Why Study / Key Benefits

The New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy is designed for students who want to develop professional beauty therapy knowledge and practical skills. It is suitable for learners with little or no previous experience in beauty therapy.

Key benefits include:

• Development of practical skills across a broad range of beauty treatments.

• Training in professional beauty therapy consultation and client care.

• Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology relevant to beauty treatments.

• Practical experience in facial treatments, manicures, pedicures, makeup, waxing, eyebrow and eyelash enhancements, and tanning.

• Experience working with real clients through UCOL's supervised beauty clinics.

• Development of professional communication, teamwork and customer service skills.

• Understanding of professional ethics, hygiene and workplace health and safety.

• Exposure to industry-standard beauty products, equipment and treatment procedures.

• Opportunities to progress to the New Zealand Diploma in Beauty Therapy (Level 5).

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme consists of eight subjects, each worth 15 credits.

1. Professional Practice – 15 credits

• Understanding the role and responsibilities of a professional beauty therapist.

• Professional ethics, conduct and workplace standards.

• Health, hygiene and safety guidelines.

• Client consultation and professional communication.

• First aid and basic life support.

• Developing a basic business plan for an independent beauty therapy business.

2. Anatomy and Physiology – 15 credits

• Understanding human anatomy and physiology.

• Structure and functions of body systems.

• Anatomical terminology.

• Understanding skin, hair and nail health.

• Nutrition and lifestyle factors affecting skin, hair and nails.

• Theoretical foundations of massage and beauty therapy.

3. Nail Services – 15 credits

• Nail analysis and identification of nail conditions.

• Understanding nail products, tools and equipment.

• Identifying contraindications.

• Manicure and pedicure procedures.

• Providing professional nail care services.

• Practical training: 15 practicum hours.

4. Facial Treatments – 15 credits

• Skin analysis and identification of contraindications.

• Understanding skincare products and their applications.

• Manual facial therapy techniques.

• Facial treatment procedures.

• Providing facial treatments according to client requirements.

• Practical training: 15 practicum hours.

5. Make Up Services – 15 credits

• Understanding makeup products and applications.

• Makeup industry trends.

• Technical makeup application methods.

• Colour therapies and makeup techniques.

• Providing professional makeup services.

• Practical training: 10 practicum hours.

6. Eye Works and Tanning – 15 credits

• Eyebrow and eyelash enhancement techniques.

• Cosmetic eye treatments.

• Understanding industry trends in eye enhancement.

• Body tanning techniques.

• Understanding tanning risks and responsibilities.

• Practical training: 10 practicum hours.

7. Waxing Services – 15 credits

• Skin analysis and identification of contraindications.

• Understanding hair removal methods.

• Manual hair removal techniques.

• Professional waxing procedures.

• Providing waxing services according to client expectations.

• Practical training: 15 practicum hours.

8. Beauty Therapy Clinic – 15 credits

• Applying beauty therapy services in a supervised environment.

• Providing professional treatments to real clients.

• Client consultation and relationship management.

• Maintaining professional workplace standards.

• Developing practical experience in beauty clinic operations.

• Practical training: 40 practicum hours.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme falls under the following study disciplines:

• Beauty Therapy.

• Skincare and Facial Treatments.

• Nail Technology and Nail Care.

• Makeup Artistry.

• Eyebrow and Eyelash Treatments.

• Waxing and Hair Removal.

• Body Tanning.

• Beauty Clinic Operations.

• Professional Beauty Services.

Programme Highlights

• NZQCF Level 4 qualification.

• 120-credit certificate programme.

• One-year full-time study.

• 40-week programme duration, including six holiday weeks.

• February 2027 intake.

• Three available campuses: Palmerston North, Whanganui and Masterton.

• Approximately 19 hours of classroom learning each week.

• Approximately 13 hours of independent study each week.

• Approximately 3 hours of industry experience each week.

• Practical learning in fully equipped salons and beauty clinics.

• Supervised experience providing services to real clients.

• Training across eight core subjects.

• Practical experience in facial treatments, nail services, makeup, waxing, tanning and eye enhancements.

• Professional development in client consultation, communication and customer service.

• Progression pathway to the New Zealand Diploma in Beauty Therapy (Level 5).

Career Outcomes

Successful graduates develop practical and professional skills relevant to employment in the beauty industry.

Potential employment opportunities include:

• Beautician.

• Beauty Therapist.

• Beauty Salon Assistant.

• Facial Treatment Assistant.

• Nail Care Professional.

• Makeup Services Assistant.

• Waxing Services Professional.

• Cosmetic Product Company Representative.

• Beauty Retail Consultant.

• Beauty Clinic Assistant.

Skills developed:

• Professional client consultation.

• Skin and nail analysis.

• Facial treatment techniques.

• Manicure and pedicure services.

• Makeup application.

• Eyebrow and eyelash enhancement.

• Waxing and hair removal.

• Customer service and retailing.

• Professional communication and teamwork.

• Working independently and in a commercial beauty environment.

Further career development:

Graduates can consider progressing to the New Zealand Diploma in Beauty Therapy (Level 5) to develop advanced beauty services and broader professional knowledge.

Business opportunities:

The Professional Practice component introduces business planning, which can provide a foundation for students interested in eventually establishing an independent beauty therapy business.

Employment note:

UCOL identifies beautician and cosmetic product company representative as employment options. Guaranteed employment, specific salaries and employer placement are not publicly specified.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Latest programme updates:

• The current UCOL programme listing provides February 2027 start dates.

• The programme is available at three campuses.

• The published international tuition fee is NZD $27,982.

• The qualification is approved by NZQA.

• UCOL is accredited to deliver the programme.

• The current programme replaces the former Certificate in Beauty Services.

Special programme requirements:

1. Personal presentation

• Excellent personal presentation is required throughout the programme.

• Students must maintain professional appearance and follow beauty industry standards.

2. Uniform

• UCOL provides a tunic for practical classes and clinic activities.

• Students must wear the supplied uniform during practical sessions and clinic work.

• Students should also have black trousers, either three-quarter length or full length, as listed under additional costs.

3. Physical requirements

• Students must be aware of the physical requirements associated with professional beauty therapy work.

• Good eyesight, with or without corrective lenses, is required for effective delivery of advanced beauty treatments.

4. First aid

• First aid is part of the programme.

• Students should be able to undertake basic first aid procedures.

5. Practical client experience

• Students participate in operating the UCOL beauty clinic.

• They provide beauty services to members of the public under lecturer supervision.

• Students must follow UCOL and industry standards during clinic activities.

6. Special needs

• Any special needs or requirements must be submitted in writing.

• Students should notify the programme leader before the programme begins.

7. Learning equipment

Additional items include:

• Black trousers.

• Ring binder, refill paper and subject dividers.

• Pens, pencils and highlighters.

• Pen drive.

• Makeup kit.

• Manicure kit.

• Lash extension kit.

8. Required textbooks

• An Introductory Guide to Anatomy and Physiology – Louise Tucker.

• The Art and Science of Beauty Therapy – Jane Foulston.

9. Digital learning

• Students can access UCOL computers and learning resources on campus.

• Having an internet-capable device for independent study is recommended.

10. Recognition of Prior Learning

• Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be considered.

• Each application is assessed individually.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study the New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy will generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa, provided they meet Immigration New Zealand's requirements.

The visa is issued by Immigration New Zealand, not UCOL.

1. Offer of Place

• Students must obtain an Offer of Place from UCOL.

• The programme must be approved and offered by an eligible education provider.

• The offer should specify the qualification, duration, study mode and programme dates.

• Students must satisfy the academic and English-language admission requirements.

2. Tuition fee payment

• Students must demonstrate that they can pay the required tuition fees.

• The published international tuition fee is NZD $27,982.

• Evidence may include an official tuition receipt, payment confirmation or other acceptable financial documentation.

• Offshore applicants may apply for visa approval in principle before paying tuition fees, subject to Immigration New Zealand's process.

3. Living expenses

For tertiary students studying for less than one year, Immigration New Zealand requires:

- NZD $1,667 per month of study.

Acceptable financial evidence may include:

• Personal or family bank statements.

• Education loan documentation.

• Scholarship confirmation.

• Fixed-term deposit evidence.

• Acceptable sponsorship or financial undertaking.

The required amount is separate from tuition fees and outward travel costs.

4. Medical and travel insurance

• Students must have acceptable medical and travel insurance.

• Insurance must cover the required period from the start of study until the visa expires.

• The policy must meet the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021.

• UCOL should confirm its current insurance arrangements and acceptable providers.

5. Health requirements

• Applicants must meet Immigration New Zealand's health requirements.

• A chest X-ray or medical examination may be requested depending on the applicant's circumstances and length of stay.

• For stays under six months, a chest X-ray is not normally required.

• For stays under 12 months, a medical certificate is not normally required.

• Immigration New Zealand may still request additional health evidence.

6. Character requirements

• Applicants must meet New Zealand's character requirements.

• Police certificates may be required depending on age and total intended stay.

• Where required, police certificates must meet Immigration New Zealand's validity and documentation rules.

7. Genuine intention to study

Students must demonstrate:

• A genuine intention to study.

• A reasonable explanation for choosing this qualification.

• The ability to meet tuition and living expenses.

• Academic and English-language suitability.

• Compliance with all visa conditions.

8. Return travel

• Students must demonstrate that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their authorised stay.

• Evidence may include an onward ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one.

• Return travel funding must be additional to the required living expenses.

9. Student work rights

• Eligible student visa holders may be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during study.

• Full-time work may be permitted during scheduled holidays, subject to visa conditions.

• Immigration New Zealand requires evidence that the course has a value of 120 credits for full-time work rights during scheduled holidays.

• This programme is listed as a 120-credit qualification, but full-time holiday work is not automatic. The actual visa conditions and scheduled holiday arrangements must be checked.

• Students should not start employment unless their eVisa explicitly permits it.

10. Visa fee and processing time

According to the current Immigration New Zealand website:

• Fee Paying Student Visa application fee: from NZD $850.

• Published processing time: 80% of applications within 7 weeks.

• Recommended application timing: at least three months before intended travel.

11. Post-study work visa

• Completion of this Level 4 certificate does not automatically provide eligibility for a Post Study Work Visa.

• Students should check the current qualification and visa eligibility rules before selecting the programme based on post-study employment expectations.