A DEGREE IN Beauty

Delhi Skill and Enterprise University (DSEU) has introduced Bachelor of Arts in Aesthetic and Beauty Therapy. Priyanka Parshurami speaks with the experts involved to bring you a complete update.

The beauty and wellness sector is one of the fastest growing industries in India. As per market reports, India has ranked fourth in revenue generation from the beauty and personal care market in 2021. The industry is expected to reach US$ 33.33 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.32 per cent. However, this sector is still not as organised as other industries, majorly because it lacks skilled, educated and trained professionals, because of absence of a uniform beauty education system.

But now, with the launch of a unique and one-of-itskind degree course, Bachelor of Arts in Aesthetic & Beauty Therapy by Delhi Skill and Enterprise University (DSEU), the beauty industry will have educated and trained professionals ready to take the Indian beauty industry towards the success it deserves.

CAREFULLY PLANNED CURRICULUM

In this programme, students would gain skills in enhancing the looks and styles, skincare, make-up, hair design, inner well-being, eco-sensitive product knowledge and cosmetics. Students will also learn beauty outlet management and marketing skills. Recent trends in the beauty industry, both nationally and internationally, will form part of the programme.

The curriculum is developed to prepare students for employment in the beauty and cosmetics industry and will have modules to prepare those who wish to start their own business in the aesthetic and wellness salon industry.

“The course is designed in a way where the students get to learn the latest trends of the beauty industry directly from the industry experts. We are trying to keep the curriculum at par with the latest industry trends and standards,” says Nidhi Goswami, Programme Anchor of BA Aesthetic & Beauty Therapy, DSEU.u Duration: BA Aesthetic & Beauty Therapy is a UGCaffiliated three-year under-graduate course. It is divided into six semesters. Current Capacity of the Course: Between 60 to 198 students. Selection Qualification: An individual should be at least 12th pass with a minimum of 50 per cent. This course is also open to the individuals who have passed 12th years ago and are currently working on the floor.

Importantly, BA Aesthetic & Beauty Therapy has no age bar. It is open to all aspirants who want to make their career in the beauty and wellness industry.

“There is a training and placement cell at DSEU that is working towards ensuring campus placement for the students of this BA course,” adds Nidhi.

Another thing that the institution values is partnership. They work together hand in hand with the beauty industry at every stage i.e. right from course designing to being a visiting faculty to imparting international standard education.

HOLISTIC VIEW OF HAIRDRESSING

“This course is unique in a few aspects if we compare it with other courses offered in the industry. It is a three-year degree course, which offers education from basic to advanced. Complete knowledge regarding all aspects of hair and beauty. Secondly, the course includes hair, beauty, make-up, aesthetics, salon management, etc. This is unique as other academies only offer part of each aspect. Thirdly, there are regular interactions with industry specialists through masterclasses. And last but not the least, enough and more time to practice at the dedicated hair and beauty labs,” says Najeeb Ur Rehman, Consultant Schwarzkopf Professional India, Godrej Kerasmooth Ambassador and Visiting Faculty for the BA in Aesthetic & Beauty programme.

He further adds, “I generally plan the topics for the masterclass as a hairdresser does at the salon i.e consultation + haircut and colour/ treatment and styling, so students can see in a salon how we can combine services through a complete look. Hairdressing requires practice to become better. So, keep learning and practising to face the nail-biting competition in the market.”

SALON MANAGEMENT

The degree programme is open for aspirants of the beauty and wellness industry from all walks of life, but it is also important to take into consideration that the majority of the students are teenagers. The curriculum aims at giving them an in-depth understanding of the beauty industry rather than just imparting knowledge about hairdressing, make-up and beauty.

BA Aesthetic and Beauty Therapy by Delhi Skill and Enterprise University – Course Details

“While designing the course of salon management, we had considered the aspects like what will they learn and how will they grasp and what will they deliver. As they should be efficient at things but at the same time, they are new to this entire beauty and wellness industry. Hence, the key was to balance the curriculum in a way so that we change their view into a vision,” says Gunjan Taneja, Salon Management Guru, Executive Director, ALPS Beauty Group and Visiting faculty for Salon Management, BA Aesthetic & Beauty Therapy.

She adds, “It is a beautiful world for the students to enter. Beauty is a profession where one can earn blessings along with money. When a beauty professional makes their client look beautiful, it enhances their confidence in facing the world and fills their life with happiness. As a result, the one who has induced this beautiful confidence in them gets blessed.”

When asked where does DSEU envision the programme in the next five years, Manju Jain, Campus Director, DSEU Siri Fort, says, “In next five years, we at DSEU would like to start a post-graduation degree in beauty and aesthetics. And may also start a research programme for beauty and wellness. As currently that is one course missing as a part of the Indian beauty and wellness industry.”

Dr Neeta Pradhan Das, Head - Strategy & Partnerships says, “The beauty industry needs to own this degree course as we are doing it for the industry. The beauty industry needs to invest in its human capital on priority to make the industry more organised and march towards success. The Indian beauty industry is celebrated across the globe but not celebrated in our country. It is time we start doing it rather than waiting for international recognition and support.”

She further adds, “Industry should start thinking about tomorrow to be competing with international brands with educated, trained and skilled manpower. There should also be a focus on educating the supply chain like the distributors and wholesalers along with the salon owners and artists for the holistic growth of the Indian beauty industry.” PBHJ