I’m starting out
Explore beginner-friendly beauty, skincare and aesthetics routes.
Explore career pathwaysLondon academy · Established 1954
Beauty and aesthetics training in London.
Start a new career or develop your specialist skills with recognised qualifications and expert-led practical training.
Explore our coursesFor complete beginners and experienced professionals.
Hear from our studentsRead Google reviews ↗Since 1954Beauty training heritage
Baker Street, LondonOur academy location
VTCT Skills & iTECQualifications across our course range
Your next step
Find your starting point.
You don’t need to know every qualification level. Start with where you are now.
I’m already qualified
Compare specialist courses and check the qualifications you need to progress.
Explore aesthetics coursesI’d like some advice
Talk through your goals and existing qualifications with our admissions team.
Ask about your optionsExplore your options
Popular courses.
A clear view of the qualification, study commitment and fee — before you explore the full course.
6 courses
VTCT · LEVEL 3
Aesthetics & facial electrical
A combined route covering foundation aesthetics and practical facial electrotherapy.
- Study options
- Every Wednesday & Thursday, for 7 weeks or Every Saturday for 14 weeks
- Entry
- No previous aesthetics qualification required
From £2,320£2,395 standard feeUpfront payment saves £75
View course
VTCT · LEVEL 4
Laser & IPL treatments
Develop practical skills in laser hair removal and IPL skin rejuvenation.
- Study options
- Monday to Thursday, for 4 Consecutive Days
- Entry
- Suitable regulated Level 3 qualification required*
From £1,395£1,445 standard feeUpfront payment saves £50
View course
VTCT · LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA
Nail technician diploma
Learn manicure, pedicure, gel polish, nail enhancements and nail art.
- Study options
- Every Monday & Tuesday, for 10 weeks
- Entry
- No previous nail qualification required
From £2,210£2,285 standard feeUpfront payment saves £75
View course
VTCT · LEVEL 4
Advanced aesthetics
Develop skin assessment, chemical peel and microneedling skills with structured practical training.
- Study options
- Every Monday & Tuesday, for 5 Weeks or Every Friday, for 10 Weeks
- Entry
- Suitable regulated Level 3 beauty or aesthetics qualification
From £2,675£2,750 standard feeUpfront payment saves £75
View course
VTCT · LEVEL 5
Non-surgical aesthetics
Progress in advanced skin rejuvenation, treatment planning and complication management.
- Study options
- Every Thursday, 12 weeks or Every Sunday, 12 weeks
- Entry
- Suitable regulated Level 4 qualification; see full entry criteria
From £3,520£3,600 standard feeUpfront payment saves £80
View course
VTCT · LEVEL 3
Beauty therapy
Build practical skills in body massage, facial and body electrical treatments and salon practice.
- Study options
- Every Monday & Tuesday, for 12 weeks
- Entry
- Suitable Level 2 Beauty Therapy or Facial Skincare qualification
From £2,520£2,595 standard feeUpfront payment saves £75
View course*Medical and overseas qualifications are assessed individually for Laser & IPL. See the full entry requirements. Fees and study options come from our current course records. Confirm the full entry criteria and available dates on each course page before enrolment.
About our academy
Beauty and aesthetics training
in London since 1954.
Click to load the YouTube player. Or watch on YouTube ↗
Book an in-person visitRay Cochrane has helped learners develop their beauty skills since 1954. Today, our academy at 75 Baker Street, Marylebone, brings that training heritage to a new generation of beauty and aesthetics professionals.
From your first qualification to specialist study, our course range includes VTCT Skills and iTEC qualifications in beauty therapy, skincare, nails and aesthetics. For practical courses, tutor-led training gives you time to apply your knowledge and develop treatment skills.
We help you understand the route before you enrol: the entry requirements, attendance, assessments and fees. Whether you’re starting out or building on an existing qualification, our admissions team can help you explore your next step.
Student reviews
Hear from our students.
Student spotlight
Different starting points.
New possibilities.
Skincare · Louisa's story
From retail to a skincare brand.
After a career in retail, Louisa studied facial and skincare at Ray Cochrane. Her story explores developing Floragy and finding a new direction.
Training at Ray CochraneLevel 2 Facial & Skincare
Read Louisa's story
Aesthetics · Sanna's story
A new direction in aesthetics.
Sanna moved from NHS management into beauty and laser training. Read how she built her knowledge and developed her aesthetics business.
Training at Ray CochraneBeauty Therapy · Laser & IPL
Read Sanna's story
Nails · Jurgita's story
Turning creativity into a career.
Jurgita studied nail technology and launched a nail business from home. Her story follows the move from a creative interest to working with her own clients.
Training at Ray CochraneLevel 3 Nail Technician Diploma
Read Jurgita's story
Laser · Ben's story
Building a career in laser.
Ben completed Level 5 Laser Tattoo Removal training at Ray Cochrane. His interview explores the work involved in developing and running a laser clinic.
Training at Ray CochraneLevel 5 Laser Tattoo Removal
Read Ben's storyIndividual graduate experiences — not a promise of future employment or earnings.
Academy insights
Knowledge for your next step.
Academy insights
AHA, BHA and TCA explained: a skin educator’s guide to chemical peels
Eleonora Androva explains AHA, BHA and TCA, how chemical peel ingredients differ, and why skin assessment matters for beauty and aesthetics students.
Read article
Academy insights
Award vs Certificate vs Diploma: What Do They Mean in Beauty and Aesthetics?
Confused by Award, Certificate and Diploma titles? Learn how qualification level, size, course content and progression differ in UK beauty and aesthetics.
Read article
Academy insights
Is a Level 5 Laser Tattoo Removal Qualification Worth It After Level 4?
By Eleonora Androva, laser educator and course developer at Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetics Academy Two machines can both be called lasers and still demand…
Read articleLet’s find your next step
Questions about the right course?
Book a call to discuss your goals and qualifications, or arrange a school tour to visit our academy in person.
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