Free Level 3 Beauty Therapy Course in Penzance. Classes run at Penwith College, full-time during the day. You'll need a Level 2 Beauty qualification or similar, plus GCSE grade 4 in Maths or English, and you'll attend an interview before starting. The course takes one year and covers a wide range of treatments across salon, spa, and aesthetic settings. It's a strong route into the beauty, travel, leisure, and health industries.
Who this course is for
Beauty therapists can be employed within the beauty, travel, leisure, and health industries and also in a variety of salons, spas and aesthetic environments. This course will provide you with the perfect opportunity to gain invaluable experience in the industry while studying.
If you would like an exciting career in the beauty sector, this course will enable you to enter one of the many career pathways within the industry. You will learn new and exciting treatments in our industry standard salon. Throughout this qualification you will develop your practical skills and theory knowledge. You will learn a range of topics such as anatomy, physiology, electrical face and body treatments, advanced massage, aftercare, and home care. To further your knowledge of the industry, you will also study business management within your course. Teaching methods include discussions, demonstrations, and presentations. You will work on your own, in pairs and in small groups practicing techniques within a realistic working environment.
Entry requirements
You must attend an interview and the pre-requisite is that you ideally have achieved a Level 2 qualification in Beauty or have a similar level 3 course, as well as have either a GCSE Grade 4 in Maths or English.
What you will learn
You'll learn to carry out facial and skincare treatments to a professional standard.
You'll develop skills in body massage and body therapy techniques.
You'll learn waxing, threading, and hair removal treatments.
You'll practise nail treatments including manicure and pedicure services.
You'll study anatomy and physiology relevant to beauty therapy.
You'll learn how to consult with clients and adapt treatments to individual needs.
You'll gain hands-on experience in an industry-standard salon environment.
How you will learn
You'll learn through practical sessions in the college's salon, alongside classroom-based theory. Assessment combines practical observations, where your technique is assessed directly, with written assignments and theory tests. You'll build a portfolio of evidence throughout the year to demonstrate your competence across treatments.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Penwith College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Beauty therapist: working in salons, spas, or leisure facilities
Spa therapist: delivering treatments in hotel or wellness spa settings
Cruise ship beauty therapist: working in travel and hospitality environments
Mobile beauty therapist: running your own client-facing business
Salon manager: progressing into a supervisory or management role
What you could study next
Level 4 Certificate in Laser and Light Treatments: if you want to move into advanced aesthetic work requiring specialist equipment.
Level 4 Award in Micropigmentation: for learners interested in semi-permanent makeup and advanced skin treatments.
VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Massage Therapy: a complementary qualification that broadens your treatment offer and opens doors in wellness and holistic settings.
