Combined Certificate in Cosmetic & Aesthetic Medicine with Assessment of Injectable Practice
Validated by University of South Wales
There has been a dramatic growth in the popularity of cosmetic procedures worldwide in recent years, including botulinum toxin injections, dermal fillers, laser treatment and more.
We are an Approved Training Provider of the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (the JCCP) and this Combined Certificate in Cosmetic and Aesthetic Medicine with Assessment of Aesthetic Injectable Practice has been specifically designed to meet the entry criteria for entry to the JCCP’s Practitioner Register. Our programme offers a Postgraduate Certificate in Cosmetic and Aesthetic Medicine after completing the first three theory-based modules. Additionally, you'll earn a Combined Certificate in Cosmetic and Aesthetic Medicine with Assessment of Injectable Practice on completion of the final practical assessment which takes the form of an OSCE.
This online cosmetic practitioner course conforms to the JCCP/CPSA Joint Code of Practice and is designed to complement Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) awards.
Graduates of this aesthetic practitioner online course will have the opportunity to enhance their postgraduate certificate with progression (through the Recognised Prior Learning process) to a Postgraduate Diploma or Master of Science award.
Learna is a JCCP Approved Provider of Education and Training. This Combined Certificate is a JCCP Approved Qualification and has been developed specifically for evidencing the entry requirements to the JCCP Practitioner Register.
On completion of the cosmetology programme you will be able to:
- Make professional decisions, incorporating evidence based rationale in a variety of diverse and complex situations related to cosmetic medicine.
- Apply advanced problem-solving skills in clinical practice.
- Demonstrate leadership in the delivery and advancement of cosmetic medicine.
- Demonstrate leadership of teams in multi-agency, multi-cultural and/or international contexts.
- Demonstrate evaluation skills in the delivery of care to patients.
- Demonstrate competence and proficiency in medical/health consultation and anatomical facial assessment.
- Demonstrate competence and proficiency in clinical diagnosis, treatment planning and consent for aesthetic injectable treatments.
Demonstrate competence and proficiency in the treatment application, management and evaluation of aesthetic injectable treatments.
Next Intake
1st September 2025
Apply By
29th August 2025
Commitment
Part time
Format
100% online
Duration
6 months
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Curriculum
The first three modules of this online course are undertaken in six months and is a part-time, distance-learning course. The course is worth 60 credits and comprises three modules of 20 credits, each running over a period of six weeks and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination.Year 1
Module aims:
The module aim is to examine the sciences that underpin cosmetic medicine and the external professional and ethical issues that influence practice, recognising and addressing potential conflict areas.
Content summary:
This module will cover the anatomy of the face – the skin, the muscles, the fat pads, the blood vessels, nerves and bones within the face. The physiology and physiological changes relating to these structures as we age will be explored. The relevant functions of the important structures in the face will be discussed as they are related to facial ageing, particularly with regard to the changing functions of the anatomical structures with the ageing process. Assessment of the face will be explored, and treatment plans for patients will be introduced as a concept for treating the face, whilst bearing in mind the ethics of treating patients for financial gain depending on the treatments performed. Some of the medicolegal aspects of care will be covered, including the need to be aware of standards of care, consent and documentation.
Learning outcomes:
- Critically apply in-depth anatomical and physiological knowledge of the face to the selection of appropriate cosmetic medical treatments.
- Exercise judgement in decision-making, negotiating the complex interacting professional and ethical issues surrounding aesthetic medicine practice
Module aims:
The module aim is to provide an in-depth exploration of botulinum toxin as a dominant mode of cosmetic facial muscle treatment; from an examination of the historical context to the complexities of current day practice.
Content summary:
- Botulinum and botulism history.
- Botulinum toxin pharmaceutical history and licences.
- Clostridia as bacteria. Indications for use, common complications and their treatment.
- Patient selection, injection techniques, indications, safety adverse effects and combination treatments.
- Ethics.
- Short and long-term implications of treatment.
Learning outcomes:
- Critically apply the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of botulinum use in cosmetic and medical treatment.
- Critically appraise the use of botulinum toxin in aesthetic treatments.
Module aims:
The aim of this module is to critically examine a variety of treatments aimed at addressing the ageing process, taking into account the evidence base, patient expectations and issues and short and long-term effects.
Content summary:
- Anatomy of facial fat pads and physiological effects of ageing
- Dermal fillers
- Hyaluronic acids (HAs), different manufacturers, cross linking (BDDE), length of fibre, duration of effect, fibroblasts (HA production, hyaluronidase).
- Indications for HAs, complications associated with the administration of HAs. Treatment and avoidance of complications.
- Managing patient expectations.
- Non-HA fillers – permanent/temporary, synthetic/autologous.
- Dermal fillers for specific regions – lips, hands.
Learning outcomes:
- Critically analyse the evidence base for the augmentation of facial fat pads with dermal fillers.
- Critically evaluate the use of dermal fillers in aesthetic treatments.
Aim of the module:
This module is designed for those aesthetic practitioners having successfully completed at least the first 3 modules (PgCert) of the Cosmetic Medicine course (as detailed above), who then wish to have their practical skills assessed facilitating registration with the JCCP. The module assesses clinical competence through review of prior treatments and observed procedures followed by an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
Educational Aims:
- To apply legal, professional and ethical principles to safe and effective aesthetic injectable treatments.
- To incorporate evidence-based strategies in a variety of aesthetic injectable treatments.
- To demonstrate safe and effective clinical examination and aesthetic injectable treatments.
Module Structure
This module has been structured to allow for observational and hands-on training in the administration of botulinum toxin and dermal fillers applicable to non-surgical cosmetic practice. The module structure is adaptable to both experienced and inexperienced injectors, consisting of an e-learning platform and practical support and supervision.
The clinical practice module is aligned to meet legal, professional and industry clinical standards and advocates adherence to all CPSA and JCCP standards.
Students are required to demonstrate competence in the safe and effective administration of injection techniques in aesthetic procedures, specifically toxins and fillers. Clinical practice will include submission of a record of:
- A minimum of 10 observations of botulinum toxin treatments
- A minimum of 10 observations of facial filler treatments
- A minimum of 10 supervised botulinum toxins treatments
- A minimum of 10 supervised facial filler treatments
On completion of this module the student should be able to:
- Demonstrate competence and proficiency in medical/health consultation and anatomical facial assessment.
- Demonstrate competence and proficiency in clinical diagnosis, treatment planning and consent for aesthetic injectable treatments.
- Demonstrate competence and proficiency in the treatment application, management and evaluation of aesthetic injectable treatments.
Course Fees & Payment Options
Course Fees
- Deposit for 1st September 2025: £815 †
- Total Course Fees (UK & International) for 1st September 2025: £4,450 ††
Payment Options
- Option 1: Upfront payment in full (discount available).
- Option 2: Interest-free monthly payments throughout the course.
Payment Plan Breakdown
Postgraduate Certificate
| Deposit | 5 Monthly Payments |
| £815 † | £727 |
Total payments: £4,450
Additional Financing
Spread the cost with Lendwise, who offer financing options for up to 8 years. ††††
† Deposits are non-refundable
†† Prices are subject to review following each intake
†††† Subject to eligibility criteria.
Entry requirements
Since our courses are conducted entirely online, they are accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals.
Applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare field, such as a medical or nursing degree.
Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account. In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.
Documents Required
- A copy of your updated CV including your address and date of birth.
- A copy of your undergraduate degree certificate.
- The name and email address of someone who is able to provide a reference, this can be a work colleague, employer or former tutor.
- A detailed personal statement explaining why you would like to undertake the course.
- A copy of your proof of English competency (see below).
English Language Requirements Proficiency in the English language is also essential to completing our courses. If English is NOT your first language, we ask for proof of competency during the application process. We are able to accept an IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. The University of South Wales run a number of English Language Programmes at the Centre for International English to prepare you for your academic studies. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@diploma-msc.com for more information on the qualifications we accept.
Should you have already successfully completed the 1 year Postgraduate Diploma and wish to convert to the MSc and complete only the second year of the programme this is possible. Please contact our admissions department admissions@diploma-msc.com to find out more.
Faculty
Programme Leader
Dr Ana Cristina Diniz Silva
Dr Ana Cristina Diniz Silva’s experience within the field of dermatology is incredibly vast, having achieved a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dermatology, a Postgraduate Certificate...
Accreditors, Endorsers & Partners
University of South Wales
Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP)
WACS - Welsh Aesthetic and Cosmetic Society
Aesthetic Awards - Highly Commended 2022
University of South Wales
Frequently Asked Questions
For a full list of our FAQs visit our FAQs page.
As each Medical Council has their own rules/regulations with regard to Postgraduate study we recommend that you contact your local Medical Council with regard to recognition.
Upon completion of the course the University would invite you to a graduation ceremony and provide your certificate which makes no reference to the fact that the course was studied online and is therefore typically recognised the same as any other UK University qualification.
Rest assured, the overall Postgraduate Diploma carries a total of 1,200 CPD points, with the MSc an additional 600 CPD points, and all official certifications are issued directly by the University.
When you study one of our programmes you may be surprised to find that there are no lectures or seminars. Your learning will be self-directed meaning that rather than being told information you find it for yourself (with tutor guidance and support). We do this via a series of clinically rich scenarios which your tutor will post on our academic forum which you and your classmates will research, respond to and discuss.
You will be assessed through the Academic Forum, Reflective Journal and Assignments. Learning will be carried out using our online learning platform: Moodle.
You can study whenever and wherever you want - our programmes are totally flexible to fit around your other work and life commitments.
The course is specifically designed so that part of your study is the application of theory to practice in your day job.
We typically suggest that students aim to log into the Moodle platform daily. We recommend a "little and often" approach for reading, reflection and/or posting. High achieving students will typically spend 1-2 hours dedicated to their studies a day; 10 hours per week is sufficient time to spend on the platform.
Those who cannot dedicate more time than once/twice per week may struggle with the demands of this postgraduate programme.
Yes, everything is done entirely online through our learning platform, Moodle. You do not need to attend the University.
All of our courses are delivered in English, so proficiency in the English language is essential for success. If English is not your first language, we require proof of competency as part of your application. We accept the following as proof of English Language skills:
We Accept a Range of English Language Qualifications
While IELTS and TOEFL are among the most commonly used English tests, we understand that students come from diverse backgrounds — and we’re happy to work with you to accept a wide range of other recognised English language qualifications.
We accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Our most commonly accepted test, IELTS is globally recognised and widely used for university admissions.
We accept TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Another widely accepted test, TOEFL assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in an academic setting.
We accept English Medium of Instruction (EMI) Letters
Many of our international students provide an EMI (English Medium Instruction) letter from their previous institution. This letter should confirm that you were taught in the medium of English. It is a popular and widely accepted form of proof, especially if you have completed prior academic studies in English.
Our University partners Requirements
The University of South Wales and The University of Wolverhampton accept an overall score of 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 for each band) and The University of Buckingham accepts an overall score of 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 for each band).
Our Flexible Instalment Plan is designed to offer ultimate flexibility to pay for your programme. You have the choice of two payment options:
Make an Upfront Payment in Full: For those who prefer to settle their fees upfront, you can pay the full amount at the beginning of your programme.
Interest-Free Payments: Alternatively, you can choose to spread your payments out with interest-free instalments every other month for the duration of your course.
These options are separate from our existing lending partners, which you can explore further on our programme pages. We believe that education should be accessible to all, and our Flexible Instalment Plan is just one of the ways we are committed to supporting you in your academic journey.
We currently offer two discounts: the Early Bird Discount and the Action Taker Discount. The Early Bird discount allows you to save up to £500 or more, available only to self-funders and is a limited-time offer that runs for the entirety of November for the March cohort or the entirety of May for the September cohort. Our Action Taker Discount allows you to save up to £150 off for PGCert and £250 off for PGDip/2-year MSc programmes. To qualify for Action Takers, you must pay the deposit within 7 days of acceptance. This discount is not available during February and August and not available in combination with the Early Bird Discount.
For Early Bird Discounts, the discount is visible if your application and acceptance are completed within the required timeframe. For Action Taker Discounts, it will reflect once conditions are met.
Who is this course for?
The Combined Certificate in Cosmetic and Aesthetic Medicine with Assessment of Aesthetic Injectable Practice has been developed for practitioners in cosmetic treatments to progress and evidence proficiency in the safe and effective administration of botulinum toxin and dermal fillers for cosmetic purposes.
Assessment Methods
This programme emphasises learning through active participation in case-based discussions, reflection, and real-life scenarios. Students engage with clinical cases that mirror everyday practice, fostering problem-solving and evidence-based application from the very beginning.
Across the modules, assessments are integrated with learning. Each week, you will work through two to three clinical cases, discussing and reflecting on them with peers under the guidance of an expert tutor. These discussions form the core of your learning and are also the basis for your assessments.
Our innovative teaching methods are designed to help you translate this learning into real-world clinical practice. You'll need to regularly log in to participate in discussions, ideally on a daily basis, and commit approximately two hours per day to your studies. Our dedicated Student Support Team is available to assist with any challenges you may encounter, from navigating our online platform to managing deadlines.
How Foundational Knowledge is Developed
The programme is structured so that foundational knowledge is introduced through carefully designed clinical cases. Each case is crafted to highlight essential concepts and progressively deepen your understanding as you apply critical thinking and evidence-based analysis. This hands-on approach ensures that you are not only acquiring theoretical knowledge but also learning how to apply it in a practical, clinical setting.
This programme is suited for professionals who thrive in an online, discussion-based learning environment. Please note that this course focuses on interactive, applied learning through peer collaboration and case discussions. You will be fully supported, encouraged and led through the programme to success and graduation!
- Every week students are presented with two/three clinical case-based scenarios that are reflective of every day clinical practice and research.
- Your tutor will post a number of questions and prompts to aid students in a formal discussion of each case.
- These discussions are facilitated throughout by your tutor and are then assessed at the end of every module.
- Initial expectations and reasons for taking the course.
- Module and/or personal learning objectives.
- Description of events, issues and learning points within current personal practice.
- Change in every day practice due to knowledge gained on each module.
- A description of what has been learned during the module.
For this assessment, students will work on a group assignment and/or an individual assignment.
- Group assignments are designed to hone skills in the multidisciplinary, holistic approach to modern treatments and patient management by requiring group participation in a single piece of work.
- Individual assignments are designed to hone skills in academic career progression through such tasks as reviewing papers, developing scientific posters or abstracts, peer-reviewing, social media activities, patient information leaflets, and essays.
- Students are provided with case-based problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination.
- The exam consists of 30 'Single Best Answer' questions.
- Students are required to complete the exam online within the set time.