Find a course
arc blue

NQ Level 4 Beauty Basics – facial, make -up and reception skills

  • Start date:   August 2025
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 4
  • Course Type:   Short Full-time

NQ Level 4 Beauty Basics – facial, make -up and reception skills

This 18-week course is an exciting introduction for those looking to begin a career in Beauty Therapy.

The course covers the fundamentals of skincare, skin care products and facial treatments to prepare the skin for makeup application. You will also gain valuable reception skills.

You will learn how to perform facial treatments correctly and apply makeup for all skin types and ethnicities. Additionally, you will gain hands-on experience with daily reception tasks and be given the opportunity to learn directly from industry experts.

Training at West Lothian College will boost your employability allowing you to work in our top-tier facilities with experienced, qualified lecturers.

You’ll also have the opportunity to work with the professional skincare brand Eve Taylor.

Apply now and take the first step toward a career in one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing industries!

Start date – August 25 
End date – January 26  
SCQF Level – 4
Mode  – Full time
Duration:  18 Weeks

  • What the course includes

    While undertaking this course you will learn and develop various skills in the following: 

    • Facial skin care – you will learn about the skin structure, how to identify skin types and how to perform facial cleansing routines whilst selecting appropriate products.
    • Make-up – you will be taught various make-up techniques whilst creating a variety of current looks such as day, bridal & contemporary evening looks
    • Digital skills – you will develop IT skills, use Microsoft Teams & Moodle when accessing learning resources and input into your VTCT portfolio.
    • Reception skills – you will learn how to deal with clients and what is involved in using the online booking system.
    • Industry skills – you will gain a valuable insight into industry and be given the opportunity to attend workshops to introduce a variety of different beauty therapy treatments.
    • Competition skills – this is designed to help you develop the knowledge and techniques required to excel in beauty therapy competitions. This unit focuses on enhancing your skills, precision and creativity providing you with the tools to compete at a high level in various beauty-related contests.
    • Personal presentation skills – this unit focuses on the essential skills and techniques needed to present yourself professionally in the beauty industry. It is designed to help you understand the importance of grooming, appearance and body language in creating a polished, confident image which is key to success in both client-facing roles and professional environments.

Why choose this course

This is a great course if you are interested in make-up & skincare as it will provide you with a qualification in these areas to help improve your skills and enable progression to other levels in college. Throughout the course there is a variety of learning activities such as lectures, practical demonstrations, portfolio & group work. You will work in a realistic salon environment. 

When learning skills, you will do this by initially practicing on each other prior to completing current treatments on clients once confident and competent. You will also have the opportunity to train & use professional skin care brands. Guest speakers are arranged to keep you up to date with current trends and advise of any further training opportunities. 

 

What are the entry requirements?

  • Minimum 2 National 4s including English
  • Applicants must be 16 by December 2025
  • If English is not your first language, ESOL Level 5 is an entry requirement for this course

  • Where will it lead?

    Education: Entry onto Beauty Basics - Nail services, eye treatments and retail skills or SVQ level 2 beauty therapy.

    Employment: Assistant working in a salon, retail assistant or receptionist within the beauty therapy industry.

What are the interview arrangements?

If selected for interview, you will be contacted through email to advise of an interview date & time and course information. 

The interview process will involve a written task, a group task and a one to one interview. 

Only applicants that are successful at interview will be offered a place on the course.

arc purple
arc white

Take that next step in your career and apply for this course today. If the course is not yet open for applications, feel free to ask any questions by clicking make an enquiry.

Apply online Make an enquiry