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

Study Mode

Short Course

Duration

18 weeks - 16 hrs p/w

Start date

Aug 2026

Campus

Easterhouse

Applications open January 2026

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.

Joanne from our Creative Beauty course chats us through everything you need to know about studying on the course.

From lashes, brows, nails and makeup to social media skills, customer care and health and safety

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 Applicants must be 16 years or older by the 30th of September.

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

you need to have SQA ESOL National 5 (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)

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