Introduction
Welcome to Your New Learning Journey with QUALIFI
Get ready to embark on an exciting and transformative educational journey with our newly designed course framework, built around the dynamic and forward-thinking standards of QUALIFI qualifications.
This framework offers a broad and realistic pathway for learners who are passionate about professional growth and career development. Whether you’re aiming to sharpen your vocational skills, explore enterprise opportunities, or elevate your role within a chosen industry, this course is designed to support you every step of the way.
At the heart of the framework are clear, career-driven objectives:
- To guide and support learners in carving out their own professional path.
- To deepen understanding of today’s diverse and fast-moving business environments.
- To nurture the development of the practical, analytical, and creative skills that drive long-term success.
Through a rich blend of disciplines and skill-building opportunities, you’ll gain valuable insights into how organisations operate, adapt, and thrive amid constant change. You’ll explore how external forces influence internal processes and discover what it takes for businesses to remain resilient and innovative.
This course is more than just a qualification—it’s a platform for unlocking your potential. You’ll learn to:
- Apply critical thinking and evaluative techniques in real-world contexts.
- Solve complex problems creatively and make confident, informed decisions.
- Engage with information from multiple sources to uncover insights and opportunities.
- Reflect on your own growth and develop a toolkit of transferable skills that will benefit you in any professional setting.
This is your opportunity to challenge yourself, grow with purpose, and build a future grounded in knowledge, adaptability, and ambition. Let’s begin!
Course code
CDBQ
Location
Dumfries Campus
Duration
Fulltime attendance is required.
Entry Requirements
Three National 4 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 above. Although there are no mandatory entry requirements for the Qualifi Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Therapy, centres are responsible for ensuring that this qualification is appropriate 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
Once we have received your application you will be asked to attend an informal information and interview session.
Learners will be required to attend a face-to-face interview or an interview on teams’ video to further discuss your application. You’ll be invited for a group and/or individual interview where you can find out more about the course and tell us why you’re interested in this subject area.
This is a key aspect of the application process. You must confirm your attendance should you be offered an appointment.
During the information and interview session, we will ensure the entry requirements, and your aspirations and career plan are appropriate for the course and the level of course you have applied for. It is therefore important that you prepare well for this.
Entry Test Information – Beauty Applicants
As part of the interview process for the Level 5 Beauty course, all applicants will be asked to complete a short entry test.
The purpose of the entry test is to help us understand your current skills, learning needs, and readiness for the course. It is not a pass or fail test, and you are not expected to have any previous hairdressing experience.
The entry test may include:
Short written questions
Basic numeracy questions
Simple scenarios related to salon work and customer care
The information gathered from the test helps us to:
Place you on the correct level of course
Identify any additional learning support you may benefit from
Ensure you are fully supported throughout your studies
Completion of the entry test is a mandatory part of the interview process.
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 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.