Aesthetics courses for international students
Aesthetics covers two distinct fields: clinical aesthetic medicine for doctors, dentists and nurses who want to practise non-surgical treatments, and the philosophy of art and beauty studied in humanities departments. We help students with both, and we are clear about which is which.
What a aesthetics degree involves
Clinical aesthetics programmes teach injectables, laser and energy-based treatments, skin science, patient assessment and the regulation of aesthetic practice, usually as a postgraduate certificate, diploma or MSc for registered health professionals. Philosophical aesthetics is a master's specialism within philosophy or art history.
Why study aesthetics abroad
- Fast-growing aesthetic medicine market
- Regulated qualifications increasingly required to practise
- University-validated programmes distinguish you from short courses
- Flexible part-time and blended formats
- Philosophical aesthetics leads to research and cultural careers
Best countries for aesthetics
| Country | Why | Typical annual tuition |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | MSc Aesthetic Medicine at several universities; JCCP-recognised | £9,000 to £20,000 |
| Ireland | Postgraduate diplomas for health professionals | €8,000 to €15,000 |
| Australia | Cosmetic medicine and nursing programmes | A$15,000 to A$35,000 |
| United States | Fellowships and certificate programmes | US$10,000 to US$40,000 |
Universities to consider
Entry requirements
| Level | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Clinical aesthetics | Registration as a doctor, dentist, nurse or pharmacist, usually with post-registration experience; IELTS 7.0. |
| Philosophical aesthetics | A bachelor's in philosophy, art history or a related humanities field at 2:1. |
Careers
Highly variable; experienced UK aesthetic practitioners commonly earn £50,000 or more.
Scholarships and funding
Oasis does not award scholarships, but partner universities discount fees for strong applicants and several government schemes cover this subject. See the scholarship guide and our loan partners.
Fees and salaries are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Shortlist in one working day
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United Kingdom
Study aesthetics in the UK
Ireland
Study aesthetics in Ireland
Australia
Study aesthetics in Australia
United States
Study aesthetics in the US
Aesthetics: what students ask
Can I study aesthetics without a medical background?
Clinical aesthetics programmes require health registration. Philosophical aesthetics does not.
Are UK aesthetics qualifications recognised abroad?
University-validated MSc and PGDip qualifications carry weight internationally, but the right to practise depends on local regulation.
Is aesthetics regulated in the UK?
Regulation is tightening; a licensing scheme for non-surgical procedures in England is in development, which makes accredited training more valuable.
Ready to study aesthetics?
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