Introduction
Welcome to our new course, designed in alignment with QUALIFI’s rigorous standards to provide learners with a realistic, practical, and rewarding pathway for career and professional development. This programme is tailored to support individuals seeking to enhance their vocational skills, enterprise capabilities, and industry knowledge—enabling a direct link to meaningful employment opportunities and long-term success in their chosen sectors.
This course is more than just academic learning—it is a dynamic journey into the heart of how modern businesses operate, adapt, and grow. Grounded in national occupational standards, it equips learners with the essential knowledge, skills, and understanding to enter or progress within the workforce with confidence and competence.
Throughout the course, you will:
- Explore the structure, strategy, and processes of diverse organisations.
- Gain insight into the influence of external factors in a fast-evolving global business landscape.
- Develop analytical and evaluative skills essential for decision-making and innovation.
- Enhance your understanding of management and leadership principles in real-world contexts.
- Strengthen your problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication abilities.
- Reflect on your own development and build transferable skills to support lifelong learning and career progression.
Whether you’re beginning your professional journey or aiming to advance your existing career, this course provides a solid foundation and the flexibility to grow with your ambitions. It’s not just about gaining qualifications—it’s about unlocking your potential.
Course code
CABQ
Location
Dumfries Campus
Duration
Fulltime attendance is required 2 – 3 days per week for 36 weeks.
Entry Requirements
Three National 5 qualifications including English; OR
NPA Cosmetology; OR
Other equivalent qualifications or experience.
Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum ESOL Intermediate level 2 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher for HNC/D courses.
You are required to be 16 years of age by August 2026 to undertake this course.
- This qualification is designed for learners aged 16 years and older who have achieved a Level 2 qualification or apprenticeship in Beauty Therapy or have equivalent qualifications and/or substantial industry experience for direct entry to Level 3. Learners undertaking the unit/Certificate in Intimate Waxing must be aged 18 years or older.
- Centres are responsible for ensuring that this qualification is suited to the ability of learners.
- The qualification has been designed to be accessible without artificial barriers that restrict access and progression. Entry to the qualification will be through centre interview and learners will be assessed on an individual basis.
Entry to this qualification is at the discretion of the centre. However, for health and safety reasons it is the centres responsibility to ensure that candidates must be 16 years of age at the time of registration. HABIA Fact Sheet – Pre 16 Age restrictions
HABIA Fact Sheet – Pre 16 Age restrictions
Information and Interview Session Requirements
If selected, you will be asked to attend an in-person selection session where you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your skills, experience, enthusiasm and suitability for this course.
Please be aware that there are only 2 selection sessions available. We strongly recommend that you attend the first session as offers will be made from the session and this may reduce the places available for the second session.
Session dates are:
Tuesday 24th March
Tuesday 5th May
You must attend one to be able to be considered for a place on the course.
At the session you will also be required to bring:
Evidence of your qualifications, employment experience, interest in the sector demonstrated in your personal statement.
We will ensure the entry requirements, and your aspirations and career plans are appropriate for the course and the level of course you have applied for.
Course Content
What you will learn
Anatomy and Physiology
Health, safety and hygiene
Client consultation
Manicure treatments
Pedicure treatments
Waxing treatments
Facial skincare treatments
Lash and brow treatments
Makeup techniques
This may be subject to change.
Assessments
Key Points for Assessment
Closed book Multiple Choice question papers for assessments for knowledge and understanding.
Vocational Focus: Assessments are designed to support career progression by reflecting real-world, work-related tasks.
Holistic Observation: Each unit will be assessed primarily through observations of practical activities, ensuring that the process is realistic and reflective of workplace scenarios.
Knowledge Demonstration: Learners must demonstrate essential knowledge and understanding that supports their skills practice. This ensures they can deliver services or treatments safely and effectively.
Action-Based Reflection: Where appropriate, learners will be asked to provide recommendations or action plans, reinforcing their ability to reflect and respond professionally.
Intellectual Rigor: Assessment tasks will require critical thinking and analysis, with expectations aligned to the academic and professional level of the qualification.
Progression
This qualification could lead to employment within the Beauty sector and as a progression to further training within the chosen subject area within the college.
Explore your future career options.
With additional qualifications this 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.
Career Prospects
This course opens a range of exciting career opportunities by equipping learners with both the practical skills and the professional insight needed to thrive in a dynamic industry environment.
Vocational and Technical Roles
- Beauty Therapist / Spa Professional (if linked to wellness/spa industry)
- Skincare Specialist or Massage Therapist
- Health and Wellness Consultant
- Salon or Spa Supervisor / Manager
Transferable Skills for Diverse Sectors
The course also develops highly transferable skills—communication, problem-solving, organisation, and reflective thinking—which are valued in:
- Retail and customer service
- Hospitality and tourism
- Health and fitness industries
- Training or mentoring roles
Additional funding information
You may be eligible for Bursary or EMA (Education Maintenance Allowance) funding for this course. Please contact a member of the funding team for details.
Selling Points
This course is not just a qualification—it’s a launchpad for a thriving career, a stepping stone to leadership, and a platform for personal and professional success.