Program Overview

Business Studies with Beauty and Spa Management – BA

Course Overview

The beauty and spa sector provides highly valued and important services to clients, not only from a grooming perspective, but also in terms of added benefits such as enhanced self-confidence, positive mental health and general wellbeing. The sector is a very important component of the economy and provides employment opportunities all over the country and internationally. It is a dynamic industry that is constantly evolving and adapting to customer needs. A key characteristic is that practitioners spend a lot of time with their customers.

Business Studies with Beauty and Spa Management prepares you to meet the sector’s need for highly skilled and trusted professionals who can establish strong relationships with clients, deliver services in a professional, efficient and hygienic manner, and progress to management roles within the industry.

The course covers both the creative and business aspects of the beauty and spa sector. Learning and practising in well-equipped workshops, you are encouraged and facilitated to further develop your creativity and also acquire strong business know-how. By combining technical beauty and spa skills with business/management competencies, the course equips you to work and progress in a wide range of beauty and spa settings.

There is a full semester of work placement and/or the option to study at one of our partner universities across Europe, as well as regular field trips and guest lectures. In addition to the assessment requirements for your degree, you may also complete external examinations for professional qualifications from the International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC) and the Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC).

Additional Information

TUS is delighted to be in an academic partnership with the Irish Hospitality Institute (IHI). This partnership offers students of the Department of Hospitality Tourism & Wellness, Moylish, Limerick and the Department of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure, Athlone campus, complimentary membership of the professional body while they study at TUS. Members are connected with the wider IHI professional network, a great resource for those looking to learn more about the Irish hospitality industry while making valuable connections to support early-stage career decisions. Members have access to a wide range of learning and development resources including the IHI Mentors Matter programme which supports career progression and advancement of members. Graduates benefit from a further year’s complimentary membership of IHI.

What are the entry requirements?

• Leaving Certificate: A minimum of 5 O6/H7 grades in Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish. Foundation Level Mathematics at grade F2 or higher is acceptable as meeting the Mathematics requirement for this programme.
• Mature Applicants: Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.
• International Applicants: International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application.

Course Modules

Year 1 – Semester 1

• Academic Writing (5 credits)
• Aesthetics Treatments – Skincare, Eye Treatments and Waxing (10 credits)
• Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology (5 credits)
• Principles of Financial Accounting (5 credits)
• Principles of Management and Marketing (5 credits)

Year 1 – Semester 2

• Anatomy and Physiology (5 credits)
• Business and Professional Practice (5 credits)
• Business Decision Making and Applications (5 credits)
• Make Up application (5 credits)
• Manicure and Pedicure (5 credits)
• Web Design & Implementation for the Beauty Industry (5 credits)

Year 2 – Semester 1

• Anatomy and Physiology for Massage (5 credits)
• HRM Concepts (5 credits)
• Indian Head Massage (5 credits)
• Legal Environment for Business (5 credits)
• Social Media & Mobile Apps (5 credits)
• Swedish Body Massage (5 credits)

Year 2 – Semester 2

• Advanced Anatomy and Physiology for Massage (5 credits)
• Global HRM Practice (5 credits)
• Health, Safety and Client Care (5 credits)
• Hot Stone Massage (5 credits)
• Marketing Communications Practice (5 credits)
• Professional Practice (5 credits)

Year 3 – Semester 1

• Applied therapeutic practice (10 credits)
• Integrated Marketing Communications (5 credits)
• Nail Technology (10 credits)
• Positive Health and Wellbeing (5 credits)

Year 3 – Semester 2

• Work Placement/Study Abroad (30 credits)

What can you do after this programme?

Career Opportunities

Graduates will have experienced all facets of Beauty and Spa Services to provide them with the best education to suit today’s economy and diverse Beauty and Spa industry.

A graduate will find a diverse range of career opportunities both in Ireland and abroad and they can expect to find employment in a variety of roles such as, beauty therapist, advanced skincare therapist, beauty and spa consultant, make up artistry, with employment for talented individuals in fashion, stage and TV make-up and spa and beauty product salesperson.

Further Study

On successful completion of the programme, students can progress to year 4 of the BA (Honours) degree in Business Studies with Beauty and Spa Management.