Beauty & Massage Therapy
Train, treat and build a beautiful future
At City of Portsmouth College, beauty therapy students step into fully operational commercial salons, gaining real-world experience working with paying clients from the very start.
You'll master skincare, massage and advanced beauty treatments in a professional salon setting – developing hands-on skills, perfecting your client care, and building the confidence to thrive in the beauty industry.
With expert tutors, industry-standard techniques, and live appointments every week, this is more than a course – it’s the first step toward careers in spas, salons, luxury hospitality or your own beauty business.
BEAUTY & MASSAGE THERAPY
Subject overview

What's on offer
Life-affirming, stress releasing and confidence building – beauty and massage therapy treatments go far more than skin deep. At City of Portsmouth College, we’ll get beneath the products to show you why your treatments, techniques and care can transform lives – or just put a pep in your customer’s step.
Based in our working salon, you’ll learn the practical skills for success together with industry insights and vital knowledge in health and safety, and customer service. So, whether it’s working as a make-up artist, a massage therapist, or a nail technician, you’ll be ready to share your brilliance and make your clients shine.
Subject highlights
- develop fundamental beauty skills so you can progress into a rewarding career
- gain specialist skills in a range of the latest trends and in-demand techniques
- choose advanced electrical and aesthetic routes, so you can offer future clients more
- explore topics like customer service and business management on our enrichment programme.

Course: Level 1 VTCT Diploma in An Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Highbury Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: P271854
Popular Course!
31 people have been looking at this course recently
Course: Level 2 VTCT Diploma in Beauty Specialist Techniques
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Highbury Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: P000659
Popular Course!
26 people have been looking at this course recently
Course: Level 3 VTCT Diploma in Beauty Therapy Treatments
- Course Type: Vocational
- Campus: Highbury Campus
- Attendance: Full-time
- Course Code: P293011
100% Pass Rate
Proven with perfection in 24/25
Our facilities
Study beauty or massage therapy at our Highbury Campus and you’ll train in a £450,000 facility, where you’ll also get real-world experience working with customers.
Key facilities include
- state-of-the art salons on campus
- the most up-to-date equipment used by professionals
- apply treatments to real clients as part of a commercial business
- technologies for treatments including microdermabrasion and advanced facials.
Virtual tour
Take a closer look at our learning spaces and stand-out facilities with our interactive 360° virtual tour.
A great way to explore our facilities before booking a visit.
“I loved college, the teachers are the best! I regularly offer students work experience placements in the salon and love helping them develop their skills and grow their confidence.”Jess Kennelly
Studied: Level 3 Apprenticeship in Hairdressing
Currently: Owner of award-winning salon, The Parlour
Careers in the beauty & massage therapy industries
Massage Therapist
Massage Therapists use a variety of techniques to relieve pain and promote relaxation.
Main responsibilities:
- Help people with health issues or sports injuries
- Discuss a client’s needs, medical history and lifestyle
- Agree a course of treatment and provide advice on wellbeing
- Manipulate muscles and soft tissues to achieve the desired results
- Create and update confidential client records
Salary range:
£18,000 - £34,000
Make-Up Artist
Make-Up Artists help people look their best – from weddings to movie sets.
Main responsibilities:
- Create styles of make-up to suit the client and conditions
- Apply make-up and potentially also style hair
- Research make-up and hairstyles of different cultures and times through history
- Develop designs for special effects make-up in theatre, film or TV
- Keep notes and photos of styles for reference
Salary range:
£18,000 - £34,000
Nail Technician
Nail Technicians create unique designs, and apply nail art and extensions.
Main responsibilities:
- Provide manicure and pedicure treatments
- Clean, polish and file clients’ nails
- Apply and repair artificial nails, tips and enhancements
- Decorate nails with coloured varnish, gems, glitter and transfers
- Advise clients on the best ways and products to care for their nails
Salary range:
£19,000 - £23,000
Beautician
Beauticians offer treatments to refresh and relax clients, from facials to waxes.
Main responsibilities:
- Talk to customers about what they want, and suggest treatments and products
- Provide facials, do makeovers, shape eyebrows or give nail treatments
- Remove unwanted hair from a customer's face and body
- Offer spray tanning and ultraviolet (UV) treatments
- Keep up-to-date with the latest beauty products and trends
Salary range:
£16,000 - £25,000
Salon Owner
Salon Owners run their own businesses, managing a team of therapists.
Main responsibilities:
- Maintain a clean, safe and well-organised salon
- Manage stock and budgets for the salon
- Handle customer enquiries and resolve any complaints
- Hire, train, schedule and supervise salon staff
- Develop and deliver marketing activities to attract customers
Salary range:
£24,000 - £44,000
Let’s help you shape your future.
Beauty gets more inclusive with new industry standards
There have been big steps forward for equality of treatment in the beauty industry. Bectu, the national union for workers in media and entertainment, has launched essential skills requirements for professionals working with textured hair and darker skin tones. Led by make-up and hair professionals who work in film and TV, the recommendations mean everyone in the industry should be familiar with specialised products and techniques for a wide range of hair textures and skin tones.
Frequently asked questions
When you choose Beauty and Massage Therapy at City of Portsmouth College, you are learning from experienced industry professionals who have worked in successful salons and wellbeing environments.
Their real-world insight shapes your training, ensuring you develop techniques, professionalism and client care standards that reflect current industry expectations. Students also benefit from discounted hair and beauty treatments across the College, helping you look and feel confident while you train.
In a supportive, practical environment, you will build technical skill, confidence and client communication expertise, giving you every opportunity to find your brilliance in a people focused and creative industry.
Yes. Our Retreat Salon is a fully functioning training salon that welcomes members of the public.
At the appropriate stage of your course, you will work with real clients under professional supervision. This allows you to refine your techniques, build confidence and understand how to deliver high standards of customer care in a realistic setting.
Working with real clients helps you develop accuracy, professionalism and the calm confidence required in a commercial salon environment.
No previous experience is required for our introductory Beauty and Massage Therapy courses.
All you need is enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and a professional attitude. We will teach you the foundations of treatment techniques, hygiene, consultation skills and client care, building your knowledge step by step in a structured and supportive way.
Yes. A professional uniform is required to reflect industry standards and maintain high levels of hygiene and presentation.
You will receive a full uniform list during your welcome event so you can prepare in advance. Dressing professionally helps you develop pride in your work and understand the expectations of working in a salon or therapy environment.
Once you have chosen the right course, simply visit the relevant course page and follow the clear application or enquiry instructions provided.
Each listing outlines entry requirements, next steps and key dates so you can move forward with confidence. After submitting your application, you will receive confirmation and further guidance about what to expect next.
Our process is designed to be straightforward and supportive, ensuring you feel informed at every stage as you take your first step towards finding your brilliance at City of Portsmouth College.
Yes. Attending an Open Event is one of the best ways to explore our facilities, meet tutors and speak directly with current students.
Open Events give you a genuine feel for College life, allowing you to see workshops, studios and classrooms in action. You can ask questions about course content, enrichment opportunities and progression routes, helping you make a confident and well-informed decision about your future.
Visiting in person often brings your ambitions into sharper focus and helps you picture yourself thriving in your chosen subject area.
After submitting your application or enquiry, you will receive confirmation along with details about the next stage of the process.
Depending on the course, this may include an interview, informal discussion, assessment activity or enrolment guidance. These stages allow us to understand your interests, goals and suitability for the programme, while also giving you the opportunity to ask further questions.
Our aim is to ensure you feel fully prepared, supported and confident as you move closer to starting your course.
If you are unsure which course is right for you, our admissions and curriculum teams are here to help.
They can talk through subject options, entry requirements, career ambitions and progression routes, offering personalised advice based on your interests and strengths. Whether you are deciding between pathways or exploring a completely new direction, you will receive clear and practical guidance.
We are committed to helping you choose a course that challenges you, supports you and gives you the space to grow, so you can move forward with clarity, confidence and purpose.
Have a question?
Get in touch and our advice and guidance team will be more
than happy to answer any questions you may have and guide
you in the right direction.
