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International Spa Management students from the University of Derby Buxton have been spreading their skills across the world as well as enhancing the UK?s spa industry with some global insight.

The BSc (Hons) International Spa Management is the only one of its kind and is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in beauty, health and spa management.

Studied over three years, or four years with an optional placement year it includes a one-year work placement at one of a number of associated spa destinations around the UK and across the world.

Destinations have included the Evason Phuket Resort and Spa in Thailand, the Aphrodite Spa in Meleiha, Malta, the Enhance Health and Beauty Spa in Bramhall, Ragdale Hall near Melton Mowbray, Mandarin Oriental Spa in London and One Spa in Edinburgh - part of the Sheraton group of companies.

Programme Leader Karen Wardley said: ?The degree prepares students for management positions and was designed with the help and support of the spa industry. We have also developed important links with spa industries in other countries.

"E-Learning is a key feature. Students from all over the world can formalise their work experience with their academic experience and quantify it into a formal degree."

Students also study subjects such as human biological science, professional studies, marketing, accounting, psychology, operational issues, management studies and research methods.

The University of Derby Buxton has launched a Foundation Degree in Spa (Management/Therapies pathways), which is a mixture of formal study and hands on practice, with work placement forming an integral part of the programme. The format of the course varies depending on the chosen pathway.

It can be studied as a flexible part time modular programme on campus or by distance learning methods. It can also be studied as a full time programme with a common core of salon/spa management subjects forming the basis of the programme, with the development of practical beauty and therapy skills.

On completion of the programme, students will be qualified to take supervisory and management positions in beauty salons or spas both in the UK and abroad. Alternatively, they can continue their studies and progress onto the final year of the unique BSc (Hons) in International Spa Management.
Karen said: "Both programmes have been developed in consultation with key industry representatives, who are keen to see employees with higher level skills and knowledge enter the industry."