in this vibrant and fast-growing industry.

Throughout the course, you’ll develop and refine a range of advanced practical skills, including electrical facial and body treatments, body massage and hot stone therapy. You’ll also cover essential theory such as anatomy and physiology, client consultation techniques and promoting products and services. Training takes place in a professional salon environment, allowing you to work on real clients and simulate industry conditions. You’ll be guided by experienced tutors who will help you perfect your techniques, build your confidence and maintain the highest standards of health, and safety and client care.

Whether you want to work in luxury spas, skin clinics, cruise ships, or launch your own beauty business, this diploma gives you the qualifications, practical experience and professional polish to succeed. It also provides a progression route into further specialist training such as aesthetics or teaching, making it a valuable and flexible qualification for long-term career development.

When courses start

Date: Wednesday 17 September 2025 to Wednesday 8 July 2026
Time: 9:30am to 6:30pm
Duration: 35 weeks (1 class per week)

What you will learn

This qualification offers a comprehensive range of advanced beauty therapy skills, delivered through practical training and in-depth theory. Units include:

  • Provide body massage

    • Learn how to perform full-body massage techniques including effleurage, petrissage and tapotement to relieve tension and promote relaxation.

  • Provide facial electrotherapy treatments

    • Develop skills in using a range of electrical equipment to treat various skin types and conditions, improving skin tone, texture, and appearance.

  • Provide body electrotherapy treatments

    • Apply body treatments using equipment such as galvanic, faradic and vacuum suction to support contouring and muscle toning.

  • Provide electrical epilation

    • Gain competence in permanent hair removal using electrical techniques with a focus on safety, hygiene, and client comfort.

  • Provide stone therapy massage

    • Use hot and cold stones to deliver therapeutic massage treatments that enhance relaxation and circulation.

  • Promote and sell products and services to clients

    • Learn how to confidently recommend aftercare and retail products to meet client needs and increase salon revenue.

  • Monitor and maintain health and safety practices in the salon

    • Ensure professional working standards by managing risks, maintaining hygiene and adhering to legal requirements in a salon setting.

  • Provide client consultation and profiling

    • Understand how to build trust with clients, assess their needs accurately and create personalised treatment plans.

    How you will be assessed

    Assessment is carried out through a combination of practical observations, portfolio of evidence and exam. You will work on real clients to demonstrate your competence in delivering advanced treatments to industry standards.

    Progression opportunities

    With this qualification, you can move into employment as a senior beauty therapist, spa therapist, or self-employed professional. You may also choose to progress into more specialist areas such as aesthetics, laser treatments, or teaching and assessing qualifications in the beauty sector.

    Entry requirements

    Before enroling you will need to complete a short English and Maths assessment to make sure this course is suitable for you.

    If you’d prefer to speak with someone, you can also book an assessment session by contacting our Learning Support team on 0208 496 2974.

    Get in Touch

    Whether you need to get in touch to join a course, let us know if you're unable to attend your course, raise a query, let us know your feedback or anything else, contact us using the options below. You can also talk to an adviser live by clicking on the green speech bubble in the bottom right of the screen.

    Email

    adult.learning@walthamforest.gov.uk

    Phone

    020 8496 2974

    Address

    Queens Road Learning Centre
    97 Queens Road
    Walthamstow
    London
    E17 8QR