Last Updated on June 19, 2023
Do you want to pursue a career in cosmetology? Cosmetology is indeed a good career. However, achieving success takes a lot of effort and perseverance, and the ability to be a successful cosmetologist depends on the type of training you receive. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best cosmetology schools in the UK to help you discover your true potential in a renowned industry.
Before we proceed to the list of cosmetology schools in the UK, it will be good if we know what exactly cosmetology is all about.
Table of Contents
What is Cosmetology?
Cosmetology can be defined as the art and science of beautifying the hair, the nails, and likewise the skin. A cosmetologist is an expert in the art of applying therapies, cosmetology procedures and treatments in other to beautify their client’s outer appearance.
Specific disciplines in cosmetology include hairstyling (haircutting and colouring), esthetics (skincare), makeup application, nail care (manicures and pedicures), and other beauty treatments.
What are some tasks for Cosmetologists?
Cosmetologists are known to engage in different kinds of tasks. Here are some common disciplines in cosmetology and their tasks which you will venture in upon graduation from the cosmetology schools in UK.
Hair styling:
- Washing, shampooing, drying, cutting hair
- Shaping, cutting, texturing, styling, straightening, or curling hair
- Coloring, tinting, lightening hair
- Chemically changing hair texture, perms, relaxing hair
- Braiding hair
- Installing hair extensions or weaves
Barbering:
- Cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair
- Shaving facial hair
- Fitting hairpieces
- Coloring, or perming hair
- Performing facial treatments
Esthetics:
An esthetician focuses on the field of skincare. Here are some of the common treatments a skincare specialist will perform:
- Facials
- Exfoliation
- Skin conditioning and wrinkle reduction
- Waxing, tweezing, eyebrow threading, and hair removal
- Anti-aging treatments
- Nail Technician:
- Manicures
- Pedicures
- Nail artistry, nail jewelry
- Gel nails, silk nails, and acrylic nails
RECOMMENDED: Top 15 Best Esthetician Schools Online with Certification
Electrology:
The electrologist you know is known to use special equipment in the facilitating of permanent hair removal.
They apply electricity to damaged hair follicles-so it doesn’t grow back. Oftentimes, this field requires additional certifications even after attending cosmetology schools in UK.
List of Universities in the UK that offer Cosmetology
Below are Universities in the UK where you will find hair and beauty university courses. The list also includes some beauty schools in UK for international students.
- Bradford University
- Birmingham City University
- Cardiff Metropolitan University
- De-Montfort University
- Loughborough University
- Nottingham Trent University
- Plymouth University
- Bolton College
- University of Dundee
- Lincoln College
Here’s a look at the best Universities in the UK that offer Cosmetology.
1. Bradford University
Bradford University can be considered as one of the cosmetology schools in UK that offers a course on skin sciences.
They help students and researchers understand skin and hair biology better.
They also help students understand the different types of skin diseases and how they can be treated.
2. Birmingham City University
Birmingham City University is among the cosmetology schools in UK that offers a full-time course on cosmetic branding and promotion.
They help students learn about how to brand new products and how to promote the products to a reasonable standard.
3. Cardiff Metropolitan University
Cardiff metropolitan university is equally one of the good cosmetology schools in UK that offers a master’s degree for a one-year course on dermatology which is specifically for students who have at least a year of general medical experience.
4. De-Montfort University
De-Montfort university is one of the cosmetology schools in UK that offers a course on pharmaceutical and cosmetic Science.
Students benefit from advanced and specialized knowledge of the principles of pharmaceutical and cosmetic theory.
List of 10 Cosmetology Schools in the UK
Below is the list of some cosmetology schools in the UK.
- UK Beauty Schools (Kent, Essex, Surrey and London)
- London School of Beauty & Makeup
- Manchester Beauty School
- Oxford International College Of Beauty
- Ray Cochrane Beauty School
- Bristol Beauty School
- Cambridge School of Beauty Therapy
- Champneys Beauty College
- Academy Of Beauty Training
- The Carlton Institute – Chichester
1. UK Beauty Schools (Kent, Essex, Surrey and London)
This is one of the cosmetology schools in UK that offer a wide range of courses which are run on either a full time or part-time basis. Their courses are available to both beginners and the experienced.
The whole ethos of their training is to offer courses that suit your needs. There is a 24/7 online training portal, full support and advice during and after the training, full accredited courses and a price match guarantee.
Below are some of their online Courses:
Live Online Acrylic Nail Enhancements Diploma
- Qualification: Diploma
- Price (excl. VAT): £199.00
Live Online Eyelash Extensions Diploma
- Qualification:
- Price (excl. VAT): £199.00
Live Online Gel Nail Extensions Diploma
- Qualification: Diploma
- Price (excl. VAT): £199.00
Live Online Indian Head Diploma
- Qualification: Diploma
- Price (excl. VAT): £199.00
Live Online Lash and Brow Diploma
- Qualification: Diploma
- Price (excl. VAT): £199.00
Live Online Luxury Manicure Diploma
Live Online UV Gel Polish Diploma
Live Online Volume Lashes Diploma
- All three of them cost £199.00
Here are some distance learning courses and they include:
- Acrylic Nail Course (Distance)-£238
- Bridal Makeup (Distance)–£238
- Builder (Hard) Gel (Distance)-£188
- Complete Nail Technician (Distance)-£488
- Gel Polish Nail Art (Distance)—–£125
- Manicure and Gel Polish (Distance)-£238
- Manicure and Pedicure (Distance)–£238
- Pedicure (Distance)————–£188
- Acrylic Nail Course (Distance)-£238
- Bridal Makeup (Distance)–£238
- Builder (Hard) Gel (Distance)-£188
- Complete Nail Technician (Distance)-£488
- Gel Polish Nail Art (Distance)—–£125
- Manicure and Gel Polish (Distance)-£238
- Manicure and Pedicure (Distance)–£238
- Pedicure (Distance)————–£188
However, there are main beauty courses which are offered inside the school. Also, check out their Aesthetics courses.
2. London School of Beauty & Makeup
London School of Beauty & Makeup is one of the internationally recognised cosmetology schools in UK. They are considered one of the good beauty schools in uk for international students. Here are some of the popular degrees they offer and the course price:
- CIDESCO INTERNATIONAL BEAUTY THERAPY DIPLOMA-Course Price-£9,500
- OUR NEW MASA DIPLOMA – The Complete Makeup Artistry Course-£5,495
- VTCT LEVEL 2 FACIAL MASSAGE & SKIN CARE COURSE—-£995
- VTCT Level 3 Certificate in Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology–£375
- CIDESCO Beauty Therapy Post Graduate Programme–£2,500
- CIBTAC Beauty Therapy Diploma–£7,800
3. Manchester Beauty School
Manchester Beauty School is one of the cosmetology schools in UK that has diploma and qualification courses within nails, beauty, holistic and makeup. Here are some courses offered at Manchester Beauty School.
Beautician’s Certificate—
- Online Advanced Nail Technician–£159.00
- Mobile Beauty Therapist–£899.00
- Beautician’s Certificate Training package–£459.00
- Advanced Lash & Brow Technician Training package–£449.00
- Online Advanced Nail Technician Training Package-£239.00
4. Oxford International College Of Beauty
This is one of the cosmetology schools in UK that was established in the year 1990, they are one of the most prestigious specialist beauty training institutions in the UK.
Here are some courses offered at Oxford international College of beauty:
- NVQ Level 2 Beauty Therapy-12 months
- NVQ Level 3 Beauty Therapy-12 months
- NVQ Level 2 & NVQ Level 3 Beauty Therapy Apprenticeships–1 Year
- CIDESCO, CIBTAC and OICB Beauty & Body Therapy–10 Months
- CIBTAC Short Courses for International Beauty Therapy Students–3 to 6 Months
A UK student who is planning to attend Oxford International College Of Beauty will have to meet the following criteria.
- 5 GCSE’s grades A to C or equivalent.
- Interview with School Director (fee applies).
- Last school report if school leaver.
- Names & addresses of 2 referees.
- Photo identification (i.e. passport or driving licence).
While an international student who plans to apply must meet the following criteria.
- IELTS level 5.5 (if English is not your 1st language).
- Interview with College Principal (telephone interview is acceptable)
- 5 GCSE’s or equivalent with original copies..
- Educational Report if school leaver.
- Two references.
- Photo identification: passport.
- Full funds available to pay for course fees & accommodation in advance, to apply for a ‘Student Visitors Visa”.
5. Ray Cochrane Beauty School
This is one of the cosmetology schools in Uk where you can develop your beauty therapy skills. This school was established in the year 1954.
They are intentionally small and selective while they offer a level of support and tuition aid which most larger institutions might not give you. Here are some of the courses offered at this institution and the total course fee:
- VTCT Level 2 Beauty Therapy Course–£1,995
- VTCT Level 3 Beauty Therapy Course–£2550
- CIBTAC Professional Beauty Therapy Diploma–£6,995
- CIDESCO International Beauty Diploma Course–£8,995
- VTCT Level 2 Facial and Skin Care Course–£795
- VTCT Level 3 Facial Electrotherapy Course—£1275
- Online VTCT Level 3 Certificate in Anatomy & Physiology Course–£375
- VTCT (ITEC) Level 2 Award in Infection Prevention (COVID-19) for Beauty Therapy and Nail Services–£109
6. Bristol Beauty School
Bristol Beauty School was founded in the year 2006. They are one of the cosmetology schools in UK that offers professional and supportive training courses for most adults in a training environment.
They have very small class sizes and they have extremely high standards in training. They offer the following courses:
- Beauty Training Course–£550
- Makeup course –£130 to £195
- Facial and skincare courses—£470
- Nail courses —£170 to £190
- Body treatment courses —£170 to £320
- Lash and Brow courses –£99 to £250
- Waxing courses —- £99 to£160
7. Cambridge School of Beauty Therapy
This is one of the cosmetology schools in UK that is well known in the industry for providing students with first-class training.
At this school, they offer a wide range of beauty and therapy courses with the most popular of them being the fast-track CIDESCO & CIBTAC beauty therapy diploma.
Here are some of their degree:
- CIBTAC & CIDESCO Beauty Therapy Diploma– £7,000 payable in 5 instalments.
- CIBTAC Beauty Therapy Diploma–£5,500 in 5 instalments.
- Postgraduate CIDESCO Programme– £1,000
- CIBTAC Aesthetics Diploma– £3,000 (inclusive of Beauty Kit)
- Level 4 Aesthetics core–£1,300
8. Champneys Beauty College
This is one of the cosmetology schools in UK that is leading in terms of beauty therapy training institutions in the UK. Founded in the year 1976 and has built a name as one of the best training colleges in the UK. They have:
Full-time beauty courses which last for 10 months. It is a course that is meant for school leavers who want an intense grounding in beauty therapy.
There are part-time beauty courses as well which is designed to fit around students’ lifestyle.
There are professional development courses as well such as diplomas, certificates and the postgraduate CIDESCO diploma.
9. Academy Of Beauty Training
Academy Of Beauty Training has been in existence for over 8 years. They offer a full range of 34 courses with the latest state-of-the-art technological advancements which include non-invasive Anti-aging face and body treatments. They have accommodation for their students as well.
There are:
- Beauty Therapy & Advanced Fast Track Courses
- Advanced Beauty courses
- Laser & IPL Courses
There is a deposit of £100 per course. Full payment for your course must be received at least 12 days before the start of your course
10. The Carlton Institute – Chichester
Founded in 1992, it is a pioneer and still leading the field, providing an unrivaled range of beauty courses and training.
With a wide range of accredited beauty, nail, massage & holistic courses and training locations across the UK, the Carlton Institute is recognized as being one of the cosmetology schools in the UK.
Location: The Carlton Institute, 10 Eastgate Square, West Sussex, Chichester, PO191JH 01395226622.