A facial treatment with laser or ultrasound, permanent hair removal or microneedling: contrary to the clichés, a treatment in a cosmetic studio does not just consist of applying creams and massaging faces. The problem, however, is that anyone can call themselves a beautician; the job title is not protected. The new “Cosmetic Science and Management” course at the Deggendorf University of Technology is intended to help.
Corina Welsch, operational director of the Center for Academic Continuing Education at Deggendorf University of Technology, expects the new course of study to “professionalize the job profile”. From March 2024, students should be able to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in eight semesters while working part-time. The planned course of study for Welsch is “unique in Bavaria in this combination” due to the combination of modules from different subject areas.
These range from business content to scientific aspects, scientific work and business English. The correct use of ultrasound or laser devices for skin treatment is also taught. Through the interdisciplinary combination of modules, students should learn the cosmetic craft and be prepared for running their own business or a career in pharmacy or dermatology. There are 20 places for the first round of the course. The application phase has been running for three weeks and the response has been great and positive, reveals Welsch.
Not surprising, says Silvia Hartl-Katzdobler, head of the Bavarian Beauticians’ Guild. She had the idea for the new course. So far, anyone could theoretically open a cosmetic studio, even without any training. Even the existing training courses are often not sufficient to learn the craft of cosmetics in depth. Many training courses from private providers only lasted a few months. “Cosmetic studios are also usually very small and don’t offer enough space to have a trainee with you at all times during treatments.” However, applications without sufficient knowledge and experience would pose risks for customers. “The results are often simply bad. Many people have problems with their skin, for example.”
Hartl-Katzdobler and her colleagues Sandra Lang and Ulrike Waldenfels have long been committed to the interests of the cosmetics industry. During the lockdowns, they discovered that there were hardly any contacts for the profession, says Lang. Most cosmetic businesses were affiliated with hairdressing guilds. In the past few decades, however, the profession of cosmetics has changed significantly and moved away from hairdressing. In 2021, the trio founded the Donau-Wald beauticians’ guild – the first new guild to be founded in 60 years. The guild currently has 28 companies from Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. The aim is to protect the rights and interests of beauticians in the Free State and to professionalize training.
The course is part-time and costs 1,800 euros per semester
Hartl-Katzdobler therefore believes that studying makes sense. In addition to practical applications, chemical and physical basics are also taught there. This scientific orientation also distinguishes the course from practice-oriented training. In addition, an academic degree in cosmetology can sensitize customers to reputable providers. Your long-term goal is therefore to protect the job title. Hartl-Katzdobler suspects that not everyone in the industry will support her idea. “Because then not everyone can open a studio so easily anymore.”
The new course of study in Deggendorf is part-time. Students spend four days a week in the company and study at the university on Fridays and Saturdays. A high school diploma, completed advanced training or completed vocational training including three years of relevant professional experience is required. The costs are 1,800 euros per semester. The Technical University has been accepting applications for three weeks.