Hair, Beauty, Complementary Therapies and Make-Up

When we look good, we feel good and as we know, our personal well-being is vital to good health. Beauty Therapy professionals play an important role in this by helping us to look and feel our best. They also get to be part of a diverse and ever evolving industry, which both rewarding and challenging to work in.

To be successful in this profession you must be passionate about what you do, caring, creative, committed and hardworking. You’ll also need to be self-motivated, a good team player and enjoy working with people. If you’re interested in a career in the exciting world of beauty, this course is for you.

The spa and beauty sector is on the rise. This course equips you with essential skills and opens doors to diverse career paths—from salon ownership to cruise ship spa therapy.

A real interest in beauty therapy.

Four National 5s at band c or above or equivalent, or a Beauty qualification at SCQF Level 5, or Contemporary Spa and Beauty Therapy level 6 August course,

To submit an application, completing all sections, including Personal Statement in full. NB we may notify you of the outcome by letter and/or invite you to an interview.

To be aged 16 or over.

If you don't have formal qualifications, but have life experience, then we'll also consider you for a place.

This course offers advancement if you’re starting your Beauty studies, and also develops existing skills if you’re progressing from Level 6 January course. Most units are both practical and theory based, and you’ll be working on each other and clients in our commercial salon. You’ll also be encouraged to work part-time in a salon or spa to gain valuable work experience while you complete your studies.

Due to beauty being such a fast-changing industry, our aim is always to ensure that your course develops the current skills and knowledge required for positive progression, therefore some of what you study on the course may change.

Here’s just some of what you may study:

Nail finishes - you’ll develop skills in shaping, improving the appearance of cuticles, nail polishing and basic hand massage.

Eye enhancements - you’ll learn skills in eyelash and eyebrow tinting, eyebrow shaping and how to apply false eyelashes.

Waxing - you’ll develop your skills in warm waxing, to include a range of facial and body areas.

Body massage - you’ll learn how to perform a full body massage, through a range of techniques to meet the aims of different treatment plans.

Facial treatments - you’ll develop skills in customising treatments for individual client requirements

You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your skills through:

Working in our commercial training salons.

Going on work experience.

Taking part in competitions such as World Skills.

Hearing from industry speakers.

Volunteering for community events, like performing manicures for charity.

Helping at promotional events, such as campus wellbeing days.

You’ll build transferable Essential Skills in meaningful contexts to help you become more effective in life, learning, and work. This could be communication, numeracy, ICT, working with others, and problem solving.

When you successfully complete this course, you may progress to:

Level 7 course such as HNC Beauty or Spa, Wellness & Complementary Therapies @SCQF level 7

Exploring your future career options which could include: Salon Beauty Therapist, Spa Therapist, Self-employed Beauty Therapist/Salon Owner, Beauty Therapist on board a cruise ship, Beauty Therapist Trainer/Educator or Nail Technician

• Duration: 10 weeks, short full-time
• Funding: Various options are available. Check our Funding page.