SQA Advanced Certificate/Diploma in Beauty Therapy
SQA Advanced Certificate and SQA Advanced Diploma qualifications provide practical skills and theoretical knowledge that meet the needs of employers.
The SQA Advanced Certificate in Beauty Therapy at SCQF level 7 covers areas such as face and body treatment packages, applied anatomy and physiology and body massage treatments.
The SQA Advanced Diploma in Beauty Therapy at SCQF level 8 builds on the knowledge and skills of the SQA Advanced Certificate and covers areas such as product knowledge, signature massage and depilation.
This qualification is available through a growing number of colleges, training providers and universities around the world. Typically, an SQA Advanced Certificate takes one year to complete and an SQA Advanced Diploma takes two years.
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Why deliver this qualification
SQA Advanced Certificates and SQA Advanced Diplomas have been developed by SQA in partnership with colleges, universities and industry — so employers recognise that they provide sound evidence of ability.
The unit-based structure supports flexible delivery. A unit is typically 40 hours of timetabled learning.
There is a wide choice of optional units which will enable centres to offer courses tailored to meet local needs.
Both the SQA Advanced Certificate and Diploma provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).
Who does this qualification suit
The SQA Advanced Certificate and Diploma in Beauty Therapy at SCQF levels 7 and 8 are suitable for a wide range of candidates, including:
- school leavers
- adult returners to education
- individuals in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
- people who wish to start their own business
Entry requirements
As with all SQA qualifications, entry is decided by the college or learning provider. As a guide, the college or learning provider will look for:
- school-leaving qualifications equivalent to Level 3/SCQF level 6 meaning the student has the ability to study at the higher level
- a centre-devised test which shows the student’s ability to study at SQA Advanced Diploma level
- relevant work experience
Progression
The SQA Advanced Certificate in Beauty Therapy at SCQF level 7 can progress to the SQA Advanced Diploma in Beauty Therapy at SCQF level 8.
The SQA Advanced Diploma in Beauty Therapy at SCQF level 8 can provide advanced entry to degree-level study.
Offer this qualification
Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.
How to assess
Each individual unit specification gives detailed information on the Evidence Requirements and approaches to assessment for each unit.
Ongoing course assessment will apply.
Assessment/e-assessment support packs are available for this qualification.
Qualification structure
SQA Advanced Certificate in Beauty Therapy at SCQF level 7
Group Award code: GV41 47 (96 SCQF credit points)
SQA Advanced Certificate in Beauty Therapy at SCQF level 7 consists of four mandatory units.
SQA Advanced Diploma in Beauty Therapy at SCQF level 8
Group Award code: GV42 48 (240 SCQF credit points)
SQA Advanced Diploma at SCQF level 8 consists of nine mandatory units.
For further information on the structures and units of these qualifications please refer to the group award specification document.