Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a course ?
Simply click on the ‘Book now’ button on the course page for the course you wish to book. Follow the instructions, complete the necessary information and then pay the booking fee using PayPal if you have a PayPal account or by Debit or Credit card if you do not have a PayPal account.
Please note the booking fee is deducted from the course fee.
Alternatively, you can call us on 023 8026 6448 and book a course over the telephone.
What payment methods may be used for my course fees ?
We can accept payment of course fees by BACS, cash, PayPal or by all major credit cards.
You can also apply for 12 months interest free finance to spread the cost of your training courses into monthly instalments. Click here for more information: INTEREST FREE FINANCE
If you are in receipt of any other types of funding please check the procedure with our Central Administration Staff.
What happens after I book ?
Once your booking and payment has been fully processed, you will then receive an email confirmation of your booking, which will include course attendance details and a receipted invoice for your payment.
You will also receive a final confirmation email approximately 14 days prior to the start of your course which will include a payment link for you to pay any balance of the course fee.
Please note that the balance must be paid no less than 7 days prior to the course start. Please also refer to our course booking Terms and Conditions.
What do the course fees include ?
Course Tuition fees include practical & theoretical tuition, training manuals, handouts, as well as the use of centre resources and semi consumables as appropriate to each course of study.
Some courses will require you to buy kits for use at home if undertaking qualifications that require case studies or practical homework (such as NVQ Level 2 Beauty)
Assessment / Awarding Body registration fees are separate to tuition fees and include assessment and certification for the award being undertaken.
What should I wear to Training ?
In order to present a professional image of the industry and for hygiene reasons, we require you to wear a salon tunic/ uniform when attending training. If you are just attending a one day course and do not currently have a uniform, please wear smart black trousers and a black short sleeved top (a polo shirt is ideal)
Please ensure that you are suitably dressed to give and receive a treatment. No jeans or trainers please.
Please note that your salon clothes should be smart and professional in appearance but allow you to move freely and comfortably during practical activities.
Please wear flat, black, closed toe shoes and ensure long hair is tied back. We advise you to remove all jewellery before attending courses (small stud earrings and plain wedding bands are acceptable).
Nail should be short, free of polish and nail extensions.
Uniform consists of a salon tunic (short sleeves, any colour/style), smart fitted trousers and flat closed toe/heel shoes.
Is there any additional costs payable besides the course tuition fee ?
Some courses may require you to purchase a kit for home / use practice or case studies. Please contact us for further details if you are unsure.
Why are your Diploma Courses shorter in duration to Colleges of further Education ?
All of our courses are intensive and comprehensive in design to prepare you for commercial practice. Helen McGuinness Aesthetics & Beauty Training International provides a fast-track system of training in small groups of students, who really want to learn, this speeds things up considerably. Although we cover the essential theory most of the training is practical. At home you are expected to undertake further study and do lots more practice, which you would otherwise do during your college time.
With us you are getting more personalised one to one tuition, whilst when attending a large college you may have to attend for up to 36 weeks and be in a class of up to 30 students.
Colleges hours are also dependent on funding received and therefore are often much longer in duration.
If I am travelling from a distance is there somewhere I can stay locally ?
What do I need to bring along with me to the class ?
We provide all products, tools and equipment needed for your course, unless otherwise stated.
You may wish to bring a pen and notepad to make your own notes during the course, though you will be issued with a course manual to refer to both during and after your course.
Our training venue is located near shops, or if you wish to bring your own food with you there is a fridge available for students use.
Tea, coffee, selection of herbal teas are provided free of charge, please bring your own bottled water.
What other things do I need to do ?
You will need to ensure that you can dedicate time for self-study, written work and practice of your skills to ensure that you can achieve the expected level and standards for commercial practice of your chosen skill/s/.
Due to the intensive nature of our courses, and depending on your previous experience within the industry, you will need to practice your treatments after completing your course to enable you to be ‘salon-ready’.
What if I have a learning difficulty, medical condition or other consideration that may affect my attendance ?
In most cases this shouldn’t prevent you from undertaking a course, but you should contact us prior to booking if you do so that we can discuss the suitability of the course for you and any considerations that may be needed in order to give you the opportunity to successfully complete the course.
What will the class contact time involve ?
The class contact time will be mainly spent on practising techniques and practical skills needed for successful commercial practice, with a small amount of essential theory discussed.
Students will work on fellow members of their class and live clients, as appropriate to the course of study, to enable candidates to prepare themselves to work in a commercial capacity. Students are continually assessed on their skills and progress during the course to ensure that they are of a competent level upon completion of the course.
Where is the Training Venue and is there parking available onsite ?
The training venue for all courses is at our dedicated training facility in Southampton, Hampshire which is easily accessible by road and rail. We have parking onsite as well as unrestricted parking on the road outside the centre.
The full address is:
Unit 2, Old Farm Courts, Nursling Street, Rownhams, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 0AJ.
Are the qualifications I receive recognised within the industry in the UK and abroad ?
All of our courses lead to professional practice and are approved and validated by a number of professional bodies. Recognition of the standard of training provided by Helen McGuinness Aesthetics & Beauty Training International is well known throughout the professional holistic therapy and beauty therapy industry.
A number of our graduates have successfully taken their skills abroad to work. We also have many students who come from overseas to study with us and gain certification to work in their own countries.
Most professional UK qualifications are widely transferable and accepted in other countries enabling you to practice abroad. However, we recommend you check with the relevant authorities in the destination country as to their specific requirements for professional practice.
Can I gain Professional Membership and Insurance after Qualifying ?
Our courses are recognised by a number of professional associations to enable graduates to have professional recognition upon qualifying. Our courses are also accepted by a number of insuring companies, such as The Guild of Beauty Therapists for professional practice. However, due to the number of different therapies and insuring companies available, we would always advise that you check with your insuring company first before undertaking a course, to ensure that it is acceptable to them.
What employment opportunities are there upon graduating ?
The comprehensive training that our graduates receive will provide them with maximum career opportunities.
Employment may be found salons, spas, health clubs, luxury hotels, aboard cruise liners, private practice, health farms, complementary therapy centres, GP surgeries, hospitals and clinics.
What happens if I have to cancel a course ?
Please refer to our terms and conditions.
What happens if I forget something or need help or advice after my course ?
After you have completed your course, you can contact us for support at any time. Our aim is to help you to be the very best therapist you can be, and that doesn’t stop the moment your course is over.