Find a course
arc blue

NQ Level 4 Beauty Basics - Nails, Eyes and Retail Skills

  • Start date:   January 2026
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 4
  • Course Type:   Short Full-time

NQ Level 4 Beauty Basics - Nails, Eyes and Retail Skills

Please note: This course is now full. If you apply, you will receive an email confirming that the course is full. Should a place become available, we will contact you, but we cannot guarantee this. Some courses still have availability- please check our website for the most up-to-date information on course availability. Alternatively, you can contact our Enquiries and Admissions team at choosecollege@west-lothian.ac.uk

This 17-week course is an exciting introduction for those looking to begin a career in Beauty Therapy.

Start date - January 26    
End date - June 26   
SCQF Level - 4 
Mode - Full time  
Duration - 17 Weeks

The course covers the fundamentals of nail care, eye treatments, waxing and retail skills, and you will also gain valuable industry skills. 

You will learn how to perform hand and foot treatments correctly including nail art as well as eye treatments and basic waxing techniques Additionally, you will gain industry skills working as a team within Platinum Salon. You will be given the opportunity to learn directly from guest speakers and 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 nailcare brand OPI.

  • What the course includes

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

    • Manicure and Pedicure – You will learn about the structure of the nail, and how to apply enamel, nail art and provide aftercare advise
    • Eye treatment – You will learn to tint lashes and brows, shape the brows and application of strip and cluster lashes
    • Waxing - You learn about the hair growth cycle and structure of the hair and safety and effecting remove hair using warm waxing techniques
    • 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 - 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 nails, eyes treatments and waxing 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 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 or NQ Level 4 Beauty Basics, Facial, Make-up and Reception Skills  
  • Applicants must be 16 by 19 January 2026 
  • If English is not your first language, ESOL Level 5 is an entry requirement for this course with a minimum C pass

  • Where will it lead?

    Education: SVQ Level 2 Beauty Therapy

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

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.

Make an enquiry