Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Specialist Techniques 2025-26

Considering a career in the beauty industry? With East Durham College's Level 2 Diploma, you can make it happen!

Taught at our Peterlee campus, at EDC we have our very own specialist beauty salon where you'll get to put your skills into practice.

You'll be learning from highly experienced beauticians who have years of experience in the industry, ensuring everything you learn is absolutely everything you need to gain eventual employment in the beauty sector.

As part of this course you'll be covering a wide variety of beauty techniques and skills, including facial skincare, waxing, eyelash and eyebrow treatments, manicures, pedicures and also all about client care and health and safety too.

Since our beauty salon is actually open to the public too, once you're trained up you'll get the opportunity to actually perform treatments on real clients, further helping prepare you for the world of work when you leave us.

Sound good? Get your application in now to start in September, or keep scrolling down the page for a bit more information about the course.

This course will cover:

• Health and safety
• Client care and communication
• Nail art
• Make- up application
• Manicure and pedicure treatments
• Facial and eye treatments
• Waxing services which include; hot, warm and sugaring techniques.

Students will also undertake reception duties and promote products and services to clients.

• Beauty Therapist
• Cruise Ship Beauty Therapist
• Education and Training
• Make Up Artist
• Nail Technician
• Salon Manager / Owner
• Salon Receptionist
• Film / Theatre Make Up Artist

... and so much more!

Upon successful completion candidates can progress to Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy.

If you're new to the beauty industry and under the age of 19, you'll need to have a total of 3 GCSEs at grade 4 or above to be eligible for this course.

Don't worry if you don't - our lecturers will discuss this with you before you start and you may be placed on the Level 1 beauty course instead.

Learners who have already achieved level 1 in hair or beauty are eligible for this course as long as you have completed entry 3/level 1 in maths and English (or above) in functional skills.

Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal. Where relevant, the term ‘entry requirements’ also includes DBS checks, references, fitness to practice, etc.

Candidates are required to formulate a portfolio of evidence, including photographic work, research, case studies, practical evidence and assignments.
Practical assessments will take place continually throughout the course in a real working commercial salon environment.
Written assessments take place in the form of independent unit test papers which are scheduled periodically throughout the Beauty Therapy course.

September 2025

1 Year, Full Time. This full time study programme may also be available to study on a part-time basis if you are aged 18 or over on 31st August. Please check with Student Services for more details.