New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy (Level 4)
Beauty & Personal Care
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Gain a solid foundation in beauty therapy, covering treatments, cosmetic services, anatomy and physiology, and professional practice to start your career in the beauty industry.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Dunedin
It will take a total of 1 year
Core skills this course teaches
Apply beauty therapy treatments and services
Deliver a wide variety of beauty therapy and cosmetic services with confidence and competence.
Understand anatomy and physiology
Gain foundational knowledge in anatomy and physiology relevant to beauty therapy.
Demonstrate professional practice
Adopt professional standards, first aid knowledge, and use an online clinic booking system.
What You're Signing Up For
This one-year full-time certificate offers you a comprehensive introduction to beauty therapy, combining theoretical and practical learning. You will study a wide variety of beauty treatments and cosmetic services, including make-up, massage, nail and waxing services. The programme includes anatomy and physiology, an introduction to first aid, and professional practice within a modern clinic environment. Learners benefit from guest speakers, hands-on experience with real clients, and use of industry-standard booking systems. Optional International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC) qualifications are available, enhancing international recognition. Graduates are eligible to register as New Zealand Beauty Therapists and pursue roles in beauty clinics, as cosmetic representatives, or as mobile beauty therapists.
Course Content
- Anatomy and physiology
- Facial treatments
- Make-up services
- Cosmetic enhancements
- Massage treatments
- Professional practice
- Nail services
- Waxing services
- Clinic/in-clinic experience
What you need to know first
Applicants must be at least 18 years old by programme end.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Beauty Therapy
Cosmetic Services
Personal Care
Future employment opportunities might be
Registered New Zealand Beauty Therapist
Cosmetic Representative
Mobile Beauty Therapist
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.