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Essential Skills In Beauty Therapy

(SCQF level 4)

Beauty and Complementary Therapies, Hospitality and Leisure

Mode of Study

Full-time

Start Date

24th Aug 2026, 1 year

Overview

This beginner-level course is designed to introduce you to the essential skills and knowledge required to start a career in the beauty industry. You’ll gain hands-on experience in key beauty therapy treatments while developing an understanding of professional standards, client care, and workplace readiness.

This course is suitable for anyone new to beauty therapy who wants to develop strong foundational skills before moving into more advanced courses or gaining employment at a junior level in the beauty sector.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

  • Three National 4 qualifications; OR
  • NPA Cosmetology; OR
  • Other equivalent qualifications or experience.
  • Due to European Directive you require to be 16 years of age by 30 September 2025 to undertake this course.
  • You must provide a strong personal statement on your application.

Additional selection requirements

  • You'll be invited for a group and/or individual interview where you can find out more about the course and tell us why you're interested in this subject area.  There will be information session dates available and you will be invited to attend.

ESOL entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum SQA ESOL National 5 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher or equivalent for HNC/D courses.

What you study

  • Make-Up Fundamentals & Face Painting: Learn basic make-up techniques, product knowledge, skin preparation and natural look application, progressing on to bridal and evening looks. Creative face painting skills using colour, symmetry & blending and delivering simple character and festival designs.
  • Manicure, Gel Polish & Nail Art: Shape, file, prepare the nail, and apply polish wet and gel polishes as well as basic nail art, while maintaining hygiene and client comfort.
  • Skin Care: Develop core facial skills including double cleansing, skin analysis and mask application.
  • Health & Safety in the Salon: Understand hygiene practices, safe working methods, and compliance with industry standards.
  • Influences on Mental Health & Wellbeing: Gain insight into client wellbeing, communication, and creating a supportive, inclusive environment.
  • Preparing to Progress: Build confidence, explore career pathways, and develop the study and employability skills needed for further training.

You’ll also study units designed to support you in the salon and will work on live clients. College-certificated taster courses in massage and spa treatments are also included in the course. You must be willing to take part in all treatments taught on the course. Through treatment practice sessions, you'll gain experience and confidence working with clients.

After the course

Careers

This course prepares you with an excellent range of skills for a career in a junior role within the beauty sector.

Continuing Study

Students can apply for NQ Beauty Therapy (SCQF Level 6), NQ Complementary and Spa Therapies (SCQF Level 6), NQ Make-up Artistry (SCQF Level 6).

Teaching

How the course is taught

The course is a blend of both theory and practical subjects. Committed to helping you achieve your full potential, the teaching team employ a wide range of blended teaching methods to ensure that you are engaged at all levels of study and are supported in every aspect of your educational experience.

Students undertaking this course must be keen to learn about the beauty industry and have treatments done as well as deliver them. All practical skills are taught and practiced on each other prior to clients being provided for treatments.

This is a full-time course with additional home study. Excellent attendance is required and keenness to both deliver and receive treatments is essential.

Assessment methods

The course utilises a variety of assessment methods, including practical observation, record card completion, open book assessments / folios and closed book theory papers.

Additional Information

Materials

A kit and uniform is required for this course. Information will be provided once successful students have accepted their place and are pre-enrolled. All other materials for the course will be provided.

Dress code

For practical class, the College approved uniform must be worn, with suitable footwear - details will be supplied. Longer hair must be tied back, no jewellery on hands or arms, and nails must be short and unvarnished.

  • Mode of Study:
    Full-time
  • Start Date:
    24th Aug 2026, 1 year