Frequently asked questions

MSTA stands for Model Standards Training Academy, the UK skincare training academy founded by Kirsty Stevenson in Liverpool. The name comes from Model Standards, the skincare clinic Kirsty founded in 2014, out of which the academy grew in 2018. Our only website is mstauk.com, and our legal entity is International Skincare Education (UK) Limited. You’ll also see the fuller form Model Standards Skincare Training Academyon our Google profile; it is the same academy. We are not connected to other organisations that use the MSTA acronym, to the domain msta.co.uk, or to any “Medical & Scientific Training Academy”.

Aesthetic Skincare For Beginners is MSTA’s flagship beginner skincare course, delivered as a complete Skincare Learning Pathway rather than simply its in-person training block. It combines online skin theory, intensive hands-on training in Liverpool, Ofqual-regulated qualifications, supervised practice, business launch support and ongoing coaching. The pathway is built around your starting point and goals, and typically runs over 4–12 months. See the full breakdown on the Aesthetic Skincare For Beginners pathway.

Our practical training takes place at our academy in Liverpool. Students travel from all over the country to attend. You can see upcoming dates on our course schedule, and we are happy to recommend places to stay if you need them.

Yes. Our training is fully accredited and recognised by insurers, and we also deliver OFQUAL regulated qualifications through our VTCT-approved centre. You can read more about our standards on our accreditations page.

For our beginner skincare course, no. Aesthetic Skincare For Beginners is designed to teach you everything you need from scratch, including the anatomy and physiology that underpins safe practice. If you are completely new, our complete beginners guide is the best place to understand the route.

Across our skincare courses, delivered either as complete Skincare Learning Pathways or focused Executive Skincare Courses, you can train in skin theory, anatomy and physiology, skin analysis, facials, chemical peels, dermaplaning, microneedling and more.

Often, yes. Many of our students already hold individual certificates but want the confidence, clinical depth and treatment workflows to deliver results consistently. Our regulated pathways and focused advanced programmes are built for exactly that. Explore our Skincare Learning Pathways and Executive Skincare Courses.

Yes. We deliver OFQUAL regulated Level 2 to 6 pathways through our VTCT-approved centre, for professionals who want to elevate their skills and credentials. Learn more on our VTCT courses page.

Investment varies by pathway, and we offer payment plans through our finance partner as well as independent options. We confirm the exact figures before you commit to anything. See our finance page for details.

Yes. During your course we introduce you to an insurance provider you can contact directly to arrange cover, so you are protected as you begin treating clients.

Book a free discovery call and our team will answer everything and help you find the right route. You can also reach us through our contact page or by emailing info@mstauk.com.