VTCT Level 3 Access to Aesthetics Course in London

Before enrolling in certain courses, please ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Students must be 18 years or older
• No entry qualifications necessary
• Self-Directed Learning: Ability to engage in independent study, including e-learning and exams.
• Technology Access: Possession of a functional laptop or desktop computer.
• Language Proficiency: Strong written and verbal English skills.

These prerequisites are essential for successful course completion.

The VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Certificate in Access to Aesthetic Therapies is a beauty therapy qualification aimed at learners with no formal background in beauty therapy training, who wish to gain access to additional study of advanced therapy treatments at levels 4 and above.

If you already hold a Level 3 in beauty therapy, ask admissions whether you can go straight to Level 4.

Unsure of your eligibility? Speak with one of our course advisors to discuss your experience and qualifications

• Qualification: VTCT Skills (ITEC) Level 3 Certificate in Access to Aesthetic Therapies (BT3C10; QAN 610/2399/1)
• Who it is for: complete beginners, no beauty qualification needed
• Format: 1 remote lecture plus 3 practical days. Theory through our e-learning platform, then practical days at our Orpington clinic
• Practical days: 3
• Times: 9:45am to 5pm or 5:30pm
• Class size: 6
• Models: supplied by the college; you are welcome to bring your own
• Assessment: 2 online theory exams plus practical observations
• Entry: 18 or over, good English, laptop or desktop
• Price: £1,980 inc VAT; £250 deposit, balance 14 days before you start
• Where: Locksbottom, Orpington BR6 8NL (London Borough of Bromley)
• Next: Level 4 skin, Level 4 laser, or the Pathway to Aesthetics course

This course is delivered in a hybrid fashion, with 80% completed online through our interactive e-learning platform with the remaining 20% completed on site with our expert tutors. The practical pattern is 1 remote lecture plus 3 practical days.

Your onsite training will be coordinated directly with your tutor and our student support team subject to your status and progress with the e-learning components of the training course.

This qualification consists of units at level 2 and 3 combined to provide the learner with the required underpinning knowledge to afford direct progression onto specific modality training at level 4+.

Learners must achieve all 6 VTCT units (including the theory examination):

• Theory Examination BT3C10
• Skin analysis and facial skincare
• Consultation and Client Care
• Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
• Electrical science
• Maintain Health and Safety in the Salon

Throughout this qualification, learners will develop their knowledge and understanding of relevant health and safety requirements, anatomy, physiology, and pathology and electrical science, alongside skin analysis and safe practice treatment protocols for facial skin care. Learners will also develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to consult with clients, and provide specific aftercare and home care advice

This qualification offers the learner who wishes to progress to higher level training the fastest opportunity to achieve the required skills and knowledge to do so.

Course Duration This fast-track programme is designed to run over 12 weeks, including pre-study and onsite training. Completion within this timeframe is dependent on timely submission of coursework and successful first-time completion of all required exams and practical assessments.

The primary purpose of this qualification is to prepare learners for additional study at level 4+ in the beauty aesthetic industry. Achievement of this qualification will enable learners to further develop their knowledge and skills by completing additional specialist qualifications at Level 4 and 5, for example:

• VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Certificate in Skin Peeling
• VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Certificate in Skin Needling
• VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Award in Dermaplaning
• VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Award in High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
• VTCT Level 4 Certificates in Radio Frequency & Ultrasound
• VTCT Level 4 Certificate in Advanced Aesthetic Therapies for Skin Rejuvenation

No Experience or Qualifications Needed

This course is open to anyone passionate about aesthetics, whether you're looking for a career change, want to enter the beauty industry, or have always had an interest in skincare. No beauty or medical background? No problem.

Begin your journey with zero experience and leave with a professional qualification.

Comprehensive, Easy-to-Follow Curriculum

We make learning simple and approachable for everyone. Our course focuses on building core skills step by step with easy-to-understand online modules and hands-on practical training.

• Learn essential facial and skincare techniques
• Understand anatomy, physiology, and skin health
• Gain confidence through practical experience

By choosing this Level 3 course, you'll bypass the need for lower-level beauty qualifications and jump straight into aesthetics. Once completed, you'll be eligible for advanced Level 4 courses, such as:

• Laser & IPL Hair Removal
• VTCT Level 4 Certificate in Advanced Aesthetic Therapies For Skin Rejuvenation
• Microneedling
• Chemical Peels
• Dermaplaning
• Radio Frequency & Ultrasound Skin Tightening

Level 3 is your gateway to advanced aesthetic treatments.

• Individuals with no previous qualifications in beauty or aesthetics.
• Career changers looking to enter the beauty and aesthetics industry.
• Aspiring skincare professionals eager to develop practical skills quickly.
• Anyone passionate about skincare and aesthetics but unsure where to start.

If you’ve ever dreamed of working in aesthetics, this course was made for YOU.

We know that life is busy, which is why this course offers a blended learning approach:

• 80% Online Theory: Study from home at your convenience.
• 20% Practical Training: Gain hands-on experience at our Orpington clinic, near London.

You'll receive full tutor support and access to learning resources throughout your journey.

Join Cosmetic College to complete your regulated qualifications with recognition of your existing accreditation and experience.

You should meet all of the criteria below before submitting your RPL eligibility request. Admissions may request further information during review.

• CPD (or similar) accreditation in facials or a Level 2 qualification in facials
• 2 years experience
• Ability to provide 10 case studies

View RPL route

The VTCT Skills (ITEC) Level 3 Certificate in Access to Aesthetic Therapies (BT3C10, QAN 610/2399/1). It is a regulated qualification and the recognised entry route to Level 4 skin and laser courses for people without a beauty qualification. You are assessed by online theory exams and practical observations, and you receive your VTCT certificate when you pass.

You can book Level 4 straight after you pass: Level 4 skin (chemical peels and microneedling) or Level 4 laser and IPL, then Level 5 and the Level 7 injectables diploma. See the full route on our Pathway to Aesthetics page. Level 3 is the foundation, so most clinic treatments need the Level 4 that follows. Combine courses totalling £3,000 or more to spread the cost.

Most learners finish within 12 weeks, including online pre-study, 1 remote lecture and 3 practical days in Orpington. You study the theory through our e-learning platform at your own pace. Finishing on time depends on submitting coursework and passing your exams and practical assessments first time. You choose your practical dates from the dates listed on this page.

£1,980, with VAT and all registration and certificate fees included. A £250 deposit secures your place, and the balance is due 14 days before you start, or you can pay in full. Your fee also covers e-learning access, tutor support, practical days with models supplied and refreshments. Klarna and Snap Finance are available where applicable. Combine courses totalling £3,000 or more to spread the cost. Returning students get 10% off additional training.

No. This is a foundation course in skin analysis, consultation, facial skincare, anatomy and health and safety. Injectable treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers are taught at Level 7. Level 3 is the first step on that route, followed by Level 4 and Level 5. See our Pathway to Aesthetics page for the full sequence and prices.

No. This course is built for complete beginners, so you do not need a beauty or medical background. You do need to be 18 or over, have good written and spoken English, and use a laptop or desktop for the e-learning. If you already hold a facials CPD or Level 2 and two years' experience, ask about our RPL route instead. If you already hold a Level 3 in beauty therapy, ask admissions whether you can go straight to Level 4.

You attend 3 practical days at our clinic in Locksbottom, Orpington BR6 8NL, in the London Borough of Bromley, plus 1 remote lecture. Before that, you study the theory through our e-learning platform at your own pace. Practical days run from 9:45am to 5pm or 5:30pm. The next start dates are on this page, or tell us your preferred month.

Yes. Models are supplied by the college for your practical days, so you do not need to find your own. You are welcome to bring your own model if you prefer. Practical work covers consultation, skin analysis and facial skincare treatments, and your tutor observes you to confirm you meet the VTCT standards.

Yes. Around 80% of the course is online theory, which you study at your own pace through our e-learning platform. You then attend your practical days in Orpington on dates you choose from this page, plus 1 remote lecture. If none of the listed dates suit you, use the "Tell us your preferred date" form and admissions will follow up.

No. This is the VTCT Skills (ITEC) Level 3 Certificate in Access to Aesthetic Therapies (QAN 610/2399/1), built to take beginners on to Level 4. It is not a full beauty therapy diploma, an NVQ, a one-day CPD or an injectables course. If you already hold a Level 3 in beauty therapy, ask admissions whether you can go straight to Level 4.