What Will Happen At My First Lesson
The first week of your course will include Study Skills. Good Study Skills are vital to ensure you gain the best from your course. The Study Skills session will give you the opportunity to discover the best way that you can learn and fully understand the requirements of the course.

What Qualification/level is this course?
VTCT Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy Massage

Examinations Venue disclaimer
Please note, you may be required to travel to an alternative ACL Centre when taking your examination or assessment. This will be communicated to you at the earliest opportunity.

Who is the course for?
Those wishing to train to perform professional massage and tanning treatments to clients via employment or self- employment in the beauty therapy industry. Beauty Massage Therapy is a service industry and it is important that you have excellent levels of communication, literacy and numeracy skills (no lower than level 2) to work successfully in the salon environment. You will be required to take a Literacy and numeracy skills test, followed by a formal interview, before being accepted on to the Course. The course is taught and assessed in English - if English is not your first Language, please discuss this at interview with your tutor. Literacy and Numeracy skills have to be at Level 2 or above to gain access to this Course.

What can I expect to learn?
By the end of the course you should be able to: Perform massage treatments using a variety of techniques (Indian head massage, body massage, mechanical massage, massage with pre blended oils and stone massage) for clients for the purposes of relaxation and stress relief. Also covered are: manual and spray tanning, as well as monitor procedures to safely control work operations, contribute to the planning and implementation of promotional activities, and contribute to the financial effectiveness of the business. An in depth study of Anatomy and Physiology at Level three includes: Explain the structure and function of cells. Explain the structure and function of muscles, muscle types, positions and actions. Explain the position and function of primary bones and joints of the skeleton. Explain how to recognise postural faults and conditions. Explain the structure and function of the lymphatic system and the interaction of lymph and blood. Explain the function of blood and the principles of circulation, blood pressure and pulse. Explain the basic principles of the nervous system and autonomic system. Explain the basic principles of the endocrine, respiratory, digestive and excretory systems. Explain the structure and function of skin, skin characteristics, and skin types of different ethnic client groups. Explain the structure and location of adipose tissue. Summarise the effects of massage on the individual systems of the body Summarise the physical and psychological effects of massage Units offered are subject to change.

How will I learn?
Your tutor will use a number of different teaching methods to develop your skills. These will include a wide range of authentic materials, individual study, working in pairs/group activities and will include the use of video/audio. You will also have the opportunity to use online learning technologies to develop your skills.

How will I know how well I am doing?
Feedback from your tutor, assessment methods will include: summative assessments of practical units working on a wide range paying clients to demonstrate your competency, on line multiple choice assessments (tests) of individual units including associated A&P and written or eportfolio assignments.

Will I have to do any work at home ?
Yes, expect to commit at least the same amount of time at home in researching, completing assignments and practising treatments as time spent in college.

What will I need to provide?
" You will be expected to wear a suitable plain black therapists uniform and trousers and fully enclosed low black shoes and a name badge. " Purchase the Course Text Book: Details to be advised at first session. " Purchase Towels: 2 x bath sheets, 3 x bath towels, 4 x hand towels (Black preferable or an alternative plain dark colour) " For tanning you will also need to provide shower caps, latex gloves, and a buffing mitt (full details at induction). " Purchase stationery items, such an arch lever file, pens, pencils and clipboard. Please bring a note pad and pen to your first session. A full list of requirements will be provided on your first day. It is recommended that you purchase your uniform, text book and towels after your first session. Access to Office & Word programmes, the internet and a printer are necessary to complete various projects and research during the course. If you are enrolling on the e portfolio programme (details of this course will be given to you at the time of interview) regular computer and internet access is essential.

Are there any other costs?
Approximate costs are: Uniform tunic £20.00 + Uniform trousers £15.00 Closed in black shoes Towels £20 Tanning mitt £2- 5 Text book £30 Stationery £5 -10 Beauty products / tools - dependant on your home practice needs Carry case with wheels recommended to carry towels and equipment Exams entry is free but resits are charged for at £10 per exam. Parking at the Maldon centre is not available to learners; therefore parking is in the local public pay and display car park.

What can I do next?
Seek work in a salon or self- employment. Progress to: aromatherapy, reflexology or sports massage. For ACL courses see www.aclessex.com The National Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work. The service offers confidential and impartial advice and is supported by qualified careers advisers. To make an appointment please call 0800 100 900 (calls are free from landlines and most mobile numbers) or visit their website https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk

Further Information
For all enquiries regarding this course please contact 0345 603 7635.