Beauty Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

What will my average week look like? Will I have to work with customers and clients? Will I work late?

You will typically have four 2.5/ 3 hour practical sessions each week alongside two 1 hr theory lessons.

During Term 1, you will learn a range of beauty therapy treatments and practise on classmates to develop your confidence and practical skills. Experiencing treatments such as manicures, pedicures and waxing for yourself is an important part of your learning, as it helps you understand the client experience and develop a greater awareness of how treatments should be performed. Once you have demonstrated competence, you will begin carrying out treatments on clients.

By Terms 2 and 3, you will spend more time working with paying clients in the commercial salon while building your practical portfolio and completing treatment ranges to ensure competency.

Some practical sessions will run until 7pm to accommodate client appointments.

What's different about this course than my time at school?

You will learn in a realistic salon environment and be expected to behave like a beauty professional. Learning is much more practical and career-focused, with real client interactions and professional expectations. As our department is located within the commercial H2B Salon and Spa alongside the @34 Restaurant, it is important that you develop professional standards of behaviour, communication and appearance from the start of your course.

What will I have to wear?

For practical salon sessions you will be expected to wear a professional salon uniform (tunic and trousers), flat, closed in toed footwear and maintain high standards of personal presentation. For health, safety and hygiene reasons, all jewellery must be removed before practical sessions and while working in the salon, as well as your hair to be tied back.

How am I assessed throughout the year?

You will be assessed throughout the year through practical observations when working on clients, where you will build a portfolio of observed treatments demonstrating your competence across the required treatment ranges. You will also build a portfolio of evidence and complete online external multiple-choice examinations and assignments that demonstrate your underpinning knowledge. Theory lessons will cover subjects such as Anatomy and Physiology, Health and Safety, and Client Care and Communication. You will learn about the contraindications and contra-actions associated with each treatment area to ensure treatments are carried out safely and appropriately, maintaining professional working practices and protecting both yourself and your clients. External online examinations usually begin during the second half of Term 1 and continue throughout Term 2 as units are completed.

What will I do in tutorial and what enrichment is on offer?

Tutorial sessions follow Exeter College’s ECHOES Personal Development Curriculum and cover topics such as wellbeing, safeguarding, healthy relationships, equality and diversity, careers, employability and preparing for your next steps after college. You will also review your progress, set targets and receive support to help you succeed on your course.

Enrichment opportunities may include visits to professional beauty trade shows, guest speakers from the cruise ship industry, and product training sessions delivered by industry brands such as MONU Skin Care, helping you gain valuable insight into the beauty industry and career opportunities available.