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Beauty Higher - SCQF Level 6

The Skills for Work (SfW) Higher Course in Beauty provides an entry level qualification suited to anyone looking to develop a career in a beauty salon or in the beauty industry in general. Set at SCQF level 6, it provides the skills required by the beauty industry.

The focus is on experiencing the salon environment and on the development of vocational skills, knowledge and understanding. It also gives practical experience of communication and customer care.

Specific skills are developed in cleansing, toning, moisturising, basic face massage, masque application and removal, skin warming, exfoliation, nail shaping, cuticle care, hand massage, nail painting and basic make-up application techniques. Current make-up trends are identified from a variety of sources, with candidates having the opportunity to experiment to produce a ‘look’ which reflects these trends.

Emphasis throughout all Units is on the employability skills and attitudes which will help to prepare candidates for the workplace.

This qualification is available in colleges.

Qualification content and delivery tools

Use the tabs below to open each section individually. Alternatively you can view all the sections.

Arrangements Documents

Subject: Beauty
Level: Higher
Code: C262 12
Edition: Version 1, February 2009
Downloads: SfW Beauty Higher Course and Unit Specifications (289 KB)

Internal Assessment Reports

Why deliver this qualification?

Beauty is an expanding market and could be of interest to a large number of candidates at various ages. It allows centres to offer a meaningful qualification which meets the needs of industry, and opens up the possibility of continued study for candidates.

Each Unit incorporates both theory and practice so that candidates understand the relevance of the knowledge more easily as they experience the practical application. Reflecting on this experience is a key feature.

Teaching programmes include learning in real or simulated workplace settings, learning through role play activities in vocational contexts, carrying out case study work, and planning and carrying out practical tasks and assignments. Candidates also experience a realistic view of conditions in the beauty industry by visits to salons or visits from salon professionals.

This Course is based on aspects of the National Occupational Standards and is nationally certificated.

Who does the qualification suit?

This Course is suitable for:

  • school candidates in S5 and above
  • college candidates
  • adults returning to further education
  • anyone who has identified beauty therapy as a possible career path

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre.

Progression

This Course or its Units may provide progression to:

  • SVQs in Beauty Therapy
  • National Certificate in Beauty Care
  • National Certificate in Make-Up Artistry
  • HNC in Beauty Therapy
  • HND in Beauty Therapy 
  • further education
  • training/employment

What approvals are needed?

Centres with devolved authority are eligible to seek approval through their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority will have to come forward for approval and should contact the Business Development Team for guidance in completing the combined CA1/SA1 form.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements as outlined in the guide to approval.

How to assess

Assessment in this Course will be based mainly on a range of practical activities carried out in a salon environment. Performance evidence will be supported by teacher/lecturer observation checklists and client record cards. Candidates will also complete structured questions, reviews of their employability skills and gather specified evidence.

Unit(s) and delivery tools

Group Award code:C262 12 (24 SCQF credit points)
SCQF level: 6

Structure
The Course consists of four 40-hour mandatory Units.

Mandatory Units:
Beauty: Facial Techniques — F5AY 12
Beauty: Facial Treatment Packages — F5B1 12
Beauty: Nail Finishes — F5B2 12
Beauty: Creative Current Make-Up Trends — F5B3 12

Other information

NABs for all Units are available to download from SQA’s secure site.

Aspects of the National Occupational Standards for Beauty at levels 1, 2 and 3 have been incorporated into this Course. As a result, the competence, knowledge and understanding achieved by candidates broadly reflect these standards.