The majority of EMD Beauty training courses take place at EMD Beauty’s training centres, which have dedicated classrooms and salons. We have three main locations, in Bradford, Dewsbury and Castleford.

EMD Beauty offers a range of courses suitable for beginners, therapists who are already qualified looking to expand their portfolio of treatments or advanced therapists wanting to progress into additional areas of expertise or aesthetic treatments. Short courses last as little as 1 day. Diploma courses generally last 6-9 months (part time). Book a consultation with an EMD Beauty Advisor to find out which courses are most suitable to meet your individual needs.

Courses generally run from 10.00am until 4pm, with opportunities before and after these times to use the salon space with models or clients. Please refer to individual course information for specific details about the duration and attendance expected on each course.

No, EMD Beauty offers courses designed for beginners as well as courses for those with more experience. Speak to an EMD Beauty expert advisor for detailed information on which course is right for you at the stage you’re at in your career.

We try to keep numbers small so there are usually 10 or fewer students in any class. This means you’ll get more tutor time and also means the tutor will be able to tailor each session to the needs of the students themselves rather than a general ‘one size fits all’ approach to teaching and learning.

EMD Beauty courses are designed for adult learners of all ages. Short courses (one day courses) are available to anyone aged 16+. Diploma courses are available to anyone aged 19+. The majority of our learners are mature students, returning to learning after some time away from education, or learners wanting to top up their learning and skills to further their own career or a new career.

EMD Beauty learners are expected to wear uniform when in class or salon, and present a professional appearance and attitude at all times. The uniform should consist of a tunic, plain black trousers or leggings, with flat closed-toe shoes. Hair should be tied back and jewellery kept to a bare minimum.

EMD Beauty provides the equipment you will need in class – ring lights, magnifying mirrors, airbrush machines, a range of nail, massage and makeup products, UV lamps, towels and consumables (cotton wool) etc. Learners must come to every session ready and equipped with a pen/pencil, notebook, folder, completed homework or assignments and anything else you know you will need (see also FAQ on kits, below).

EMD Beauty provides a variety of products needed to complete your course – please note that learners enrolled on the L3 Diploma in Makeup Artistry are expected to purchase or use their own makeup brushes. Learners enrolled on the L3 Diploma in Nail Technology are expected to purchase or use their own kit for acrylic nail application. We encourage all learners to build up their own kits in preparation for working in the beauty industry, and to help with this EMD Beauty learners will receive a letter confirming their attendance on the course so that they can apply for trade cards. EMD Beauty learners are also eligible to apply for TOTUM (NUS Extra), the UKs #1 student discount card and app. In addition, learners enrolled on the L3 Diploma in Makeup artistry are eligible to apply for student discounts and discounted college kits for top makeup brands including Illamasqua, Airbase and MAC Cosmetics.

EMD Beauty offers a range of funding options, some of which are subject to eligibility and some open to all learners. Please refer to individual course pages for further details about ways to finance your course.

Short courses generally do not require homework. Longer courses (e.g. Level 3 Diplomas) require homework to be completed on a weekly basis. This might include reading or researching, completing a workbook or practising techniques and looks at home on your friends, family or own clients.

Come along to one of our Open Days or Meet the Tutor events and meet EMD Beauty staff.

It is important that all learners are prepared for working in the beauty industry at the end of their programme of learning. We provide a range of activities to support you in making informed choices about your next steps – professional tutors with a wealth of industry experience to share with you, beauty industry events and trips, self-employment support, work experience opportunities and careers sessions.

All EMD Beauty learners are eligible to receive a TOTUM Card - the new name for NUS Extra, the student discount card – to save you money! The card provides discounts on some if the biggest and most popular brands in the UK – beauty products, cinema tickets, eating out, health and fitness, finance, music and entertainment, travel and student essentials. With a TOTUM card, you also get 10% of at the Co-op and qualify for an Amazon Prime Student account.

When you successfully complete your course, we will apply to the Awarding Organisation, VTCT, for your certificate. Depending on the type of the qualification, this process might take several weeks. Most EMD Beauty short courses are also fully accredited by the Association of Beauty Therapists, or ABT. These are also insurable.

EMD Beauty courses are accredited by VTCT, an Ofqual-recognised Awarding Organisation, or the Association of Beauty Therapists (ABT), the specialist membership and insurance body. If a course is accredited by an industry-recognised body, then you know it carries the seal of approval from a professional organisation. It’s a guarantee which ensures the course’s content and quality are of the highest standards and teaches everything it needs for therapists/technicians to perform treatments safely. Completing an accredited course is also important as most insurers will need to see this before they grant you Public Liability insurance.

EMD Beauty courses are accredited by VTCT, Gatehouse Awards, NCFE or ABT. These are widely accepted by insurance companies.

To receive Public Liability insurance, beauty therapists need to prove they are fully qualified. An EMD Beauty training course provides beauty therapists with a qualification certified by VTCT or ABT. Once you hold a recognised certificate, you will be able to apply for insurance and begin pursuing your career as a makeup artist, beauty therapist, nail technician or complementary therapist.

If you’re planning to open a salon in the UK or operate a business (even from home or mobile), then you need to ensure your business is registered with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Failure to do so can lead to a fine. It is the owner’s responsibility to inform HMRC about taxes.

Depending on your location you might need to apply for Massage and Specialist Treatment Premises Licence from the Government. This process can be started on the GOV.UK website.

If you are concerned about any matter at EMD Beauty, please contact us so we can resolve it as soon as possible. You can report your complaint or concern to any member of staff.