The MSc Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine is a fully online course designed for healthcare professionals who want to develop a safe, ethical and evidence-informed understanding of aesthetic practice within one of the fastest evolving areas of healthcare.
You will explore the science, complexity and real-world challenges of aesthetic medicine, from facial anatomy and aesthetic therapies to patient assessment and complications management. Alongside this, you will examine the ethical, legal and regulatory frameworks that shape responsible practice in a rapidly changing landscape.
Throughout your studies, you will develop the confidence to think critically, evaluate emerging treatments, and make informed professional judgements in complex scenarios. You will learn from experienced clinicians and educators, engaging with current research and contemporary developments in the field. In your final year, you will undertake an independent dissertation, giving you the opportunity to explore a topic that reflects your interests and ambitions.
This MSc offers a credible, research-informed route into aesthetic medicine for those who want to engage thoughtfully and responsibly with this dynamic field.
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(United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 10) (2025)
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The MSc Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine is designed for healthcare professionals seeking to strengthen decision-making, enhance patient safety within their current roles, or explore opportunities within the aesthetics sector.
You:
You should:
^ all international qualifications will be assessed in accordance with university guidelines.
All academic degrees/awards at UWS are taught in English. For applicants whose first language is not English*, the University sets a minimum English language proficiency level. All English language qualifications must have been gained within two years of the start of your UWS course.
* applicants who are exempt from English language requirements include:
In general terms, if you are applying to study a course at, or above, Year 1 (SCQF Level 7) bachelor’s degree level, then the UKVI’s minimum level of English proficiency is Common European Framework for References of Languages (CEFR) at B2 (Upper Intermediate).
At UWS, we define our general English language requirements using the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training) as follows:
These are minimum requirements and some courses may require a higher standard for admission†.
† Exceptions to this level of IELTS scoring exist for some accredited or professionally-recognised courses (see IELTS Score Exceptions section below for more information).
For our research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf) applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For Midwifery courses that lead to professional registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (BSc Midwifery), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
Our BSc Paramedic Science degree leads to professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC); it has different IELTS requirements than other Health-related courses. Although it is not possible to apply for this degree directly as an international student, for applicants who meet SAAS residency requirements and for whom English is not their first language, then the following IELTS scores are required:
For our BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and MSc Advanced Biomedical Science degrees, which may lead to professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
Our BA (Hons) Social Work and MSc Social Work degrees are professionally recognised by the Scottish Social Services Council and applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For our Certificate of Higher Education courses, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
In additional to IELTS, we also accept a number of alternative English language for application and admission to our courses for both home/EU and international students at bachelor's degree study at Year 3 (SCQF Level 9), and above. From Cambridge to TOFEL iBT qualifications the number of these qualifications is extensive.
Find out about non-IELTS English Language Tests
UWS has also reviewed a range of High / Secondary School qualifications studied by non-EU applicants that can be used as a basis of entry to a UWS. These range from Botswana GCSEs to USA High School Graduation Diplomas, the number of these qualifications is extensive.
Find out more about international English Language high-hchool qualifications
Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language requirements have the option to study one of our preparatory and pre-sessional English courses. The UWS courses available are:
The MSc Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine is delivered fully online over three years through a modular structure. It is designed to support your development from foundational knowledge to advanced critical evaluation and research. Throughout your studies, you will build a strong academic grounding while having the flexibility to explore areas aligned to your professional interests through optional study.
You will be enrolled on the MSc from the outset, with clear progression points throughout your studies.
PgDip / MSc Aesthetic and Cosmetic Medicine is deivered fully online and uses a range of digital and practice-focused facilities.
Students access lectures, tutorials, workshops, simulations, and case studies via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and other available University IT applications.
You will access materials through our Virtual Learning Environment. Teaching and course materials will be accessed through a variety of resources such as podcasts, videos, PowerPoint, eBooks and journal articles. Guest speakers and contributions from national and international professionals are included (where possible) to enrich your learning experience.
A laptop or tablet with reliable internet is required to engage with online resources, interactive sessions, and expert contributions, ensuring flexible, high-quality learning anytime, anywhere.
In Year 1, you will establish a strong foundation in aesthetic and cosmetic medicine, exploring the scientific, ethical and professional principles that underpin the field. You will begin to develop your understanding of patient assessment, risk awareness, and the regulatory frameworks that shape safe and responsible practice.
This stage supports you to build confidence in engaging with a new or developing area of practice, while drawing on and extending your existing professional knowledge.
In Year 2, you will deepen your knowledge and begin to shape your own area of interest within aesthetic and cosmetic medicine. You will have the opportunity to select from a range of option modules, allowing you to tailor your learning and explore specialist topics in greater depth.
A key focus of this stage is the critical analysis of complications, anatomical risk areas, and the factors that influence safety and outcomes in aesthetic interventions. You will develop the ability to interpret evidence, assess risk, and engage with more complex scenarios, strengthening your professional judgement and decision-making.
*Required for progression to MSc
In your final year, you will undertake an independent dissertation project, allowing you to explore a topic of interest in depth and demonstrate the knowledge and skills developed throughout the programme.
You will engage with current research, develop a focused area of enquiry, and apply appropriate methodologies to investigate your chosen topic. This stage enables you to consolidate your learning, strengthen your academic voice, and produce a substantial piece of work that reflects your interests and future direction within the field.
The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) will be used to deliver learning and teaching materials.
Coursework: 100%
Assessment methods are designed to support the development of critical thinking and applied knowledge, and include written assignments, case-based analysis, reflective work, presentations, and a dissertation project. Some modules may also include examinations or timed assessments to evaluate knowledge and understanding.
The programme provides multiple opportunities for formative and summative feedback, supporting ongoing development and progression throughout your studies.
This MSc supports career development within the expanding field of aesthetic and cosmetic medicine.
It is particularly relevant for healthcare professionals seeking to strengthen decision-making, enhance patient safety within their current roles, or explore opportunities within the aesthetics sector.
The MSc may also support progression into roles in education, service development, leadership, or further academic study, including doctoral-level research.
By completing this MSc, you will enhance your professional credibility and position yourself within a field that increasingly values postgraduate-level knowledge and accountability.
Tuition fees for this course are still being finalised. Contact us for more information.
The cost of attending university is an investment in your future career.
In addition to tuition fees and living expenses, some courses involve extra costs like study materials, field trips, equipment and uniforms.
Fortunately, there is a great deal of financial support available to help students meet the cost of their study. This ranges from:
The sections below provide details of additional costs that your course may involve along with any financial support that may be available.
You can also find additional information in our Postgraduate Money, Fees & Funding section.
Students on certain degrees will incur some additional costs not covered by their tuition fees. These could be for things like specialist equipment, study materials, work placements, graduation, membership of relevant organisations or costs related to carrying out fieldwork.
For students on course with an element of fieldwork, there may also be extra costs for travel and accommodation.
Please contact the course leader for details of the additional costs associated with this course.
Post-qualification: You will already be registered on the NMC register, and therefore following successful completion of the PgDip, you will need to pay an application fee to the NMC for the subsequent qualification to be recognised.
Tuition fees are calculated based on where you are from and what you are studying. Some courses also involve additional costs, such as mandatory field trips, equipment or studying abroad.
Find out how much it will cost you to study at UWS as a postgraduate student.
Scottish students studying at postgraduate level at UWS are entitled to various funds and support towards tuition fees and living costs.
English, Welsh and Northern Irish students studying at postgraduate level at UWS are entitled to various funds and support towards tuition fees and living costs.
EU students studying at postgraduate level of UWS may be eligible for SAAS funding, as well as support to meet the costs of childcare and various sources of additional funding.
There are several scholarship and incentive schemes available to international students studying at postgraduate level at UWS, as well as support to meet the costs of childcare and various sources of additional funding.
UWS administer a range of discretionary and childcare funds. These are designed to support students who are experiencing financial difficulty or struggling to meet the costs of childcare.
Becoming a student can have an impact on your entitlement to certain benefits. It may mean you are no longer eligible to claim a benefit you have been receiving, or your new income from student funding may affect the amount you are able to receive.
If there isn’t a statutory source of funding for you or your course, or you are in need of additional financial support, you may wish to consider more alternative sources of funding such as trust funds and scholarships.
Choosing to become a student can have a big impact on your budget and you may need to reassess your spending to account for a reduced income. We’ve put together some guidance to help you manage your money and make the right financial choices for you and your family.
All students should apply directly to the University through our online application system. Before you apply, you should check that you meet our entry requirements and you should have all your supporting documents ready.
The first stage of the process is to complete the initial application form. You will then receive a follow-up email with further instructions relating to your application including documents that you will need to forward to support your application, e.g. degree transcripts and certificates etc.
Most courses don't have a formal closing date, but they will close when they are full; apply early to avoid disappointment. There may also be funding deadlines that apply to you.
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) applies to all international students and researchers (apart from exempt nationalities) who are subject to UK immigration control and are intending to study or research at postgraduate level in certain sensitive subjects.
Students and researchers who are nationals of EU countries, the European Economic Area (EEA), Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the United States of America do not need an ATAS certificate.
An ATAS certificate may be required for certain taught postgraduate master's degrees for international students at UWS.
For the latest information on ATAS and details of eligibility and how to apply for a certificate check the UK Government's dedicated ATAS web pages.
Do you have a question about applying for this course? Our friendly admissions teams are here to help!
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Our international team is ready to support you with your application and any questions about joining UWS from abroad.
UK based prospective students
If you’re applying from within the UK, our applicant enquiry team is here to guide you every step of the way.
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