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Beauty and Make-up NQ

(SCQF level 5)

Beauty and Complementary Therapies, Hospitality and Leisure

Mode of Study

Full-time

Start Date

25th Aug 2025, 1 year

Location

City Campus

Overview

An excellent and exciting introduction to beauty and make-up this course provides the qualifications you need to gain a junior role within the Beauty Industry, or entry to higher level courses.  

You’ll study basic beauty treatments for face, body and nails, make-up application techniques for the beauty salon and related subjects to National Certificate level. 

You'll be taught by a highly motivated team with an excellent range of industrial experience who deliver world-class student focussed learning. The department has been awarded the Herald Look Awards Training Institution of the Year and our students have gained Gold and Silver medals at WorldSkills UK including entry into Squad UK to compete on the world stage.

This course is placed on the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework at Level 5. You are required to study and practice at home to improve your knowledge and skills.

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 or we'll make an offer based on your application form.

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

You'll study:

  • Artificial Nail Tips and Overlay.
  • Facial Skin Care.
  • Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage.
  • Massage Techniques.
  • Personal Development.
  • Day Make-up and Basic Corrective Make-up.
  • Bridal and Evening Make-up.
  • Waxing Treatments.
  • Eye Enhancements.
  • Manicure.
  • Applying Practical Skills.
  • Salon Skills the Essentials.

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 ever expanding 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. 

Assessment methods

The course utilises a variety of assessment methods, including practical observation, record card completion, open book assessements / 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:
    25th Aug 2025, 1 year
  • Location:
    City Campus