Study at OICB

Whether you’re just starting out in beauty, training your team, or ready to take your skills further, this is the place to get all the practical information you need.

Getting started at OICB

Whether you’re just beginning your journey into beauty therapy or looking to build on your experience, this section covers everything you need to know.

Discover your path

Whether you're new to beauty, looking to advance your career, or provide training to your employees, we've got the right path for you.

Our courses

Explore beauty therapy courses at OICB, from beginner to advanced, including diplomas, apprenticeships, and flexible study options.

CIDESCO Beauty & Spa Management Diploma

7-9 months   |   Online learning   |   Globally recognised

Master leadership, finance, and HR to confidently manage or launch a spa or beauty business.

VTCT Level 2 Beauty Therapy Course

8-10 months   |  1 day per week   |   Globally recognised

Gain essential beauty therapy skills with hands-on training for salon, spa, or freelance work.

OICB Level 3 Wellness & Holistic Therapist Course

8-10 months   |   1 day per week   |   Globally recognised

Train in massage and holistic therapies to start a wellness-focused career in beauty and wellbeing.

What our students say...

  • I graduated in 2009 and loved working in the industry. I'm now training others in lashes and nails and growing my bridal business. OICB helped put me on the right path!

    Ellie Osmond, UK

    CIBTAC Course
  • I changed careers from midwifery and studied at OICB while raising a family. After graduating, I worked at Champneys Forest Mere and have now started a management course to take the next step.

    Fatma Ramjean, Dubai

    CIBTAC Two-Year Course
  • I loved my time studying at OICB and made great friends. I now return as a model to support new students.

    Ann Ashley, UK

    Evening Class
  • Thank you for two great years! It was the best decision I made and has opened up so many opportunities.

    Leah Fennell, UK

    CIDESCO Course
  • I've learned so much and grown in many ways. I'm proud to have studied at OICB and gained such strong training and qualifications. After two years at Grayshott Spa, I now work on cruise ships!

    Jessica Mee, Yorkshire

    CIDESCO Course
  • Studying at OICB gave me expert tuition and highly credited qualifications, which helped me start a successful business in Marlborough. The course was well-structured and fully supported.

    Diana Parkes, South Africa

    CIDESCO Course
  • I'm now working on the Carnival Spirit cruise ship visiting places like Mexico, Hawaii, and Alaska. The qualifications I gained from OICB gave me the confidence to succeed in this exciting career.

    Roxanne Solomon, UK

    CIDESCO Course
  • My course was well-structured with amazing tutor support. The small class size created strong friendships. Work experience led directly to my job at the UK's largest day spa. I'm now running my own business.

    Jasmita Thakersee, UK

    Full-Time Course
  • My time at OICB was unforgettable. The course was challenging, but I was pushed to reach my potential. The international student community made it an experience I'll always cherish.

    Nicole Sojka Echabarne, USA

    CIDESCO Course
  • My qualifications from OICB prepared me to run a busy hair and beauty salon. I've since employed many graduates and now also enjoy teaching part-time at the college.

    Julie Talbot, Oxfordshire

    International Qualifications
  • OICB stood out from all the colleges I toured in the UK and USA. The standards and professionalism were exceptional. As an American student, I found Witney easy to settle in, and the tutors truly cared about my success.

    Tatum Woelfel, USA

    CIDESCO Course
  • After A-levels, I realised beauty was the career for me. OICB's course was hands-on, interesting, and supportive. I graduated with CIDESCO and CIBTAC and feel confident about my future in the industry.

    Ellie C, Sussex, UK

    CIDESCO Course
  • Studying at OICB was one of the best years of my life. The course was tough, but the tutors pushed me to succeed, and I was awarded CIDESCO Student of the Year. Now I'm working in Malaysia and loving my career!

    Tsitsi N, Botswana

    CIBTAC & CIDESCO Course
  • From the moment I visited OICB, I knew it was the right place. The balance of theory and practice is excellent, and the tutors are incredibly supportive. Being named CIDESCO Student of the Year was a true honour.

    Sofya C, Russia

    CIDESCO Course
  • I changed careers after having two children and studying at OICB was life-changing. With support from the tutors, I achieved high results while balancing family life. Now I'm proud to be fully qualified and building a new future in beauty therapy.

    Anny K, Russia

    CIDESCO Course
  • An outstanding college! I now run my own salon‚ Prestidge Beauty, and regularly recommend OICB. The tutors were so supportive and helped me become the best therapist I could be.

    Catherine Prestidge, UK

    CIDESCO/CIBTAC
  • Graduating, I felt confident and ready for work. I was told my skills exceeded expectations for a new therapist. OICB gave me more than I ever imagined‚ an outstanding foundation and the best training in the industry.

    Zoe Light, UK

    CIDESCO/CIBTAC Course
  • I studied part-time while raising three kids and working full time. OICB gave me 'me time' and a new career. Now I work in a skincare clinic and am still studying there... always more to learn!

    Gemma Macmillan, UK

    NVQ2/3 Evening Course
  • As a salon owner, I've sent two apprentices to OICB and been impressed by the high standards. I also completed the Swedish Massage course myself‚ so enjoyable, I signed up for Hot Stone next!

    Susan Raisbeck, UK

    NVQ3 Evening Course
  • I was recommended OICB by a highly qualified beautician, and I'm so glad I listened. Their reputation opened doors, and after graduation I had multiple interviews. Now I'm working, training in new skills, and even returned to OICB for more courses.

    Gemma Fitch, UK

    CIDESCO/CIBTAC 10 Month Course
  • As an international student, I wanted a world-class qualification. OICB gave me that and more... professionalism, ethics, confidence, and real insight into running a business.

    Aderonke Adeove, Nigeria

    CIBTAC International Course Level 2/3
  • As an American, studying at OICB was a big adventure. The tutors were incredibly supportive, and the training was excellent. I ended up returning to complete the CIBTAC Level 3 and CIDESCO. Now I'm qualified to work all over the world!

    Lizzie Frazer, USA

    CIBTAC International Course Level 2/3
  • I did a 2-year apprenticeship while working at The Skincare Clinic. OICB taught to such high standards that I felt really employable when I finished. Great college and tutors!

    Amelia Richmond, Witney UK

    Level 2 & 3 Apprenticeship Course
  • I trained at OICB in 2004‚ it was one of the best years of my life. The course is intense and hands-on. I was offered a job before I'd even qualified. The qualifications really do set you apart. I've since owned award-winning salons and now hope to teach beauty myself.

    Charlotte Chenery, UK

    CIDESCO/CIBTAC International Course
  • The CIDESCO and CIBTAC course at OICB gave me the confidence and skills to start working straight away. The training is thorough, and the tutors are excellent. I now run my own successful salon, Beautiful Escape.

    Ruth Smith, UK

    CIDESCO/CIBTAC International Course
  • Coming to the UK at 17 with no family here was scary, but OICB staff were fantastic. It was hard work but so worth it. I've since worked at top UK spas and now run my own day spa in Cyprus. Highly recommended.

    Rhian Ceri, Cyprus

    CIDESCO/CIBTAC International Course
  • The best 10 months of my life! I couldn't have done it without the support of the girls in the house and the amazing staff‚ Heidi, Helen, Lizzie, and Sarah.

    Sophie Gray, Boston, UK

    CIBTAC International Course
  • I studied the full-time CIDESCO/CIBTAC course in 2015 and landed my dream job on a cruise ship. OICB's location, accommodation, and experienced tutors made it ideal for international students. It was the best training I could have asked for.

    Hitomi Oishi, Japan

    CIDESCO/CIBTAC International Level 2/3 Course
  • Starting again at 40 was a big decision. I'm a mum and English isn't my first language, but at OICB I met supportive teachers and students who helped me succeed. I'd recommend OICB with love and gratitude.

    Karime Gonzales Ordenes, Chile

    CIDESCO/CIBTAC International Course
  • Studying at OICB was the best decision I’ve ever made. I gained confidence and friendships that I’ll always keep. The course was more in-depth than I expected. Now I love my job and feel I can go anywhere with my Cidesco qualification.

    Oana Coser (Romania)

    CIDESCO/CIBTAC International Course
  • I’ve adored my time at OICB—it was the best decision I’ve made. The college is brilliant and the staff are so helpful. My knowledge now is far beyond what I would’ve gained anywhere else.

    Annabel Crane (Oxford, UK)

    Level 2 & 3 Apprenticeship Course
  • Returning to study after years away was daunting, especially leaving my family behind. The tutors were incredibly supportive. The course was demanding but worth it. I was proud to receive the Special Achievement Award. OICB gave me confidence and deep knowledge—I’m proud to be a graduate.

    Iyanu Okusanya (Nigeria)

    CIDESCO/CIBTAC International Level 2/3 Course
  • Studying at OICB was a big decision—I left my country and studied in a second language. The course was tough, but the amazing tutors helped me achieve a perfect 100% in my Cidesco exams—the first in the college’s 26-year history! Thank you to the whole team for believing in me.

    Valeria Bordyuzhenko (Russia)

    CIDESCO/CIBTAC International Level 2/3 Course
  • Studying at OICB was the most intense and rewarding experience of my life. It was my first time in the UK, and the whole team made me feel at home. I passed with excellent results and was named Cidesco Student of the Year. The staff believed in me, supported me, and even helped me land a great job in London. I’m so grateful.

    Maria Simonazzi (Italy)

    CIDESCO/CIBTAC International Course
  • I started OICB at 16 with an NVQ2 apprenticeship. I was shy back then, but I left confident and proud to be part of the beauty therapy industry. The Cidesco course was intense, but it pushed me in all the right ways. At 18, I’m now working at one of the best hotel spas in the country—something I once thought was just a dream. Thank you, OICB!

    Olivia White (Oxford, UK)

    CIDESCO/CIBTAC International Course

Why choose OICB?

Wherever you are in your beauty journey, OICB gives you the confidence, skills, and qualifications to thrive.

100%

Pass rate


Expert tutors, hands-on training, and a supportive environment ensure all our students pass, boosting skills for career success.
100%

Career outcomes


Since 2020, all graduates secured employment in salons, spas, and cruise ships. Many also launched their own businesses.

Real students stories

Our graduates go on to build rewarding, successful careers. Read their stories and discover how OICB helped shape their futures.

Frequently Asked Questions

1What types of courses can I study at OICB?
We offer beauty therapy courses for both beginners and professionals – including diplomas in beauty therapy, wellness, holistic treatments, and spa management.
2Do I need any experience to apply?
Not necessarily. We have courses suitable for school leavers and complete beginners, as well as advanced courses for those already working in the industry.
3How do I know which course is right for me?
Visit our course overview pages for a breakdown of each programme. If you’re still unsure, our admissions team can guide you based on your goals and experience.
4What are the entry requirements for your courses?
Entry-level courses generally require a good standard of education (GCSEs or equivalent). Advanced courses may ask for prior beauty qualifications. International students may need to demonstrate English proficiency.
5 How much do the courses cost?
Fees vary depending on the course. Each course page includes fee information, and we also offer flexible payment options. Visit our tuition fees page for full details.
6Can I study part-time or while working?
Yes, many of our courses are designed with flexibility in mind – especially those aimed at career changers or working professionals.
7How do I apply?
You can apply directly online by completing our application form. We’ll then be in touch to guide you through the next steps.
8What support is available while I study?
From safeguarding and wellbeing support to one-on-one coaching and post-graduation career guidance, we’re here to help you succeed.
9Can I visit the college before applying?
Absolutely. We run regular open days and tours. It's a great chance to meet tutors, explore the campus, and ask any questions in person.

Our application process is simple

1

Admissions & Application

Learn what’s required, check fees and funding options, and apply online.

2

Student Life & Facilities

Get to know our purpose-built classrooms, student salon, and friendly college culture.

3

Visit Us

Book an Open Day or personalised tour to see what life at OICB is really like.

Apply

Submit your application for the course of your choice.

Ready to take the next step?