ESTH 1030: Skin & Body Therapy: Health, Wellness and Career Development
Effective date
January 2027
Department
Esth-Skin & Body Non-ITA
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
In this course, students will build on the skills acquired in ESTH 1020 and develop advanced practical skills to facilitate enhanced client experiences within the scope of practice. Students explore the role of nutrition in skin health, including macronutrients, micronutrients, and the benefits of vitamins for maintaining healthy skin.
Students participate in an offsite work experience in a health and wellness setting, where they gain insight into industry practices, business operations, and the daily running of a real‑world environment. In addition, students build a professional portfolio, conduct skincare case studies and projects, and undergo assessed practical observations for body waxing, customized facials, and hand, foot, and nail treatments.
Students are given the opportunity to successfully complete Qualifications Scotland theory assessments and practical observations to achieve Scottish unit accreditation.
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply advanced practical skills through customer service interactions in a professional environment, encompassing all practical skills learned in previous course levels.
- Apply knowledge of macronutrients, micronutrients, and vitamins to assess their impact on skin health and integrate nutritional awareness into client consultations and skincare recommendations.
- Analyze various skin conditions, design suitable treatment plans, and present comprehensive case studies showcasing advanced skincare knowledge.
- Create a positive customer experience by actively listening to clients and offering professional recommendations for sustained satisfaction during treatments.
- Apply comprehensive knowledge and skills to solve complex problems, make sound decisions, and communicate professionally in real-world contexts within the health and wellness industry.
- Demonstrate professionalism and teamwork in collaboration with other industry professionals.
- Create and present a visually appealing professional portfolio showcasing skills, customer service, projects, accomplishments, certifications, and industry achievements.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 45
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 150
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 30
Total Hours: 225
Instructional Strategies
Students will be assessed on their theoretical and practical knowledge throughout the program. This evaluation involves a mix of assignments, projects, client services, and exams. Instructors will actively observe students and use practical assessment guides to measure their ability to apply what they've learned in real‑world scenarios. To advance in the program, students must achieve a minimum 70% score in combined theoretical and practical assessments for each course topic.
Students can retake a maximum of two theory exams per course when failing in theoretical exams.
Students must maintain an attendance rate of 90% per course to proceed to the next level and complete the program.
Students are given the opportunity to be assessed on their theoretical and practical knowledge and receive unit accreditation from Qualifications Scotland. To achieve the Qualifications Scotland units, students must obtain a minimum score of 70% on the theory written tests and be marked “successful” on all required practical tasks.
Grading System
Percentages
Evaluation Plan
|
Type
|
Percentage
|
Assessment activity
|
|
Practicum
|
20
|
Spa work experience and related assignments.
|
|
Project
|
10
|
Independent research projects.
|
|
Assignments
|
20
|
In-class and independent learning activities.
|
|
Exam
|
10
|
VCC examination for Facial therapy and Depilation
*Must achieve 70%
|
|
Lab Work
|
20
|
Hands on practice of course skills and techniques in VCC's public health and wellness spa, with competencies documented to show skill progression
*Must attend 90%
*Must achieve 70%
|
|
Portfolio
|
20
|
Professional portfolio presentation
|
Course topics
- Advanced Practical Skills Application
- Customer Service Excellence
- Offsite Practicum Engagement
- Evaluation and reflection of professional service results
- Professional Portfolio Building
- Skincare Case Studies and Project Execution
- Nutrition and Skin Health Essentials
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/.
- To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.