Beauty & Massage Therapy

Want a career that’s all about looking good and feeling great? The beauty industry is growing fast and full of opportunities for highly motivated people.
FROM TREATMENT ROOM TO REAL CLIENTS

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

A group shot of staff from the beauty department at City of Portsmouth College

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.

Explore all beauty & massage therapy courses

Subject highlights

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

Find out more about Level 1 VTCT Diploma in An Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector

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

Find out more about Level 2 VTCT Diploma in Beauty Specialist Techniques

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

Find out more about Level 3 VTCT Diploma in Beauty Therapy Treatments

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

   Virtual tour

Take a closer look at our learning spaces and stand-out facilities with our interactive 360° virtual tour.

Explore the 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


Let’s help you shape your future.

Start your beauty & massage therapy career — find the right course for you
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

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.

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