Introduction
Our National Certificate in Beauty Care at Level 6 is your gateway to a rewarding career in the beauty industry or progression to a highly recognised HNC programme. This comprehensive course covers advanced treatments for the face, body, and nails, along with professional make-up application techniques, ensuring you develop the skills and confidence to succeed.
You will train with industry-leading products such as Eve Taylor and Beautiful Brows and Lashes, giving you valuable experience with brands widely used in professional settings—an excellent advantage when seeking employment.
Taught by a passionate and experienced team with real-world expertise, this course combines practical training with expert guidance to prepare you for the demands of the industry. Upon completion, you’ll receive a highly respected qualification that sets you apart.
Course code
NBEC
Location
Dumfries Campus
Duration
Full Time
Attendance 2 or 3 days per week. 1 year (36 weeks)
Please note this may be subject to change.
Additional hours for work experience attendance may be required.
Entry Requirements
Four National 5 qualifications at grade C or above, preferably English and a Science subject; OR
NQ/NC qualification at SCQF level 5 in Beauty Care; OR
other equivalent qualifications or experience.
You are required to be 16 years of age by August 2025 to undertake this course.
Approval of Qualifications: EU Regulations for learners under 16 years of age
Centres are responsible for ensuring they comply with the European Union (EU) Directive and are aware of the Pre-16 Restrictions set out by the Sector Skills Body, HABIA, (European Directive Pre-16 Restrictions). These restrictions apply to the following Group Awards and their units, whether the units are delivered as part of a Group Award or on an individual standalone basis. For further information, please click here to view the learner restrictions as per the industry authority.
Information and Interview Session Requirements
Once we have received your application you may 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 will be invited for a group and/or individual interview where you can find out more about the course and tell us why you are 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.
Course Content
Topics you will study:
Body Massage
Face and Body Electrotherapy
Facial Treatment Packages
Facial Techniques
Depilation
Acrylic Nails
Nail Finishes
Wellness Therapies: Body Structures and Benefits of Treatments
St Tropez Spray Tanning
Creative Current Make-up Trends
Commercial Experience
(The units may be subject to change)
Level 6 Beauty Course Units Overview
Body Massage:
Develop advanced massage techniques to promote relaxation, improve circulation, and address specific client needs while understanding the benefits for various body systems. Learn to consult with clients in a professional manner to identify treatment aims, prepare and carry out the massage in a safe and hygienic environment in compliance with current health and safety legislation. You will also learn to correctly evaluate the effects of the treatment, ensuring optimal outcomes for your clients, and become proficient in both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for delivering high-quality massage.
Face and Body Electrotherapy:
Gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills using the latest electrotherapy technologies. Master microdermabrasion to refine skin texture, and microcurrent facial machines to lift and tone facial muscles. Learn to use galvanic currents to improve product absorption, vacuum suction to enhance lymphatic drainage, and faradic therapy to tone muscles and contour the body. These are just some of the advanced techniques to allow you to deliver high-performance results tailored to client needs.
Facial Treatment Packages:
Learn to create and perform comprehensive facial treatment packages tailored to individual client needs. Develop skills working with different skin types—dry, normal, oily, and combination—while incorporating essential steps such as cleansing, toning, skin warming with steamers and warm towels, exfoliation, masque application, and moisturising. Experience working with setting, non-setting, and paraffin wax masques to address varied skin concerns. Learn and understand the importance of aftercare advice and product recommendations.
Facial Techniques:
Build a strong foundation in facial treatments by studying the structure and function of the skin, as well as the anatomy of facial bones and muscles, to understand the effects of treatments. Learn to assess different skin types and recognise common skin conditions to select the appropriate products and techniques. Develop hands-on skills in professional cleansing, toning, moisturising, and incorporating basic facial massage to promote relaxation and skin health.
Depilation: Master professional hair removal techniques, including warm wax and hot wax, to ensure precise, effective results while prioritising client comfort. Learn how to assess and treat different areas with confidence, offering a smooth and satisfying experience for your clients.
Acrylic Nails:
Gain expertise in creating durable and stylish acrylic nail enhancements, including the application of tips to extend the natural nail and sculpting techniques for a flawless finish. Develop confidence in shaping, finishing, and polishing nails to professional standards.
Nail Finishes:
Explore advanced nail art and finishing techniques, including gel polish application and nail designs. Stay up to date with the latest trends to provide creative and customised nail services for your clients.
Wellness Therapies:
Body Structures and Benefits of Treatments: Delve into the anatomy and physiology of the body, gaining an understanding of how wellness therapies promote overall physical and mental well-being. Learn to match treatments with the client’s individual needs to maximise benefits.
St Tropez Spray Tanning:
Master the professional application of St Tropez spray tanning, a world-leading brand renowned for its high-quality formulas and natural-looking results. Learn how to achieve an even, streak-free tan tailored to various skin tones and client preferences. Gain knowledge of product ranges and understand how to customise treatments to suit individual needs. Build confidence in providing this popular and in-demand service, ensuring flawless results that enhance client satisfaction and loyalty. Through hands-on training, you will develop the expertise to offer a premium tanning experience that sets you apart in the beauty industry.
Creative Current Make-up Trend:
Stay ahead in the beauty industry by mastering the latest make-up trends. Learn creative application techniques to meet modern client demands, enhancing your versatility as a make-up artist.
Commercial Experience:
Gain valuable hands-on experience in a commercial salon setting. Build confidence and develop essential skills to meet the demands of real-world beauty industry environments, preparing you for employment or advanced training.
Assessments
The course is a blend of both theory and practical subjects. Committed to helping you achieve your full potential; the teaching team employ a wide range of blended teaching methods to ensure that you are engaged at all levels of study and are supported in every aspect of your educational experience.
Assessments are ongoing and cover both theory and practical elements of the course.
Progression
This qualification could lead to employment within the Hairdressing and 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
Achieving the Level 6 National Certificate in Beauty Care opens doors to a wide range of exciting career opportunities in the dynamic beauty industry. Graduates are well-equipped to step into roles as beauty therapists in high-end salons, spas, and wellness centres, or to specialise in areas such as electrotherapy, massage therapy, and nail enhancements. The practical experience with industry-leading brands and commercial salon exposure ensures you are job-ready and competitive in the marketplace. This qualification also provides an excellent foundation for those looking to progress to a highly recognised HNC program, pursue advanced training, or even start their own beauty business. With the beauty and wellness sector continuing to grow, this course sets you on a path to a fulfilling and versatile career.
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
Transform your passion for beauty into a rewarding career with our National Certificate in Beauty Care at Level 6. This industry-focused course provides a comprehensive foundation in advanced beauty treatments, covering face, body, and nails, as well as the latest techniques in professional make-up application. Whether you aim to progress to a highly recognised HNC program or enter the workforce, this course equips you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in a competitive industry.
Train with world-leading products like Eve Taylor, Beautiful Brows and Lashes, and St Tropez Spray Tanning, gaining valuable hands-on experience with brands widely used in professional salons—an excellent advantage when seeking employment. You will learn the latest techniques in body massage, face and body electrotherapy, advanced nail services, and creative make-up trends, all while working with cutting-edge tools and technologies.
The program is taught by a passionate team of beauty experts with extensive real-world experience, ensuring you receive practical training alongside professional guidance. You will also benefit from commercial salon experience, allowing you to develop essential skills in a professional environment while building your confidence and demonstrating your skills to local employers.
With a blend of theory and practical assessments, supported by engaging and innovative teaching methods, you will graduate with a highly respected qualification that sets you apart in the beauty industry. Whether creating flawless acrylic nails, performing rejuvenating facial treatments, or mastering body therapies, this course prepares you to deliver exceptional client care and results.
Designed as a full-time course with flexible study options, this program is the perfect stepping stone to advanced training or immediate employment in one of the most dynamic and creative sectors.