Beauty Therapy
This one year Level 5 QQI course in Beauty Therapy provides a foundation in Beauty Therapy and provides the opportunity to progress to employment or further study in the Beauty area.
| Award Name | Diploma at UK Level 2 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | International Therapy Examination Council |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | Diploma at UK Level 3 |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | International Therapy Examination Council |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma at UK Level 2 | International Therapy Examination Council | ||
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
| Diploma at UK Level 3 | International Therapy Examination Council |
Duration
This is a one year, full time course running from September to May.
Entry Requirements
A Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied or equivalent is required, although exceptions are given to mature students who are over 23 years of age. Entry is subject to interview.
Careers / Further progression
Careers and Further Progression
There is a huge demand for qualified therapists with the additional option of self-employment. Opportunities exist in the following areas:
Beauty Salons
Health Farms/Leisure Centres
Cruise Liners/In-Flight Therapist
Make-up Artist
Make-up and Skin Care Consultant
Mobile Therapist
Salon Owner
Complementary Therapist
Technical Sales Representative
Franchising
Spa Industry
Teaching/Training
Further information
Course commences 7th September 2026
Mayo College of Further Education & Training is offering no tuition fees for September 2026, which covers exam fees, student consumables, and journals. This includes courses across campuses in Ballina, Castlebar, and Westport, aimed at relieving the cost of living crisis. Some specific courses or materials might still have costs, but tuition is free.
Mayo College students are eligible to apply for a SUSI grant. SUSI is Ireland’s national awarding authority for further and higher education grants. They offer support to eligible students in approved, full-time courses at PLC. Please visit http://www.susi.ie/for more information and to make an application.
Beauty Therapy is a thriving profession. There are continuing developments in beauty products, beauty therapy equipment, practices, and procedures. Levels of education and training are being upgraded in parallel with changing professional therapists’ requirements.
We have now been granted Cidesco training college status at Mayo College of further Education. We are delighted to be delivering qualifications accredited by CIDESCO. CIDESCO offers a range of beauty and spa qualifications which are highly valued by employers worldwide.
The course contains a mix of practical and theory elements with trips throughout the year. There is an opportunity to partake in Erasmus+ placements.
QQI Level 5 Award:
Skin Care, Eye Treatments and Make-Up (5N3466)
Manicure, Pedicure and Waxing (5N3467)
Business Awareness and Professional Conduct
Body Massage and Figure Analysis (5N3465)
ITEC Diploma Anatomy and Physiology (5N0749)
Work Experience (5N1356)
Customer Service (5N0972)
5M3471 - Beauty Therapy
Awards: This course is accredited by two separate examining bodies; ITEC and QQI.
Diplomas From ITEC:
Beauty Specialist ITEC Level 2 – iBT2D7 (QQI Level 4 equivalent)
Anatomy and Physiology ITEC Level 3 – iBT3D9 (QQI Level 5 equivalent)
QQI Beauty Therapy 5M3471
ITEC apply a rigid set of standards governing attendance, learning, and examinations.
Westport Campus Newport Road,
Westport,
Co. Mayo,
F28TP82
Tel: 094 90 75000
Email: westport@mayocollege.ie