Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
This programme provides you with the knowledge and skills in beauty therapy to work in the New Zealand and international beauty therapy industries.
If you’re creative with an outgoing personality you will love this hands-on, practical programme teaching you all the basics of the beauty industry. With our near-new salon facilities, you’ll learn in a real working environment – complete with weekly salon days for paying public clients.
This course will train you in all aspects of beauty therapy, opening doors to a wide variety of careers including working in spas, salons, hotels and resorts, on cruise ships, becoming a sales representative, or even setting up your own business.
Our class hours are Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday with additional self-directed learning (which may be spent at NorthTec or on work experience or studying from home).
What you will learn
Learn how to perform a wide range of beauty therapy skills including facial and body treatments, Swedish body massage, manicures and pedicures, epilation, skin care and make-up. You’ll gain hands-on experience consulting with clients and develop key skills in communication and customer service, whilst performing treatments.
Graduates will be able to:
- Implement professional standards and expectations relating to the beauty workplace including all relevant health, safety and hygiene obligations.
- Undertake a full consultation with clients, build client rapport, and perform an in-depth need analysis for beauty services and product needs to develop a beauty treatment plan.
- Apply knowledge of natural nail services, products, and tools, and related skills, to meet client’s needs in accordance with industry standards and current and emerging trends.
- Apply knowledge of facial and skin care services, and related skills, to meet client’s needs, during and after treatment, in accordance with industry standards and current and emerging trends.
- Apply knowledge of manual hair removal and body care services, and related skills, to meet client’s needs, during and after treatment, in accordance with industry standards and current and emerging trends.
- Apply knowledge of relevant aspects of chemistry, physics and biology in a beauty services context to provide effective services and ensure client comfort and safety.
- Provide nutritional advice specific to the skin, which is complementary for healthy skin, hair and nails.
- Apply knowledge of skin and skin-related disease and disorders to identify symptoms and advise clients of possible implications in terms of proposed beauty services.
- Provide reception and client sales services and carry out associated transactions and administration.
- Contribute to the operation of a small beauty sector business or client base.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 17 years old at the time the programme commences
- have attained NCEA level 1
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English
International applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
Additional costs
Additional costs/requirements (all of these items can be purchased through course related costs):
- Students are required to wear a uniform. Uniform tops are supplied by NorthTec from Bethells Uniforms in the Strand Arcade. You will need to order your uniform prior to the start of course. Students are welcome to order a second uniform at their own cost.
- Black pants and black flat closed in shoes.
- Makeup kit (approximately $150)
- Basic stationary including a USB memory stick.
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Priority places will be given to students who:
- have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
- have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
* All fees and study costs found on this website are indicative course fees only and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy.
The 2025 CSSF levy is $300 per full-time equivalent student (120 credits) and funds key services for students.
Prices are in New Zealand Dollars including GST, and are for domestic students only, unless otherwise stated. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. All fees and study costs are subject to confirmation, including zero fees courses.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Career opportunities
- Beauty therapist in a clinic or hairdressing salon
- Sales representative
- Luxury liner beauty services
- Consultant in retail sector
- Self-employed in own business
- Magazine beauty editor or writer
- Mortician work
Employment Pathways
About Te Pūkenga
Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.
If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.
