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Creative Beauty : NQ (Level 5)

A beauty therapy student provides a manicure to a client, shaping nails with a file while smiling in a professional training setting.
Qualification Qualifications Explained
NQ
Study Mode
Short Course
Duration

18 weeks - 16 hrs p/w
Start date
Aug 2026
Campus
Easterhouse
Apply now

Course overview

Step into the creative world of beauty and bring your passion to life.

This 18-week introductory course is designed for anyone with an interest in beauty — from school leavers to adults looking for a new career direction. You’ll gain hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art training salons, learning directly from experienced, industry-active tutors while working with real clients in open salon sessions.

The course covers the core skills needed for success in the beauty industry, including make-up, nails, brows, and lash treatments, alongside client care, consultation, and professional standards. You’ll also learn about social media marketing, photography, and self-employment, helping you develop the confidence to promote your work and build a client base.

An essentials kit and uniform are provided, and the timetable (Monday to Thursday) is designed to fit around school hours — ideal for learners with childcare or work commitments.

This course is ideal for:

  • Creative individuals with an interest in make-up, nails, and beauty treatments.
  • School leavers or adults looking for a career change into beauty therapy.
  • Learners who enjoy hands-on, client-focused work and creative expression.
  • Anyone who wants to build professional skills and confidence in a supportive salon setting.

What you will learn

You’ll develop the practical and creative techniques used by professional beauty therapists, including:

  • Manicure, Gel Polish & Nail Art – foundational and creative nail skills.
  • Brow & Lash Treatments – shaping, tinting, waxing, lamination and extensions.
  • Make-Up Techniques – current creative and fashion make-up trends.
  • Health & Safety in the Salon – maintaining professional standards and hygiene.
  • Client Consultation & Care – effective communication and service delivery.
  • Products & Equipment – knowledge of tools and materials (kit provided).
  • Social Media & Photography – building your beauty profile and portfolio.
  • Employability & Personal Development – self-confidence, presentation and teamwork.
A beauty student in a black uniform sharing their journey into the beauty industry, seated in front of a green floral backdrop.

Discover Our Creative Beauty Course 💄✨

Joanne from our Creative Beauty course shares everything you need to know about studying with us.

Over 18 weeks, students develop practical skills in lashes, brows, nails and makeup, alongside essential knowledge in social media, customer care and health & safety — preparing them for a career in the beauty industry.

Skills. Confidence. Career-ready.

View on YouTube

Entry requirements

✅ No prior experience required — just enthusiasm for the beauty industry.

✅ Self-motivation and commitment to home study and practice.

✅ A thoughtful personal statement will support your application.

ℹ️ Due to Health & Safety, Awarding Bodies stipulations or Legislation set by Governing Bodies - you must be 16 years old by the 30th of September.

ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language

  • If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment  here at the College.

Career Opportunities

This course prepares you for a wide range of roles within the beauty industry, including:

💅 Beauty Therapist Assistant

💄 Make-Up or Brow Technician

💎 Nail Artist

🏙️ Retail Beauty Consultant

🧴 Self-Employed or Freelance Beauty Specialist

Future prospects

After completing this course, you can move on to NQ Introduction to Beauty, Skin & Wellness Therapies (Level 5) or progress to a higher-level level beauty/make-up  qualification, where you’ll refine your technical and professional skills for employment or further study

Two beauty therapy students perform nail treatments on clients at a manicure station, engaging in hands-on training in a salon-like environment.
A beauty therapy student consults with a client in a skincare treatment room, wearing a professional uniform and holding a clipboard.
A beauty therapy student applies a facial treatment to a client lying under a red blanket in a professional training setting.
A beauty therapy lecturer supervises a student performing a facial treatment on a mannequin, providing guidance and training.
A beauty therapy student applies eyelash extensions to a mannequin head under a magnifying lamp in a professional training environment.
A close-up of a beauty therapy student applying eyelash extensions with tweezers to a mannequin head, focusing on precision techniques.

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Read What Our Student Said

Video Transcript – Joanne: NQ Creative Beauty (Level 5)

Hi there, I'm Jovan Blaney. I'm on the Level 5 beauty course.

I never thought I would get into the beauty industry as I've always worked retail. 

We're just learning about the different beauty treatments, different classes we've been going to.

I've been actually really enjoying it. I would say my favourite class is the lashes. We've done the cluster lashes, we've learned about the semi-permanent lashes and the brows. We're doing waxing, tweezing, Brow tinting, lash tinting, then you've got your makeup as well.

The nails class as well. Manicures, we're learning about the gel polishes, which is really, really good, really interesting, bringing clients in as well.

Personally speaking, I think it's brought my confidence out more, to speak to people more, get to know people more, and learn about the different beauty treatments as well.

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