Hairdressing: An Introduction: NQ (Level 5)
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Course overview
Step into the new year with a fresh start in beauty.
This exciting January-start course is ideal for anyone with a passion for creative beauty — from school leavers to adults looking for a new career direction.
Based in our modern, industry-standard training salon, you’ll receive hands-on experience from expert tutors who are current professionals in the beauty sector. You’ll also work with real clients in our open salons, developing confidence, customer care and creativity from day one.
Throughout the course, you’ll learn key practical and professional skills across make-up, nails, and brow treatments, along with workshops on self-employment, photography, and how to build your client base through social media.
An essentials kit and uniform are provided.
🕓 Runs Monday to Thursday – designed to fit around the school day and support learners with childcare or family commitments.
This course is perfect if you:
- Are passionate about beauty and creativity.
- Are a school leaver or adult returner seeking a new career.
- Want to gain practical skills in make-up, nails, brows, and client care.
- Hope to progress to further beauty qualifications or work in the industry.
What you will learn
You’ll gain the essential knowledge and practical experience to begin your beauty career, including:
- Manicure, Gel Polish & Nail Art – develop professional nail techniques and creative finishes.
- Brow & Lash Treatments – learn waxing, shaping, tinting, lamination, and lash extension skills.
- Creative Make-Up Application – explore current industry trends and techniques.
- Health, Safety & Professional Practice – understand best practice in hygiene and salon standards.
- Client Consultation & Communication – provide professional, confident client care.
- Social Media & Branding – learn how to build and promote your client base online.
- Employability & Personal Development – strengthen teamwork, presentation, and customer skills.
Entry requirements
✅ No formal experience is required — just enthusiasm and a genuine interest in the beauty industry.
✅ A positive, self-motivated attitude and willingness to dedicate personal time are essential.
✅ A clear and well-written personal statement helps us place you on the most suitable course.
ℹ️ Applicants must be 16 years or older at the start of the course.
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
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Advanced Hairdressing Techniques: SVQ3
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