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Level 4 Diploma in the Principles of Advanced Beauty Therapy
VTCT Skills Level 4 Diploma in the Principles of Advanced Beauty Therapy · Ofqual 610/8112/7 · VTCT code BT4D6 · VTCT Skills
To develop the advanced knowledge and management skills of experienced beauty therapists: management of health, safety and security, physiology of ageing, dermatology and microbiology, chemistry of hair and beauty products, quality management of client care and salon management, preparing learners for roles as advanced or senior therapists, aesthetic professionals and spa managers.
- Theory
- Online, at your own pace
- In the academy
- One exam session
- Course plan
- 14 online modules
- Guided learning
- 325 hours
Course plan
What the course includes
14 online modules on the KCLINICS Academy platform, studied at your own pace, then one exam session in the academy. The plan comes from our scheme of work for this qualification.
- Online lesson
- PDF learning material
- Video demonstrations
- Written homework
- 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 policies of the training centre and the salon
- Hygiene, infection prevention and control
- PPE and safe working practices
- Reporting accidents and incidents
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- History and development of health and safety legislation
- Health, safety and security legislation and regulations
- Risk assessment: types, procedures and records
- Assessing the effectiveness of existing practices
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Recommending and implementing new practices
- Evaluating staff compliance: monitoring and spot checks
- Managing improvements, training and communication
- Emergency procedures and security of people, premises and stock
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- History and development of the science of ageing
- Characteristics of ageing and theories of ageing
- The ageing process in cells and tissues
- Intrinsic and environmental factors of skin ageing
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Microscopic and visible changes to the skin with ageing
- Causes and effects of degenerative disorders
- How beauty therapy treatments and products may delay the ageing process
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Structure and functions of the skin, hair and nails
- Diseases and disorders of the skin, hair and nails
- Recognising contra-indications and referral
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Types of micro-organisms
- Preparing for the culturing of bacteria
- Conditions required for bacterial growth
- Relating microbiology to salon hygiene
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- History and development of cosmetic chemistry
- Chemistry of active ingredients in hair and beauty products
- Effects and safe use of active ingredients
- Cosmetic regulations and product safety
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Properties of packaging materials in relation to their structure
- Properties and effects of ultra-violet radiation on products and packaging
- Storage and shelf life of products
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Quality assurance and quality management in the hair and beauty sector
- Reviewing the overall client service experience
- Client feedback, complaints and service standards
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Implementing procedures to improve client service
- Monitoring and evaluating improvements
- Training and supporting the salon team
- Consumer and data protection legislation
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Salon management duties and responsibilities
- Managing staff: rotas, appraisals and motivation
- Financial management, targets and records
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
- Planning the management of products and services
- Stock control and suppliers
- Marketing and promotion of services
- Evaluating business performance
Includes an online lesson, PDF learning material, video demonstrations and written homework.
Workplace Assessment (UHB161, UHB153, UHB164, UV30456)
- Observations of management practices in the learner's own salon
- Microbiology practical: culturing bacteria
- Completion of the portfolio of evidence
- Revision
Dates and times agreed between the learner and the assessor
Observations take place in the learner's own workplace
Evidence uploaded to the portfolio on the KCLINICS Academy platform
Take the course plan with you
Every module, practical day and assessment for the Level 4 Diploma in the Principles of Advanced Beauty Therapy, as a PDF.
Exam session
09:00–11:30- 09:00–09:15Registration, briefing and controlled examination conditions
- 09:15–09:45Portfolio check by the tutor
- 09:45–11:15VTCT Skills theory examination(s) under controlled conditions
- 11:15–11:30Student and tutor evaluation
On the day
- External examination: UV40463 Physiology of ageing
- External examination: UV30456 Dermatology and microbiology
- Portfolio check by the tutor
- Student evaluation
- Tutor evaluation
- Equipment
- Computers/tablets, observation and assessment records.
- Safety
- Learners to follow the health and safety policies of the training centre and of their own salon. Learners to wear PPE as required by industry code of practice and to carry out risk assessments for all practical activities. Gloves and laboratory hygiene procedures to be followed when culturing bacteria.
Units and assessment
How you are assessed
6 units
- UHB161Management of health, safety and security in the salon44 guided hours
- UV40463Physiology of ageing64 guided hours
- UV30456Dermatology and microbiology42 guided hours
- UHB157Chemistry of hair and beauty products75 guided hours
- UHB153Quality management of client care in the hair and beauty sector50 guided hours
- UHB164Salon management50 guided hours
While you learn
- Online quizzes and module tests
- Written homework
- Tutor feedback on the platform
Towards your certificate
- Assignments
- Practical observations/assessments
- Portfolio of evidence
- External examination: UV40463 Physiology of ageing
- External examination: UV30456 Dermatology and microbiology
Entry and progression
Before you start
Learners must be 18 or over to enrol and should ideally hold a Level 3 qualification or equivalent and have at least three years of salon experience (one year at the discretion of the employer and provider).
Level 4: Specialist practitioner level, the same level as the first year of a degree.
Before this course
This course
Level 4 Diploma in the Principles of Advanced Beauty Therapy
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 14 sessions. You attend one exam session in the academy. You have 12 months from enrolment to complete.
Learners must be 18 or over to enrol and should ideally hold a Level 3 qualification or equivalent and have at least three years of salon experience (one year at the discretion of the employer and provider).
While you learn: online quizzes and module tests; written homework; tutor feedback on the platform. Towards your certificate: assignments; practical observations/assessments; VTCT Skills examinations (External examination: UV40463 Physiology of ageing; External examination: UV30456 Dermatology and microbiology); portfolio of evidence. External assessment: external examination: UV40463 Physiology of ageing; external examination: UV30456 Dermatology and microbiology. Up to three resits are included.
VTCT Skills registration, the online platform, the exam session, all units in our scheme of work, examinations with up to three resits and your certificate.
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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