Program Overview

Aesthetics BA (Hons) Top-up

Overview

Our one-year Aesthetics BA (Hons) top-up degree is designed for individuals keen to advance their knowledge and qualifications in the aesthetics industry. This course is ideal for those with prior relevant qualifications who are looking to refine their expertise.

Why should I choose the aesthetics degree top-up course?

• INDUSTRY LINKS – We work closely with leading brands, including Lynton, Mesoestetic, Neostrata, Canfield VISIA and Observ to ensure our course content is up-to-date with industry
• RESIDENTIAL VISIT– Learn first hand about the industry on a visit to the Mesoestetic production facility in Barcelona, Spain, as part of your aesthetics course (*subject to visa requirements)
• ENRICHMENT – Explore the aesthetic industries through competitions, guest speakers and additional training programmes, including skin cancer vigilance, anaphylaxis training and trans awareness

Course Breakdown

Modules

Core Modules

Aesthetic Identity

The aesthetics industry is rapidly growing yet the reasons people choose to participate in aesthetic treatments is often misunderstood. This module aims to explore both sociological and psychological factors that may influence a client's decision to engage in such treatments. What is the ideal image? Does it, or should it even exist? Is it important and who are the drivers of this global industry? This module will ensure graduates/aesthetic practitioners develop a more holistic, well-rounded approach to treating clients.

Global Wellness

You will explore the concept of wellness in relation to the aesthetic client and industry. The impact of health, environment, lifestyle, and their relationship to aesthetic treatments will be detailed. The current trends and influences for global wellness within the aesthetic industry and the growth within the industry will be analysed. This module will ensure you develop a holistic understanding of wellness and its impact on themselves, the client and aesthetic interventions required for graduate careers.

Sustainability in Aesthetics

As the demographics of our customers change and as we understand the impact of our choices, both professionally and personally, on the environment and natural resources, climate change and pollution, there is an increasing need for the sector to demonstrate a commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. As the change makers, we need to make meaningful decisions for our employees, colleagues, customers, and the communities we impact. We must ensure that we are transparent, raise awareness and recognise the opportunities while contributing to the solutions resulting in a sustainable and ethical approach within all sectors of the industry. There will be an emphasis on raising awareness, providing meaningful opportunities, and impacting social and environmental change by contributing to the solutions.

Plus one option from:

Dissertation

Engaging in individually selected and directed research is one of the highlights of an undergraduate degree and in this module you will be introduced to the skills and competences needed to explore your selected topic in depth to ensure you gain the most from this opportunity. You will be appointed a dissertation tutor who will help guide you through this important and rewarding process.

Venture Creator

You will get the opportunity to deepen your knowledge in a particular area of the industry. You will create a design brief within a chosen context and support it through reflective writing. By demonstrating your skill-set, you will build an independent project highlighting your chosen pathway (training or business management).

Plus one option from:

Digital Skills and Social Media Marketing

We are currently in the ‘Digital Age’ where digital marketing channels are reforming the way all businesses operate and market their business activities. Everyone is finding ways to enhance and support their core marketing communications objectives in this customer-centric, multi-channel environment. You will learn the principles of digital marketing, the role of social media, and how to apply them to create a winning strategy. You will have completed Venture Concept and Planning at Level 5 to follow this route.

The Training Enterprise

This module will introduce you to the term pedagogy and consider how your own pedagogical style can shape your training methods. It will explore educational philosophies and their influences. It will provide you with the opportunity to analyse and develop your own assessment strategies. You will have completed The Training Cycle module at Level 5 to follow this route.

Entry Requirements

Academic

A relevant foundation degree in the area of aesthetics, with 240 credits.

If you are unsure if your previous qualification is suitable, please contact us before completing an application. You can call us on or complete our enquiry form here.

Work Experience

Students will also be considered if applying with significant industry experience. We will explore with you whether your experience permits exemptions of previous modules based on your experiential learning. If you are interested in securing a place via this route, please contact our Admissions team upon submission of your application as you will be required to attend a meeting with the teaching teams to provide evidence of your industry knowledge.

International Students

Academic : European and International qualifications studied in a relevant subject matter will also be considered. Applicants will need to have achieved 120 ECTS or equivalent (European Credit Transfer).

If you are unsure if your previous qualification is suitable, please contact us before completing an application. You can call us on or complete our enquiry form:

Key Information

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching

Example of a typical teaching week (up to 16 contact hours):

• Large group teaching – 4-6 hours
• Smaller group teaching – 2-3 hours
• Hands-on learning in the clinic – 4-6 hours
• Tutorials – 2-3 hours

You will also need to commit around 20 hours per week for individual study time.

Assessment

Estimated breakdown of assessment for this top-up degree course:

• Coursework – 80%
• Practical assessment – 20%

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our **Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy **.

Uniform and Kit Costs

This course requires a uniform and kit costing approximately £290, depending on the items you purchase. (Prices are subject to change each year – exact costs and information on how to order required items will be provided to you prior to enrolment.)

Tuition Fees for Home Students

If you are a home student enrolling on a bachelor's or foundation degree course at University College Birmingham, the 2025/2026 academic year tuition fee for full-time study is£9,535.

Career Opportunities

The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

• Business development manager
  • Average Salary: £42,500
• Skincare consultant
  • Average Salary: £15,000
• Aesthetic practitioner (laser and skin practitioner)
  • £23,000 - £26,000
• Area sales manager
  • Average Salary: £34,136
• Aesthetic clinic manager
  • £30,000 - £40,000
• Aesthetic practitioner
  • £23,000 - £26,000

Want to take your studies to the next level? Completing the BA (Hons) degree will enable you to move onto our postgraduate courses such as Enterprise Management MSc/PGDip.

Meet Your Lecturers

• Deborah Freeman
  • Senior Lecturer
• Claire Prew
  • Lecturer
• Hannah Harris
  • Lecturer
• Joanna Lancaster
  • Lecturer
• Portia Foster
  • Senior Lecturer