A Master’s degree in aesthetic medicine and a masterclass are not in competition with one another; they address different issues. The Master’s degree provides a comprehensive overview of the entire field over the course of one or two years and awards you a qualification that some institutions and insurers value. A masterclass focuses on a specific technique, taught by a doctor who practises it on a daily basis, exactly when you need it. Most doctors who practise aesthetic medicine effectively have combined the two, and the order in which you undertake them matters less than the supervised practice that accompanies each. This guide compares formats, costs and what each has to offer.
What a Master’s degree offers you
- A comprehensive overview: anatomy, aesthetic dermatology, injectables, technologies, nutrition, management and legislation, all within a structured programme.
- A university qualification awarded by the institution itself, which is not an official specialist qualification but is required by some employers.
- A network of classmates and teachers to stay in touch with.
- Work placements, which vary considerably from one programme to another: ranging from hundreds of hours with patients to observation at partner clinics.
What a master’s degree doesn’t guarantee is that you’ll come out of it able to practise with ease. Many programmes focus more on theory than on practical skills, and real-world experience is gained later on.
What a masterclass offers you
- In-depth focus on a particular technique or area, based on the clinical judgement of the practitioner each week.
- Access whenever you need it: before starting a course, not according to the academic calendar.
- Standardised procedure: the recording is reviewed before each new patient.
- Follow-up with the doctor running the course, if the course format includes this, to discuss your first cases.
- Proportional cost: you pay for the technique you are going to use.
What a masterclass doesn’t provide is a broad foundation. If you don’t have a solid understanding of facial anatomy or a protocol for dealing with complications, starting with advanced techniques is a mistake.
How to combine both formats
- If you’re coming from another specialism and haven’t worked in aesthetic medicine before, a structured foundation course (a master’s degree, a university specialist course or an equivalent programme) will help you fill in any gaps in your knowledge.
- From there on, every technique you incorporate deserves its own masterclass with supervised practice: botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid fillers, threads, biostimulators.
- If you’re already practising and simply need to incorporate a new area or resolve a specific problem, the masterclass is the most efficient option.
- In any case, it’s a combination of practical experience with real patients and supervision. It’s the only factor that distinguishes those who know the subject from those who have merely seen it.
What to check in either case
- Teachers should be practising doctors who can be easily identified and who have their own cases.
- Actual hours of clinical practice with patients and the tutor-to-student ratio.
- Independence from commercial brands, or transparency regarding agreements.
- Materials available for consultation afterwards: recordings, protocols, injection maps.
- A channel for answering questions when your patients start their treatment.
- Invoice and certificate detailing the content and hours. Please remember that no qualification replaces membership of a professional body or authorisation from the centre, and that the health advertising restricts how you can advertise your qualifications.
Indicative costs
A master’s degree in aesthetic medicine at a private university usually costs several thousand euros, sometimes in excess of ten thousand, plus travel expenses. Masterclasses range from hundreds to a few thousand euros, depending on whether they include in-person practical sessions. Always compare the cost per hour of actual hands-on practice with patients, as that is what ultimately counts.
How the masterclasses work at Medars
In the Medars training Each masterclass is delivered by a practising, registered doctor, is reviewed before publication, and is available in three formats: a recording, a recording with one month’s follow-up from the doctor delivering the class, and a recording with follow-up and a certificate. Courses are purchased separately; membership grants access to the catalogue and, from the Gold tier onwards, at a 10% lower price. Basic membership is free for life and is activated once your registration with the medical council has been verified, with no credit card required. Request access or check the memberships.
Related guides
- Botulinum toxin training for doctors: what a reputable course should include
- Dermal filler training courses for doctors: how to choose and what to look for
- How to get started in aesthetic medicine as a doctor: a realistic roadmap
- Requirements for setting up a cosmetic medicine practice in Spain
Continue exploring Medars
- Training for doctors: masterclasses on botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid fillers and facial contouring, delivered by practising doctors.
- Memberships: Basic is free forever, and Gold and Black are available if you want more access.
- The Lounge: clinical cases with colleagues, direct messages and clinic rooms to rent.
- The Shop: verified laboratories and distributors.
- Teach at Medars: publish your masterclass and keep 70% from each sale.
- Frequently asked questions: verification, access and memberships.