You’ll need:

✓ Age: Minimum 19 years (no exceptions)

✓ Prior Experience: None required – this Level 3 aesthetic training is specifically designed for complete beginners

✓ English Language: Good speaking, reading, writing, and understanding (essential for safety protocols and client consultations in aesthetic practice)

This Level 3 aesthetic course is perfect if you:

✓ Want to start a career in the aesthetics industry with no previous experience
✓ Are considering a career change into beauty therapy or aesthetic treatments
✓ Want to eventually offer advanced treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, or injectables
✓ Don’t have a Level 3 Beauty Therapy qualification but want to work in aesthetics
✓ Prefer small class sizes with personalised attention
✓ Want to train at a professional aesthetic academy in London

Already have Level 3 Beauty Therapy? You can skip this course and go directly to our Level 4 Advanced Aesthetic Therapies course.

This VTCT Level 3 Access to Aesthetic Therapies course covers the essential foundation knowledge and skills you need before progressing to advanced aesthetic training:

Skin Analysis and Facial Skincare

What you’ll master:

• Professional skin analysis techniques for different skin types
• Understanding skin conditions, concerns, and contraindications
• Facial treatment protocols and techniques
• Professional skincare product knowledge
• How to perform safe, effective facial treatments
• Client skin assessment skills essential for aesthetic practice

This foundational facial training prepares you for the more advanced skin analysis required in Level 4 aesthetic treatments like chemical peels and microneedling.

Consultation and Client Care

What you’ll master:

• Professional client consultation techniques
• Understanding client expectations and concerns
• Creating treatment plans
• Health and safety protocols in aesthetic practice
• Maintaining professional boundaries
• Client record keeping and documentation

These consultation skills are essential for all levels of aesthetic practice and will be built upon in your Level 4 and Level 5 training.

Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology

What you’ll master:

• Skin structure and function (epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous layers)
• Understanding how skin ages and responds to treatments
• Common skin conditions and pathologies
• Contraindications for aesthetic treatments
• The biological processes behind skin rejuvenation
• Foundation knowledge for understanding advanced aesthetic procedures

This is the crucial scientific foundation you need before learning advanced treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, and mesotherapy in Level 4 and Level 5 training.

Electrical Science

What you’ll master:

• Understanding electrical equipment used in facial treatments
• Safe operation of aesthetic devices
• How electrical currents work in beauty therapy
• Equipment maintenance and safety protocols

This knowledge prepares you for working with advanced aesthetic equipment in Level 4 training (microneedling devices, LED therapy) and Level 5 procedures.

Health and Safety in the Aesthetic Environment

What you’ll master:

• Infection control and sterilization protocols
• Cross-contamination prevention
• Health and safety legislation in aesthetic practice
• Emergency procedures and first aid basics
• Professional hygiene standards
• Legal responsibilities as an aesthetic practitioner

These safety protocols are fundamental to all aesthetic practice and are essential before progressing to invasive treatments in Level 4 and beyond.

Schedule: 1 day per week for 3 weeks
Hours: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Class Size: Maximum 4 students
Training Setup: Individual treatment rooms
Location: Ladbroke Grove, London (10 minute walk from the tube station)

What Makes Our Level 3 Aesthetic Training Different:

Most aesthetic training academies teach Level 3 courses in large classes of 10-20+ students. At Portobello Aesthetics Training Academy, we cap our Level 3 classes at just 4 students.

At Portobello Aesthetics Training Academy, you train in individual treatment rooms – separate, professional spaces that replicate real aesthetic clinic environments in London.

Why this matters for beginners:

When you’re learning aesthetic fundamentals for the first time, you need:

• Time to ask questions – Without feeling like you’re holding up a large class
• Hands-on practice – Not waiting for equipment or rushing because others need their turn
• Personalised feedback – From tutors who can focus on your individual technique
• Confidence building – A supportive environment where beginners feel comfortable learning
• Expert guidance – From tutors with over 45 years combined experience in aesthetics

Our small class size and individual rooms give you all of this, ensuring you build a solid foundation before progressing to advanced aesthetic training at Level 4.

What a Typical Training Day Looks Like:

Morning: Theory instruction covering skin science, anatomy, consultation techniques, and health and safety protocols

Afternoon: Hands-on practical work learning facial treatments, skin analysis, and professional techniques with real models in your individual training room

Throughout: Time to ask every question, practice at your own pace, and receive individual attention from your tutor

You’ll work on real models throughout the course – because practicing professional facial treatments and consultations prepares you for the Level 4 aesthetic training environment where you’ll work on real clients.

You Don’t Need to Worry About:

✓ All Professional Products & Equipment – Facial products, equipment, and materials needed for practical assessments. No need to purchase anything before starting your Level 3 aesthetic training.

✓ Practice Models Organised – We arrange all models for your practical sessions

✓ Comprehensive Course Materials – Detailed manuals, treatment protocols, reference guides covering skin analysis, anatomy, and facial techniques

✓ VTCT Registration & Assessment Fees – All included in your course fee (no hidden costs)

What You Need to Bring:

✓ Uniform: Tunic, black trousers, flat closed-toe shoes (ensures professionalism and hygiene in aesthetic practice)

✓ Enthusiasm & Questions: We want you to ask everything. You’re starting your aesthetic career – no question is too basic.

You’ll be assessed through:

✓ Written Assignments – Covering anatomy, physiology, skin analysis, and health and safety knowledge

✓ Online Exams – Testing your understanding of aesthetic theory and professional practice

✓ Practical Assessments – Demonstrating your facial treatment skills, consultation techniques, and professional protocols

All assessments must be completed within the designated course timeframe.

Upon Successful Completion:

You’ll receive your VTCT Level 3 Certificate in Access to Aesthetic Therapies – an Ofqual-regulated qualification that:

✓ Qualifies you to progress to Level 4 Advanced Aesthetic Therapies training
✓ Provides the foundation knowledge for a career in the aesthetics industry
✓ Is recognized by professional bodies and insurance providers
✓ Opens the door to specializing in advanced treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, and eventually injectables

Important: This Level 3 qualification is primarily designed as a pathway course – its main purpose is to prepare you for Level 4 aesthetic training, not as a standalone qualification for working in aesthetics.

Your Aesthetic Career Pathway from Level 3:

The primary objective of this Level 3 qualification is to prepare you for further study in the beauty aesthetic industry. Here’s your progression route:

STEP 1: Level 3 Access to Aesthetic Therapies (You are here)
Foundation knowledge in skin science, anatomy, and facial treatments

↓

STEP 2: Level 4 Advanced Aesthetic Therapies
Learn microneedling and chemical peels (superficial) – your first advanced aesthetic treatments

↓

STEP 3: Level 5 Non-Surgical Aesthetic Procedures
Master advanced chemical peels (medium-depth), advanced microneedling, mesotherapy, LED therapy

↓

STEP 4: Level 7 Injectable Aesthetics
Dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle injections (Botox) – requires Level 5 completion

Why This Pathway Matters:

You cannot skip levels in aesthetic training. Insurance companies and professional bodies require this structured progression because:

• Each level builds essential knowledge and skills for the next
• Advanced treatments require thorough understanding of skin science and anatomy
• Client safety depends on proper foundational training
• Professional indemnity insurance requires recognized qualifications

After Completing Level 3:

Most students immediately progress to our Level 4 Advanced Aesthetic Therapies course, where you’ll start learning the advanced treatments that clients actually pay for – microneedling and chemical peels.

We’re here to guide you through your entire aesthetic career journey – from complete beginner at Level 3 to advanced practitioner at Level 7.