Have you got a flair for beauty and a desire to work in a spa or salon? If so, this ITEC and QQI accredited course will provide you with the basic skills and techniques needed to work as a therapist or in the retail sector of the beauty industry. You will receive the best training in Skincare, Facials, Eye Treatment, Make Up, Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Massage and Facial electrical treatments in our state of the art facilities. You will be working with top class products and have access to masterclasses and workshops.

View Frequently Asked Questions for this course.

  • Anatomy and Physiology 5N0749 – Develop an understanding of the interrelationship between the systems of the body. e.g. digestive, system, respiratory system, nervous system, skeletal system etc.
  • Body Massage and Figure Analysis 5N3465 – Learn classical Swedish massage techniques to treat a range of physical and physiological issues. Carry out figure analysis to include understanding different body types and the calculation of body mass index.
  • Communications 5N0690 – Acquire the writing skills needed for the workplace, learn to speak fluently and coherently in a professional setting, develop interpersonal skills and have an understanding of the impact of ICT on society.
  • Manicure, Pedicure and Waxing 5N3467/ITEC
  • Beauty Therapy Industry Ethics and Practice 5N3470 –Provides students with an understanding of business practices such as Sales, Marketing, Insurance and Finance.  Also covers Health and Safety issues as well as Ethics within the beauty industry.   Develop an understanding of the importance of communication to maintain positive, professional working relationships.
  • Skincare Eye Treatments and Make-Up 5N3466/ITEC – Explore all areas of skincare & eye treatments to include: skin analysis, skincare, facial procedures, specialised products, eyelash tinting, eyebrow tinting & shaping and makeup for special occassions.
  • Facial Electrics 5N3468/ITEC – Learn how to incorporate machines into a facial treatment for enhanced results e.g. galvanic and high frequency, steam and vacuum suction, faradic EMS and micro-current machines.
  • Work Experience 5N1356 – Planning, preparation and reflection on work placement. Job finding strategies, CV and personal statement preparation, interview skills. Practice employability skills with a view to future planning. Work placement will be a 2-week block placement.
  • Professional Conduct & Business Awareness ITEC –learn about elements required for the work place and when running a business, subjects include business, health & safety.

Additional Training:

  • Cork College of FET – Morrison’s Island Campus Phorest Salon Software Certificate: Phorest Salon Software is an all-in platform that helps salon owners manage their appointments, clients, stock, and staff.  It also has key features for marketing and social media to enable a salon to grow to its full potential. At the Cork College of Commerce, we offer our learners an introductory course in this software. This includes how to manage appointments and therapists, couple and group bookings. Additionally, beauty salon consultation forms, customer tracking, beauty salon marketing and selling and purchasing are also included.
  • First Aid workshop: This First Aid workshop will introduce the learner to the principles of First Aid. On successful completion of this course you will be a vital link in the chain of survival. The course includes identifying the role and responsibilities of the first Aider, understanding the principles of infection control.  In addition, learners will describe and demonstrate how to assess a casualty- by conducting an initial check, physical examination, by obtaining a SAMPLE history, assessing levels of Response (AVPU) and identifying problems that are an immediate threat to life.  Finally, learners will describe the requirements for a handover to other health care practitioners.
  • Cork College of FET – Morrison’s Island Campus Spray Tanning: Spray tanning is one of the most sought-after beauty treatments today.  Our spray tanning workshop will leave the learner with the theory and practical skills needed to spray. The course focuses on the theory behind spraying, the course then moves onto the practical popular sunless spray tanning techniques. The content includes client consultation, contraindications that restrict/prevent tanning treatment, how to ensure client modesty and care.  Additionally, hygiene, skin preparation and how to achieve the optimum tanning result and how to correctly operate the tanning machine and how to clean it is also covered. Furthermore, how much tan to use per client, aftercare for clients, health and safety is also included.  Learners receive a Cork College of Commerce certificate of attendance after completing this workshop.
  • Hot Stones Massage: During this Hot stone massage workshop learners will develop the skills and techniques to perform hot stone massages successfully, ensuring the client releases stored tension, boosts circulation, recharges energy levels and enjoys deep relaxation. The workshop includes a brief history of Hot Stone massage, outlines the contra indications to consider.  In addition, it highlights the benefits of Hot Stone massage and explains the materials & equipment, required, how set up and includes a practical, hands on learning.
  • We also offer students the opportunity to avail of a range of optional courses such as Threading, Gel Polish, Lash Lift & Brow Lamination, Lash Extensions, HD Brows etc subject to demand

Leaving Cert, LCA or QQI Level 4.  Mature students are exempt from Leaving Certificate requirement. All applicants will undergo a processing stage during which further information will be gathered in relation to their application.  An offer of a place on this course is contingent on the applicant meeting the entry requirements set out here and satisfactory completion of the processing stage.

Excellent progression opportunities including:

Excellent progression opportunities to other Higher Education colleges. Special arrangements in place with MTU Cork (CCPS), MTU Kerry and Waterford IT for preferential entry for College of Commerce students. Up to 390 CAO points for any Institute of Technology can be attained by successful completion of this course. Go to our progressions database for exact requirements on progressions for this course.

Hotel spas/salons, cruise liners, self employed professional, pharmacies, department store beauty counters.

  • Duration: September to May
  • Fees: €697 including ITEC and QQI examination fees. (Medical card holders exempt from €50). Other fees of €585 for uniforms and kits is paid directly to suppliers on registration day. See Payment for details on course requirements payments.
  • Certification:
    • QQI Level 5 Certificate in Beauty Therapy (5M3471)
    • ITEC Level 2 Diploma for Beauty Specialists 603/4034/4 (2247)
    • ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Facial Electrical Treatments 603/4052/6 (2247)
  • Work Experience: Students undertake work placement one day a week in a beauty related environment e.g. beauty salon or hotel spa, which they organise themselves.
  • Click here to view the prospectus page.

Email: beauty@morrisonsislandcampus.ie          Tel: (021) 4223814

Or send us your contact details and your query.

    Your name

    Your email address

    Your message

    I completed the 2 year beauty therapy course in the College of Commerce in 2019. It was an intense but thoroughly enjoyable 2 years. I learnt so much from all the amazing teachers here.

    There are so many opportunities and different avenues to go down after finishing this course. I’m currently working in the Bellevue Spa in the Montenotte Hotel, Cork City. It’s quite physically demanding but very rewarding and a lovely environment to work in.

    I also do some beauty from home as well in my spare time, like waxing, nails, etc. I would recommend anyone interested in the course to definitely go for it, enjoy it, work hard and take as much as you can from it.

    Michelle Daly, Bellevue Spa, Montenotte Hotel

    My time in Cork College of Commence studying Beauty Therapy was fantastic with such a great bunch of girls all there to help each other. The teachers were so understanding and helped each us reach our best potential which showed in exam results at the end of the year when the effort was put into it.

    It was a very interesting course and I loved every minute of it, studying a lot of different aspects and subjects was an eye opener, as I didn’t realize how in depth the course would be but it stands to me working in the beauty industry today, I am currently working in Jessie’s hair and beauty day spa in Clonakilty.

    Margaret O'Regan, Beauty Therapy

    I have gotten a job with Steiner and will be leaving on the 11th of December! I wanted to say a very belated thank you for arranging the tour of the cruise ship in Cobh last May. It was the most amazing day ever, I’ll never forget it. It really motivated me to work towards getting a job with Steiner and here I am 6 months later ready to jet off!! I couldn’t be happier and it’s all thanks to the Beauty Therapy course and the incredible teachers.

    Niamh Barrett, Steiner Cruises employee

    I completed The Nail technician course in The College of Commerce and I am now Manager of Nails Inc. in Brown Thomas on Patrick Street. I found the course extremely helpful and it gave me a great foundation in the Industry. I still have a very good relationship with the Collage and I guest speak to the students on an annual basis in regard to working in the Industry and any help or advice I can give them.

    Martina O'Connell, Manager Nails Inc, Brown Thomas

    We at Esthetica have had a very positive experience employing a graduate from the Beauty therapy course at the college. The student was well prepared for her 600 hours work experience and after this she was fully ready to work with our clients. The clients are loving her.

    Esthetica Beauty Salon, Popes Quay, Cork

    As part of my work experience I was the make up artist for two short films being made by another college. This was a wonderful opportunity for me to learn about the production of films and what its like to be on set as a make up artist. Since the course I am working as a freelance artist doing weddings, photo shoots and theatre work. I would highly recommend this course to anyone thinking of becoming a make up artist.

    Katie Byrne, MakeUp Artistry 2014

    I own and manage Shirley’s Beauty Clinic in Glanmire for over 20years now and we are delighted to Liaise with Cork College of Commerce as the students we employ from The Beauty Therapy and Holistic Therapy have always been of a very high calibre.  I am delighted with not only the students but also the practical and theoretical knowledge they gained in the College.

    Shirley Feeney, Shirley’s Beauty Salon, Glanmire, Co. Cork.