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Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Skincare
VTCT Skills (ITEC) Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Skincare · Ofqual 603/4044/7 · VTCT code iBT4D1 · VTCT Skills (ITEC)
To enable learners to gain the practical and theoretical skills to provide advanced skincare treatments, including laser and light skin rejuvenation and microdermabrasion, to the general public and to gain employment in an advanced skincare clinic.
- Theory
- Online, at your own pace
- In the clinic
- 4 practical days
- Course plan
- 20 online modules
- Guided learning
- 338 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.
- Health and safety legislation and responsibilities
- Hazards, risks and risk assessment
- Infection control and hygiene
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Managing health and safety in the salon
- Security of people, premises and stock
- Emergency procedures and accident reporting
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- History and development of dermatology
- Skin structure and function
- Skin types and Fitzpatrick classification
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Bacteria, viruses, fungi and infestations
- How infection spreads and the immune response
- Sterilisation and disinfection
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Skin diseases and disorders
- Contra-indications and referral
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Intrinsic and extrinsic ageing
- Cellular ageing and the skin
- Effects of UV, lifestyle and environment
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Ageing of the body systems
- Hormones and ageing
- Treatments and home care for ageing skin
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Atoms, molecules, acids, alkalis and pH
- Emulsions, solutions and suspensions
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Ingredients in skincare products
- Effects and safe use of products
- Preservatives, allergens and product labelling
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Packaging materials
- Ultra violet radiation and its effects on products
- Sunscreens and SPF
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- History and development of microdermabrasion
- Crystal and diamond microdermabrasion
- Effects on the skin
- Contra-indications and contra-actions
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Consultation and skin analysis
- Machine checks and pre-treatment test
- Microdermabrasion techniques
- Aftercare and home care advice
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Adapting the treatment to skin type and condition
- Combining microdermabrasion with skincare products
- Courses of treatment
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Full microdermabrasion treatment on models
- Working to a commercially acceptable time
- Treatment evidence on client consultation forms
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- History and development of laser and IPL
- Light and the electromagnetic spectrum
- Laser and IPL systems
- Laser safety and controlled areas
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Light and tissue interaction
- Pigmentation, vascular conditions and photo-ageing
- Fitzpatrick skin types and treatment parameters
- Contra-indications, contra-actions and complications
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material and written homework.
- Consultation, informed consent and photographs
- Patch test and selecting settings
- Laser and light skin rejuvenation techniques
- Aftercare, SPF and home care advice
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material and written homework.
- Adapting the treatment to the client
- Managing adverse reactions
- Courses of treatment and intervals
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Full laser and light skin rejuvenation treatment on models
- Treating pigmentation, redness and photo-ageing
- Treatment evidence on client consultation forms
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material and written homework.
Take the course plan with you
Every module, practical day and assessment for the Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Skincare, 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
- Microdermabrasion treatments on clients
- Laser and light skin rejuvenation treatments on clients
- Microdermabrasion and laser and light 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
- Microdermabrasion treatments on clients
- Laser and light skin rejuvenation treatments on clients
- Microdermabrasion and laser and light 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
- Microdermabrasion treatments on clients
- Laser and light skin rejuvenation treatments on clients
- Microdermabrasion and laser and light treatments on clients
- Portfolio check by the tutor and assessor
- Practical examination (iUBT407 and iUBT367)
- Theory examinations iUBT403, iUCO65, iUBT407 and iUBT367
- 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. Laser and light treatments to be carried out in a controlled area with protective eyewear for the learner and client.
Units and assessment
How you are assessed
6 units
- iUCO70Health & Safety
- iUBT403Dermatology and Microbiology
- iUBT310Physiology of Ageing
- iUCO65Chemistry of Hair and Beauty Products
- iUBT367Microdermabrasion
- iUBT407Laser and Light
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
- Portfolio of evidence
- Practical examination (iUBT407 and iUBT367)
- Theory examinations iUBT403, iUCO65, iUBT407 and iUBT367
Entry and progression
Before you start
Learners must be 18 or over to enrol (KCLINICS Academy policy), and it is recommended that learners hold a Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy Treatments 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 Skincare
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 (KCLINICS Academy policy), and it is recommended that learners hold a Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy Treatments 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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