Certificate in Beauty Therapy
The Certificate in Beauty Therapy is a practical programme that equips students with foundational skills in beauty treatments, skincare and hairdressing. Offered at Eastern Kenya Integrated University and Kiriri Women's University of Science and Technology, the programme prepares learners for entry-level roles in the beauty and wellness industry.
Students develop competencies in facial treatments, manicure and pedicure, hairdressing techniques, skin analysis and beauty salon management. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with extensive practical training, enabling graduates to provide professional beauty services to clients.
Kenya's beauty and wellness industry has experienced significant growth driven by rising consumer awareness and disposable income. Beauty salons, spas and wellness centres across urban and rural areas require trained beauty therapists to meet growing demand.
Teaching is delivered through classroom instruction, demonstration and supervised practical sessions in beauty therapy laboratories. Students practise treatments on models and clients under instructor supervision to build confidence and competency.
Graduates typically find employment as beauty therapists, hairdressers, salon attendants or spa assistants in beauty salons, hotels and wellness centres. Many establish their own beauty businesses after gaining industry experience.
The programme is ideal for KCSE graduates with an interest in beauty and wellness who wish to enter the industry with practical, employable skills.
- Duration
- 1 year
- Public, up to
- Ksh 67,189
- Private, up to
- Ksh 36,000
- Job market
- Moderate
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Practicalities
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Attachment
- 3 months
- Average class
- 40 students
- Award
- Certificate
What you study
8 subjects- Facial Treatments
- Manicure and Pedicure
- Hairdressing Techniques
- Skin Care and Analysis
- Beauty Salon Management
- Cosmetology
- Health and Safety in Salon
- Customer Service
Modules
8 in the programmeIntroduction to Beauty Therapy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Overview of beauty therapy profession, ethics and basic treatment principles.
Skin Care and Analysis
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers skin types, skin conditions, skin analysis and basic facial treatment procedures.
Manicure and Pedicure
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Teaches nail care techniques, hand and foot treatments and nail enhancement basics.
Hairdressing Techniques I
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduces basic hairdressing including shampooing, conditioning, cutting and styling.
Facial Treatments
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers cleansing, exfoliation, massage and mask application techniques for facial treatments.
Hairdressing Techniques II
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Advanced hairdressing including chemical treatments, colouring and permanent waving.
Salon Management and Entrepreneurship
Year 1Semester 22 creditsCore
Introduces salon business management, client relations and basic bookkeeping.
Health and Safety in Salon
Year 1Semester 22 creditsCore
Covers hygiene standards, sanitation practices and safety procedures in beauty salons.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with a theory lesson on skin anatomy or hair structure, followed by a practical demonstration of a beauty treatment. Students then practise the treatment on models in the beauty therapy laboratory under instructor supervision.
The trade offs
In its favour
- Practical, hands-on training that leads directly to employable skills.
- Strong entrepreneurial potential; many graduates start their own beauty businesses.
Against it
- Income can be inconsistent, especially for self-employed therapists starting out.
- Physical demands of standing for long periods and repetitive hand movements.
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 73 art and design coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
MIT 24K total, Vera 25K, Naturesurf 36K/yr (mit.ac.ke, veratechnical.com). Public TVET 67K/yr.
Students may access HELB loans and NGCDF bursaries.
Funding options
HELB Loan
NGCDF Bursary
Scholarships
2 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students in accredited certificate programmes
NGCDF Bursary
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from low-income backgrounds
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- KCSE mean grade
- D
- Alternative entry
- Any KCSE certificate or equivalent
How you are assessed
3 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Regular CATs throughout each semester.
Practical Assignments
Practical30% of the mark
Hands-on assignments assessed on competency.
End of Semester Examinations
Written examination40% of the mark
Formal written examinations at the end of each semester.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) under the respective university charters.
Accredited by
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education under the respective university's charter.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesBeauty Therapist
Moderate demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 45,000
Provides facial treatments, skincare services and beauty consultations in salons and spas.
Hairdresser
Moderate demandKsh 18,000 to Ksh 40,000
Offers hair cutting, styling, colouring and treatment services in salons.
Salon Attendant
Moderate demandKsh 15,000 to Ksh 30,000
Assists with salon operations, client service and basic beauty treatments.
Spa Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 18,000 to Ksh 35,000
Supports spa operations including basic treatments and client hospitality.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as beauty therapists, hairdressers and salon attendants, with many establishing their own beauty businesses.
Fees and entry marks for Certificate in Beauty Therapy are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.