Build a broad foundation
I am new to beauty therapy
Choose Level 2 for the recognised starting qualification, or take the combined programme if you want to complete Levels 2 and 3 in one planned route.
Beauty Training Courses
Find your starting point
Choose a beauty course based on your experience
Start with what you have already studied and the work you want to do. These quick routes will narrow the options. The individual course page gives the final entry requirements, dates and assessment details.
Continue your qualification
I already hold a suitable Level 2
Move into Level 3 Beauty Therapy to develop massage, facial electrical, microdermabrasion and advanced salon skills.
Choose a specialist service
I want to train in nails or microblading
Take a complete beginner route in nail technology or microblading. Experienced microblading artists can compare the shorter upgrade course.
Still deciding whether this career suits you? Read our guide to becoming a beauty therapist.
See the full course listAsk us to check your qualifications
Compare the routes
Beauty course comparison at a glance
The course level matters, but it is not the only difference. Compare your starting qualification, the services you want to learn and whether you need a broad beauty therapy route or a specialist skill.
| Course route | Best suited to | Usual starting point | What to check next |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2 Beauty Therapy | Beginners who want a broad salon foundation | No previous beauty qualification | Subjects, attendance and progression options |
| Level 2 and 3 combined | Beginners planning a fuller beauty therapy qualification | No previous beauty qualification | Timetable, total duration and included units |
| Level 3 Beauty Therapy | Qualified Level 2 therapists progressing their skills | A suitable Level 2 qualification | Accepted certificates and Level 2 units |
| Nail Technician Diploma | Beginners who want a nail-focused career route | Beginner-friendly | Practical content, kit and assessment |
| Level 4 Microblading | New learners planning to offer microblading | Beginner-friendly full course | London training days, case studies and kit |
| Online anatomy and physiology | Learners who need theory for further study | Depends on the qualification selected | Award versus certificate and progression use |
Beauty therapy qualification or specialist course?
Choose beauty therapy if you want a broad set of salon skills and a recognised base for later progression. Level 2 is the normal starting point. Level 3 builds on that foundation with more advanced treatments and working practices.
Nail technology and microblading are more focused routes. If you are still exploring the profession, read what beauty therapy includes before comparing individual qualifications.
Check the qualification, not only the level
Two courses at the same level can cover different units and lead to different progression routes. Before booking, check the awarding body, practical assessments, attendance requirements and prerequisite units listed on the course page.
Level 2 Beauty Therapy and the combined programme are delivered by our sister school, the London School of Beauty. Ray Cochrane Academy delivers the other courses listed here. For advanced skin or laser work, compare our aesthetics training courses.
Frequently asked questions
Which beauty course should a complete beginner take?
For a broad beauty therapy foundation, compare Level 2 Beauty Therapy with the combined Level 2 and Level 3 programme. The nail technician diploma and full microblading course are also beginner-friendly routes for learners who already know which specialist service they want to offer.
Do I need Level 2 Beauty Therapy before starting Level 3?
The standalone Level 3 Beauty Therapy course is for learners who already hold a suitable Level 2 qualification. If you are starting without Level 2, the combined Level 2 and Level 3 course provides the fuller progression route. Admissions will check your certificate and units before enrolment.
What is the difference between beauty therapy and aesthetics training?
Beauty therapy covers a broad range of salon services and client care skills. Aesthetics training is more focused on advanced skin, laser or non-surgical treatments and often has specific entry requirements. Many learners build a beauty or facial foundation before progressing into aesthetics.
Can I complete a beauty course online?
The anatomy and physiology qualifications listed on this page can be studied online. Practical beauty therapy, nail and microblading qualifications include attendance, supervised practice or assessment. Check the individual course page for the exact delivery format.
Compare Beauty Therapy Courses in London
Explore beauty qualifications for beginners and experienced therapists. Use the course cards above to compare levels, entry requirements, practical training, fees and upcoming dates before choosing the right route.
Important delivery information: Level 2 Beauty Therapy and the Level 2 & 3 Beauty Therapy combined programme are delivered by our sister school, the London School of Beauty. Ray Cochrane Academy delivers Level 3 Beauty Therapy, nail technician, microblading and online anatomy and physiology training.
Choose Your Beauty Training Route
Starting a beauty therapy career
If you are new to the industry, begin with the Level 2 Beauty Therapy course. Learners who want a broader route can compare the Level 2 & 3 Beauty Therapy combined course. These two programmes are delivered by the London School of Beauty.
Progressing as a qualified beauty therapist
The Level 3 Beauty Therapy course is designed for learners with a suitable Level 2 qualification who want to develop massage, electrotherapy, microdermabrasion and advanced salon skills.
Nail and microblading training
Choose the Level 3 Nail Technician Diploma course for a complete nail-training route. New microblading learners should consider the full Level 4 Microblading course, while experienced practitioners can review the Level 4 Microblading Upgrade.
Online anatomy and physiology
Our online Level 3 anatomy and physiology qualifications support different progression routes. Compare the Level 3 Certificate in Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology with the Level 3 Award in Anatomical and Physiological Knowledge of Body Systems to find the qualification that matches your next course or career goal.
Why Train With Ray Cochrane?
- An established London academy with experienced, industry-active tutors
- Practical training and clearly stated entry requirements
- Course pages showing study format, fees and upcoming dates
- Guidance on the right qualification and progression route
