Diploma for Beauty Specialists

NFQ Level 4 / 5

Launch your beauty therapy career. Make-up artistry, holistic massage, BIAB, waxing, lash lifts, and more. Expert-led, practical training. Industry-recognised qualification.
Beauty Therapist Course with Donegal College managed by the Donegal Education and Training Board

Available Locations:

Gaoth Dobhair
(Ref: 504589)
Starts: 12/10/2026
36 Weeks
Gaoth Dobhair
(Ref: 504589)

Online applicants will be redirected to fetchcourses.ie to complete the application process. 

What You'll Learn

This course provides industry-recognised International Therapy Examination Council (iTEC) qualifications, you will be equipped with the skills and confidence for a successful career in beauty therapy.

 

You will have the opportunity to:

 

  • Develop industry knowledge and professionalism for success in beauty therapy.
  • Learn holistic massage techniques for therapeutic massage to promote relaxation and well-being.
  • Gain a deep understanding of the human body and its functions relevant to beauty therapy.
  • Master essential nail care manicure and pedicure techniques for high-quality treatments.
  • Build skills in professional makeup artistry for various occasions.
  • Skincare and Eye Treatments – including Eyelash Lift: Learn facial skincare techniques, including eye treatments, to enhance client experience.
  • Acquire expertise in full-body and intimate waxing treatments.
  • Ensure a safe working environment by maintaining industry-standard hygiene and safety practices.
  • Develop strong interpersonal skills for excellent customer service and professional consultation.
  • Perfect the application of light-cured gel polish for long-lasting nails

 

Also included are 1 day courses in – Advanced Makeup, Biab/efile, eyelash lift and intimate waxing.

 

This course is designed to provide occupational competence at Level 2 comparable to the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 4 and Level 3 comparable to the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 5 in additional areas such as Holistic Massage and Gel Polish Techniques.

 

After successfully completing this course, you will have gained seven International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC) qualifications, which are globally recognised as the leading qualification for beauty therapists.

 

Tá Cúrsaí Oiliúna arna gcomhchistiú ag Rialtas na hÉireann agus an Aontas Eorpach. #EUinMyRegion

Traineeships are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. #EUinMyRegion

Timetable & Modules

Timetable:

 

 

 

This course will be delivered in-person, Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 3.45pm, Friday 9.30am to 1pm. The first 18 weeks of this course will be blended with classes on Friday taking place online.

 

Timetable
Day Morning Afternoon Evening
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri

 

 

L2 Diploma for Beauty Specialist (iBT2D7 / 603/4034/4)  
  Module   Title
K/617/7249   ITEC – Skincare and Eye Treatments  
D/617/7250   ITEC – Make Up  
H/617/7251   ITEC – Manicure and Pedicure  
K/617/7252   ITEC – Waxing  
F/617/7256   ITEC – Professional Conduct and Business Awareness – Level 2  
L3 Diploma in Holistic Massage (iCT3D8 / 603/4097/6)  
Module  Title 
T/617/7254   Holistic Massage  
J/617/7257   ITEC – Anatomy and Physiology  
L2 Award in Gel Polish Techniques (iBT2A10 / 603/4063/0)  
Module  Title 
L/617/4327   ITEC – Apply Light Cured Polish  
Module  Title 
L3 Award in Intimate Waxing for Female Clients (iBT3A3 603/4075/7)  
J/617/4360   ITEC – Intimate Waxing for Female Clients  
Y/617/4346   ITEC – Client Care and Communication in Beauty-Related Industries  
A/617/4369   ITEC – Monitor and Maintain Health and Safety Practice in a Salon 

Progression / Career

After successfully completing this course, graduates will have gained seven ITEC qualifications, which are globally recognised as the leading qualification for beauty therapists.

 

Graduates can explore careers in beauty salons, spas, and beauty therapy clinics, providing specialised treatments to clients.

 

The course also lays a strong foundation for those wanting to become makeup artists and nail technicians.

 

With recognised industry certifications, graduates can confidently seek jobs in luxury resorts, cruise liners, and wellness centres, where beauty and self-care services are in demand.

 

Graduates can explore entrepreneurship, start their own beauty therapy business, rent a space within an existing salon offering specialised treatments, or explore mobile beauty therapy services.

 

This qualification also opens doors for further education and skill building to enhance expertise in advanced beauty techniques, holistic therapies, or specialised skincare treatments.

Entry Requirements

  • Applicants should have Leaving Certificate or Leaving Certificate Applied with Biology or another relevant science subject or have previously achieved the iTEC / CIBTAC module in the Beauty Therapy field.
  • Students must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to gain the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course. Previous experience in a salon is an advantage but not a requirement.
  • According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL), non-native English speakers need a B2 level in writing, reading, listening, and speaking.

Eligibility

Non-EU/EEA applicants need permission to work in Ireland. For more details, see our eligibility section.

Cost / Fees

A small fee will be required towards the cost of your Beauty Therapist kit, uniforms, books and exam fees. This will be discussed in more detail during your application process, reductions may apply.

 

Share This Course:

Real Students, Real Results!

“After completing my Leaving Certificate I was really unsure about what I wanted to do - I didn’t see the point in signing up to do a four year degree when I was really unsure about my career path for me. I took time to think about my options and I always had an interest in Make Up and Beauty. When I realised Donegal [College] offered the Traineeship in Beauty Therapy which is ITEC certified, it made sense—this was the course for me. The theory and practical elements of the course were really enjoyable, I loved every minute of it, I even won the student of the year award and secured a job offer from my placement provider. However, I plan to travel to Australia and now I have a qualification that is recognised worldwide.”

Tara Harley

Diploma for Beauty Specialists Graduate

Need Help Applying For a Course at Donegal College?

If you are unsure about what course to do or need help in finding out which level is most appropriate for you then our admissions team are here to help you….

Courses FAQ's

Our courses are open to school leavers, lifelong learners, job seekers, employees, and employers looking to upskill or reskill.

You can make your applications for full-time and part-time courses online; you can start the process here on the Donegal College website. Click ‘APPLY‘ on the course of your choice; this redirects you to Fetchcourses.ie, where your application will be processed using the FETCH Courses website and system.

If you haven’t signed up for a FETCH account, you’ll be required to do so first; this is a one-time setup.

Yes. Many of our courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), typically Levels 4–6, as well as awards from ILM, City & Guilds, and other industry-recognised bodies.

Courses are delivered across Donegal at one of our 19 Donegal College campuses, certain courses are delivered in community venues in your local area, various courses are delivered online or through blended learning, and training can be offered on-site at your business, depending on the course.

The first step is to secure a job with an approved apprentice employer. An Apprenticeship is a three-way contract of employment between you, your employer and SOLAS, with on-the-job and off-the-job training delivered in phases. Full details are available on: www.apprenticeship.ie

To find out more about becoming an apprentice or an approved apprentice employer please contact our Apprenticeship Services Team: Tel: 074 9120500 or Email: apprenticeship@donegaletb.ie

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