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Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Aesthetic Treatments
VTCT Skills (ITEC) Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Aesthetic Treatments · Ofqual 610/3733/3 · VTCT code BT4D5 · VTCT Skills (ITEC)
To prepare Level 3 qualified practitioners for employment as Level 4 aesthetic practitioners, providing dermaplaning, skin peeling, skin needling, plasma pen, radio frequency and IPL hair reduction treatments supported by the principles, ethics, investigative consultation and skin science of advanced aesthetic therapies.
- Theory
- Online, at your own pace
- In the clinic
- 4 practical days
- Course plan
- 20 online modules
- Guided learning
- 191 hours
Course plan
What the course includes
20 online modules on the KCLINICS Academy platform, studied at your own pace, then 4 practical days in the clinic. The plan comes from our scheme of work for this qualification.
- Online lesson
- PDF learning material
- Video demonstrations
- Written homework
- Practical day
- Examination
After the induction, each module has an online lesson, PDF learning material and written homework. Most modules also have video demonstrations and a quiz, and each unit ends with an online module test.
- Course induction and VTCT Skills registration
- Video demonstration: how to use the KCLINICS Academy website (online learning, tests, homework and portfolio)
- Learning agreement and code of conduct
- Introduction to all units, learning outcomes and assessment requirements
Includes video demonstrations.
- Key regulations and legislation for advanced aesthetic therapies
- Hygiene, infection prevention and control
- Safe handling and disposal of sharps
- Risk assessment and insurance
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- History and development of advanced aesthetic therapies
- Benefits and limitations of advanced aesthetic therapies
- Professional conduct and ethical practice
- Scope of practice and referral
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Effective communication and professional behaviour
- Building client trust and managing expectations
- Client psychology and body dysmorphia awareness
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Methods of information gathering
- Legal requirements: informed consent, photographs and data protection
- Contra-indications and treatment planning
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material and written homework.
- Skin structure and function
- Physiology of skin ageing
- Intrinsic and extrinsic ageing factors
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Advanced skin assessment
- Fitzpatrick skin types
- Skin conditions and their treatment options
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- History and development of dermaplaning
- Blades, tools and techniques
- Effects, benefits, contra-indications and contra-actions
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Skin preparation and blade handling
- Dermaplaning techniques on the face
- Aftercare, SPF and home care advice
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- History and development of chemical skin peeling
- Types of peels, acids and pH
- Skin healing, contra-indications and complications
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- COSHH: storage and handling of peeling solutions
- Selecting the peel, application, timing and neutralising
- Layering and adapting the treatment
- Managing adverse reactions
- Aftercare, SPF and home care advice
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- History and development of skin needling
- Principles of collagen induction, needle lengths and depths
- Wound healing, contra-indications and complications
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Sterile field and aseptic technique
- Skin needling techniques and depth selection
- Adapting the treatment for scarring, lines and texture
- Selecting post-treatment products
- Aftercare, SPF and home care advice
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- History and development of plasma pen techniques
- Principles of plasma and sublimation
- Skin healing, contra-indications and complications
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Device checks and topical anaesthetic
- Plasma pen techniques and treatment areas
- Adapting the treatment to the client
- Managing adverse reactions
- Aftercare and home care advice
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- History and development of radio frequency
- Monopolar, bipolar and multipolar systems
- Effects on the skin, contra-indications and contra-actions
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Machine checks and pre-treatment test
- Facial radio frequency techniques
- Body radio frequency techniques
- Treating skin laxity and cellulite
- Aftercare and home care advice
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- History and development of laser and light devices
- Light, the electromagnetic spectrum and laser and IPL systems
- Tissue reaction and laser safety, controlled areas and eyewear
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Hair growth cycle and hair types
- Principles of IPL hair reduction
- Fitzpatrick skin types, contra-indications and contra-actions
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Patch test and selecting parameters
- IPL hair reduction techniques
- Treating different body areas
- Managing adverse reactions
- Aftercare and home care advice
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
Take the course plan with you
Every module, practical day and assessment for the Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Aesthetic Treatments, as a PDF.
Day 1
09:00–18:00Open salon day
- 09:00–09:15Briefing, health and safety check, assessment plan
- 09:15–10:00Tutor demonstration on a client
- 10:00–13:00Supervised treatments on clients
- 13:00–14:00Lunch
- 14:00–17:30Treatments on clients
- 17:30–18:00Feedback, case studies and portfolio update
On the day
- Tutor demonstration on a client
- Dermaplaning, skin peeling and skin needling treatments on clients
- Plasma pen and radio frequency treatments on clients
- IPL hair reduction treatments on clients
- Case studies and treatment records
Days 2–3
09:00–18:00Open salon day
- 09:00–09:15Briefing and progress review
- 09:15–13:00Treatments on clients
- 13:00–14:00Lunch
- 14:00–17:30Treatments on clients
- 17:30–18:00Feedback, case studies and portfolio update
On the day
- Dermaplaning, skin peeling and skin needling treatments on clients
- Plasma pen and radio frequency treatments on clients
- IPL hair reduction treatments on clients
- Covering all treatment areas and ranges
- Case studies and treatment records
Day 4
09:00–18:00Open salon day
- 09:00–09:15Briefing
- 09:15–13:00Treatments on clients (summative assessments)
- 13:00–14:00Lunch
- 14:00–14:30Portfolio check and sign-off by the tutor and assessor
- 14:30–17:30VTCT Skills examinations under controlled conditions (durations set by VTCT Skills)
- 17:30–18:00Student and tutor evaluation
On the day
- Dermaplaning, skin peeling and skin needling treatments on clients
- Plasma pen and radio frequency treatments on clients
- IPL hair reduction treatments on clients
- Portfolio check by the tutor and assessor
- Theory examination BT4D5.EX1 (UBT462, UBT463, UBT464)
- Theory examinations for each optional unit, including UBT449R
- Practical examinations UBT473, UBT467, UBT466, UBT471, UBT465 and UBT475 on real clients
- Student evaluation
- Tutor evaluation
- Equipment
- Fully equipped treatment room and couches, laser and IPL systems, wavelength-specific protective eyewear, cooling devices, PPE, consultation and consent forms, treatment records, camera for before and after photographs.
- Safety
- Learners to wear PPE as required by industry code of practice. Learners to carry out risk assessments for heat and potential damage. Gloves to be worn for all treatments with exposure to bodily fluids. Single-use blades and needles to be disposed of in a sharps container and all equipment checked before every treatment. IPL treatments to be carried out in a controlled area with protective eyewear for the learner and client.
Units and assessment
How you are assessed
9 units
- UBT462Principles, practice and ethics of advanced aesthetic40 guided hours
- UBT463Investigative consultation for advanced aesthetic therapies43 guided hours
- UBT464Skin science for advanced aesthetic therapies50 guided hours
- UBT473Enhance appearance using dermaplaning techniques16 guided hours
- UBT467Provide skin peeling treatments52 guided hours
- UBT466Provide cosmetic skin needling treatments52 guided hours
- UBT471Enhance appearance using plasma pen techniques21 guided hours
- UBT465Provide radio frequency treatments52 guided hours
- UBT475Perform hair growth reduction using Intense Pulsed Light systems30 guided hours
While you learn
- Online quizzes and module tests
- Written homework
- Tutor feedback on the platform
- Case studies and practical observation in the open salon
Towards your certificate
- Assignments
- Practical observations/assessments
- Case studies
- Portfolio of evidence
- Theory examination BT4D5.EX1 (UBT462, UBT463, UBT464)
- Theory examinations for each optional unit, including UBT449R
- Practical examinations UBT473, UBT467, UBT466, UBT471, UBT465 and UBT475 on real clients
Entry and progression
Before you start
Learners must be 18 or over to enrol and hold a regulated Level 2 and Level 3 beauty therapy qualification or equivalent.
Level 4: Specialist practitioner level, the same level as the first year of a degree.
Before this course
This course
Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Aesthetic Treatments
Leads to: Beauty therapist in salons, spas and clinics, or self-employed
Fees and dates
Paying for the course
Admissions confirms the fee for this course when you ask, and talks you through the ways to pay.
Practical dates
You can enrol at any time, and we place you in the next suitable group. Admissions talks you through dates when they confirm your place.
Ask admissions about datesWays to pay
- Pay in full by card or bank transfer.
- Klarna or Clearpay at checkout, subject to their eligibility checks and approval.
- Monthly course finance through our finance partner, subject to status (18+, UK residents).
- Employer funding: we can invoice your employer.
Direct government funding for learners (Advanced Learner Loans, Mayor of London Adult Skills Fund) is not available through KCLINICS Academy at present and is not expected before 2028. Monthly course finance and self or employer funding are available now.
Apply
Apply for a place
Tell us a little about you and we will confirm your place and next steps. No payment is taken until your place is confirmed.
Prefer to talk first? Call admissions on 020 8050 0750.
Theory is online and self-paced, in 20 sessions. In the academy you attend 4 practical days (32 hours). You have 12 months from enrolment to complete.
Learners must be 18 or over to enrol and hold a regulated Level 2 and Level 3 beauty therapy qualification or equivalent.
It depends on the technique. Some are practised on yourself or a fellow student, others on model clients booked through our model membership. On our special model offers you can bring a friend or relative as your model.
Practical days are compulsory. Tell the academy team in advance if you cannot attend: a missed practical day can be moved to the next available cohort, subject to availability.
Yes. You can pay by card, or choose Klarna or Clearpay at checkout, subject to their approval.
Beauty therapist in salons, spas and clinics, or self-employed.
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