Creative Beauty : NQ (Level 5)
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Course overview
Begin your journey into skin health, wellness and holistic therapies.
The NQ Skin, Health & Wellness Therapies (Level 5) course offers a practical, supportive introduction to the growing beauty and wellbeing sector. Delivered over 36 weeks, this full-time programme is ideal for anyone starting out in skin health, holistic therapy and wellness-focused careers.
You’ll begin by building strong foundations in facial skincare, body massage, waxing, anatomy and physiology, health and safety, and client care. As your confidence grows, you’ll progress into more advanced and current wellness practices, allowing you to develop both your practical ability and professional confidence.
Learning takes place in purpose-built training salons, where you’ll work with real clients under the guidance of experienced practitioners. This hands-on approach helps you develop professionalism, communication skills and a strong sense of personal practice from the outset.
Alongside practical training, the course includes workshops in employability, sustainability, self-development and the business of wellness, supporting you to explore future career pathways and begin shaping your professional identity within the industry.
This course is suitable if you:
- Are interested in skin health, wellness and holistic therapies
- Are new to the beauty or wellbeing industry
- Enjoy practical, hands-on learning
- Want to work with clients in a professional salon environment
- Are a school leaver, adult returning to learning, or career changer
What you will learn
You’ll gain the core skills and understanding needed to deliver professional beauty and holistic treatments, including:
- Core Skin, Health & Wellness Skills - You’ll build a strong foundation in skin health and wellbeing through practical, hands-on learning. This includes:
- Facial skincare techniques including cleansing, exfoliation, massage and masks
- Body massage for relaxation and wellbeing
- Waxing techniques and aftercare
- Anatomy and physiology relevant to holistic beauty
- Health, safety and professional salon standards
- Client consultation, communication and trust-building
- Safe and effective use of products and equipment
- Developing & Advanced Wellness Practice - As your skills progress, you’ll explore a range of modern and holistic wellness techniques. These include:
- Advanced facial techniques including gua sha, lymphatic drainage and facial massage
- Microneedling awareness (theory-based)
- Aromatherapy introduction and wellness rituals
- Chair massage and body wellbeing practice
- Alternative wellness approaches and mindful self-care practices
- Professional & Personal Development - You’ll learn how to communicate confidently with clients, plan and reflect on treatments, and build trust in a professional salon environment.
- Treatment planning and reflective practice
- Product knowledge, sustainability and ethical sourcing
- Employability and confidence-building workshops
- Personal branding, photography and social media basics
- Mindfulness, resilience and professional wellbeing
Learning takes place in purpose-built training salons, giving you the opportunity to work with real clients and apply your skills in a supportive, professional setting.
Entry requirements
✅ No prior experience required
✅ An interest in skin health, wellness and holistic practice
✅ Willingness to practise skills and engage with learning beyond class time
ℹ️ Due to Health & Safety, Awarding Bodies stipulations or Legislation set by Governing Bodies - you must be 16 years old 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 entry-level roles within the wellbeing sector, including:
💆 Spa and Wellness Assistant
🌿 Holistic Therapy Assistant
🧴 Skincare or Beauty Assistant
🏨 Spa Reception or Client Care Roles
💼 Assistant roles in wellness and holistic settings
Future prospects
Successful completion of this course can lead to:
- Further study in Beauty Therapy, Spa Therapy and Wellness Therapies
- Employment within spa, salon and holistic environments
- Entry-level freelance or assistant roles in the wellbeing sector
Our Environment
Training takes place in purpose-built salons, working with real clients and learning from experienced practitioners who bring current industry practice into the classroom.
Alongside hands-on therapy skills, you’ll take part in workshops focused on employability, sustainability, self-promotion and the business of wellness, helping you understand both the practical and professional sides of the industry.
