New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy

Learn the skills and knowledge required to analyse, plan and provide a broad range of beauty services. This qualification is intended for learners who have little or no prior learning or experience in the field.

Practical experience

Regular client days are incorporated into the learning process at one of the UCOL Beauty Clinics in Palmerston North, Whanganui or Wairarapa, providing you with real industry experience, and honing your professionalism, relationship-building skills and teamwork.

This programme runs for 40 weeks, including 6 holiday weeks.

Per week, your learning will include approximately:

Class Time

19 hrs

Lectures, tutorials and/or online recordings, salon practicals, and timetable set by your lecturer. Study in your own time. Talk to us to find out more about your study options with this programme.

Study Time

13 hrs

Practicum, work experience in a beauty clinic.

Industry Experience

3 hrs

This programme comprises 120 credits.

Professional Practice (15 Credits)

Learners will learn theoretical knowledge and skills to work in the beauty industry as a professional beauty therapist. After this course, you will be able to:

• Manage and provide first aid in an emergency situation, and provide basic life support.

• Describe the role and function of beauty professionals; including best practice, code of ethics and health and hygiene guidelines.

• Describe the consultation process and professional conduct standards.

• Develop a fundamental business plan to establish yourself as an independent beauty therapist.

Anatomy and Physiology (15 Credits)

Learners will develop an understanding of human anatomy and physiology to provide a theoretical foundation for both massage and beauty therapy. After this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the basic structure and function of body systems in relation to beauty therapy.

• Locate and define structures of the human body using anatomical terminology.

• Describe nutritional and lifestyle factors that support healthy skin, hair and nails.

Nail Services (15 Credits) (15 Practicum Hours)

Learners will gain knowledge of nail services, products, tools and related skills to industry standards. After this course, you will be able to:

• Conduct in-depth skin and nail analysis, and identify possible contraindications.

• Identify a range of common nail conditions and describe a range of possible contraindications.

• Provide comprehensive manicure and pedicure services to meet client expectations.
  

Facial Treatments (15 Credits) (15 Practicum Hours)

Learners will learn about and practice manual facial therapy techniques and treatments to industry standards. After this course, you will be able to:

• Conduct in-depth skin analysis and identify possible contraindications.

• Identify and explain the function and application of a range of skin products and application techniques.

• Perform a comprehensive range of facial treatments to meet client expectations.

Make Up Services (15 Credits) (10 Practicum Hours)

Learners will gain theoretical knowledge and skills in the practical applications of makeup products, services and techniques. After this course, you will be able to:

• Investigate and describe industry trends in makeup products, technical applications and services.

• Demonstrate technical competence in the application of colour therapies.

• Provide comprehensive makeup services to meet client expectations.

Eye Works and Tanning (15 Credits) (10 Practicum Hours)

Learners will gain knowledge and practice of cosmetic enhancements to the eyes and body tanning to industry standards. After this course, you will be able to:

• Investigate and explain international industry trends for eyebrow and eyelash enhancement.

• Demonstrate a range of effective treatment techniques for eyebrow and eyelash enhancement.

• Explain the risks and responsibilities of tanning and perform a full body tan to meet client expectations.

Waxing Services (15 Credits) (15 Practicum Hours)

Learners will gain knowledge and practice of manual hair removal techniques to industry standards. After this course, you will be able to:

• Conduct in-depth skin analysis and identify possible contraindications.

• Explain the purpose and process of a range of hair removal methods.

• Perform a range of waxing treatments to meet client expectations.

Beauty Therapy Clinic (15 Credits) (40 Practicum Hours)

Learners will apply a range of beauty therapy services in a supervised environment to industry standards. After this course, you will be able to:

• Provide a range of beauty therapy services to meet client expectations.

• Demonstrate best practice standards while delivering a range of beauty therapies.

• Perform a professional role within a beauty therapy clinic.

• Manage a range of client interactions to a professional standard.
  

Fully equipped salons and a spacious beauty clinic with industry standard equipment.

NCEA Level 2

OR

equivalent academic achievement

OR

at the discretion of the Executive Dean on a case-by-case basis.

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international learner applicants.

English language proficiency

International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

Under 20 years of age

International applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning is accredited to teach it.

Successful graduates of the UCOL New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy will have a range of highly desirable employment skills for the industry, including:

• Confident communication

• The ability to work independently or as a team member

• Technical beauty knowledge

• Retailing skills within a commercial beauty environment.

Employment options include working as a beautician or cosmetic product company representative.

Education pathway

Graduates who wish to further specialise can enrol in:

• New Zealand Diploma in Beauty Therapy

Excellent personal presentation is required on this programme at all times. A uniform is provided for learners and this must be worn for all practical classes and clinics.

Learners need to be aware of the physical requirements in meeting industry standards in the beauty therapy workplace.

As First Aid is a component of this programme learners need to be aware of the demands of carrying out basic First Aid procedures.

Good eyesight, with or without corrective lenses, is required in order to effectively carry out advanced beauty treatments.

Learners are required to put any special needs or requirements in writing and advise the programme leader prior to the programme start date.

Work experience

As part of your studies you'll be involved in running the beauty clinic at UCOL and performing beauty services for the public under the support of your lecturer.

You'll be required to wear a tunic (supplied by UCOL) and comply with UCOL and industry standards of personal presentation.

Recognition of prior learning

Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a learner believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relevant policies and procedures.

Application checklist

It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)

• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)

• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme

• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).

Previous Related Programmes

The New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy supersedes and takes the best from the following programme of study, which is no longer offered:

• Certificate in Beauty Services
  

• Uniform 1 or 2 pants (black) 3/4 or full length

• Ring binder/s, refill, subject dividers, pens/pencils, highlighters, pen drive

• Kit - Makeup, manicure and lash extension kit

Required Text:

• An Introductory Guide to Anatomy and Physiology - Louise Tucker

• The Art and Science of Beauty Therapy - Jane Foulston