Programme Aim
The purpose of this course is to enable the learner to acquire the knowledge and skill to work independently in providing advanced beauty therapy treatments in a variety of contexts and or to progress to further Advance aesthetics and or higher education and training.
The CIDESCO Beauty Therapy Diploma offered in second year at North Connaught College of Further Education, Tubbercurry, Sligo is the most prestigious international beauty qualification in the world. This highly regarded course ensures that graduates are among the elite of their profession. The program is compiled under three main qualifications; ITEC Diploma which is needed to progress to the CIDESCO Beauty Therapy Diploma. Students will study the ITEC Beauty Therapy Diplomas for the first year then move onto CIDESCO Beauty Diplomas in the second year. Students must undergo at least 1200 hours of training in practical and theoretical work to achieve the CIDESCO Diploma.
Students will gain vast practical experience in the areas of:
CIDESCO Facial Treatments including Business
- Cleansing
- Skin analysis
- Eyelash and eyebrow tinting – Eyebrow shaping
- Deep cleansing
- Electrical equipment
- Facial massage
- Mask treatment
- Make-up
- Manicure/Pedicure
- Natural Science
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Skin/Dermatology
- Cosmetic Science
- Aesthetic Treatments
- Waxing
- Business Studies.
ITEC Body Therapy Diploma
- Figure Diagnosis and Body Electrical
- Swedish Massage
- Case studies.
ITEC Certification in Microdermabrasion.
ITEC Diploma in Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments.
Students will also participate in our commercial salon ‘RENEW’ once they have reached a certain level of competency with their practical skills and will provide treatments to paying clients with the supervision of our Tutors.
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Programme Progression
This course will leave you highly employable as a therapist. Some of the possible job options with these qualifications are:
- Freelance Makeup artist
- Salon/Spa Manager
- Skin Care Specialist, Cruiser Liner Therapist
- Medical/Clinical Aesthetician
- Wax/Hair Removal Specialist
- IPL and Laser Clinic
- Advanced Skin Care Salons
- Beauty Magazine Writer
- Brand Trainer
- Beauty Educator and many more.
Other areas to progress in are: Certificate in Spa Treatments, Diploma in Advanced Skincare, Certificate in Micro-Pigmentation Treatments, Diploma in Spa and Salon Management, Certificate in Radio Frequency ,Certificate in Skin Needling , Level 4 Certificate in Skin Peeling and Certificate in Ultrasound.
Entry Requirements
The minimum age for entry to this qualification is 18 years.
An interview with a CIDESCO lecturer will be undertaken prior to entry onto the course. To proceed to Year 2 of the course a learner must have passed all exams in Year 1.
Previous Experience: Applicants must hold a qualification in ITEC Beauty Specialist, ITEC Facial Electrics or the equivalent.
Aptitude: Applicants must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
Course Content
Title | Awarding Body |
Aesthetics and Body Therapy Diploma | CIDESCO |
Figure Diagnosis and assessment, Body Massage, Electrical Treatments. | CIDESCO |
Certificate in Microdermabrasion | ITEC |
Diploma Laser and IPL Treatments | ITEC |
Anatomy and Physiology | CIDESCO |
Work Experience | QQI |
Further Details
Below is a more detailed description of each of the Components
CIDESCO Aesthetics Certificate
On completion of the course, students take the CIDESCO Examination which consists of:
- Facial examination including electrical treatments
- Waxing
- Make-up
- Manicure/pedicure
- Project with Case Histories
- Written examination
CIDESCO Diploma with Project and Case Histories
Candidates are required to research and write a Project assignment (2500-4000 words) on a subject relevant to the study of beauty therapy and connected to their Case Histories. The CIDESCO Diploma is awarded to candidates who have passed the CIDESCO examinations and given proof of having gained at least 600 hours work experience in a beauty center/salon.
ITEC Body Therapy Diploma – Level 5
The aim of this course is to enable learners to perform safe and effective beauty therapy treatments. Learners along with anatomy and physiology will learn to perform a safe hygienic and effective Swedish Body massage and Body electrical treatments to a commercially acceptable standard and timing.
The learners will learn the importance of consultations, and how to perform figure analysis and body assessment.
Minimum training requirement is 250 hours. On completion of this course learners undertake both theory and practical exams and case studies.
ITEC Microdermabrasion Certificate – Level 5
The qualification consists of one mandatory unit to achieve full qualification. The aim of this course is to enable learners to perform Microdermabrasion on clients to treat a variety of skin conditions. This highly popular advanced skincare treatment is an intense controlled exfoliating treatment to resurface and renew the skin to give it a healthy glow, reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation.
A portfolio of evidence must be completed under lecturer’s guidance to meet ITEC standard. On completion of this course learners will sit both practical and written exams.
ITEC Laser & IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Diploma – Level 6
The main aim of the ITEC Level 6 Diploma in Laser and Light Treatments is to enable learners to gain the necessary practical skills and knowledge in order to provide Laser and Light Treatments for hair removal and skin rejuvenation to the general public and to gain employment in the Beauty Industry. The qualification is designed to provide occupational competence at Level 6. It also provides a sound platform into further learning.
The main skills you will perform are:
- Hair removal
- Skin rejuvenation
- Pigmentation removal
- Broken vein removal
- Acne management.
Laser and Light Treatments to include consultation, skin and hair analysis, recognising contraindications and contra-actions, carrying out relevant tests prior to treatment and adapting the treatment to the client’s needs.
It also provides:
- The related knowledge and understanding required to perform the Laser and Light Treatments listed above effectively in particular anatomy and physiology and common diseases and disorders that may affect when a client should or should not receive treatment.
- Opportunities for Learners to focus on the development of their wider skills in a Laser and Light setting, such as communicating with clients, working with others and problem solving
- Opportunities for Learners to develop a range of skills, techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in employment as a Laser and Light Technician.
Portfolio of evidence is required to be completed under the supervision of a Lecturer who must monitor the quality of the treatments performed throughout the Learner’s training to ensure that they meet the ITEC criteria.
Anatomy and Physiology – ITEC/CIDESCO
This course includes study in the following areas; Cells and tissues, The Skeletal system, Muscular System, Vascular System, Lymphatic System, Digestive System, Respiratory System, Excretory System, Endocrine System, Neurological System, and Special Senses. This course is a pre-requisite to training in all additional modules.
Work Experience
Students will find work placement in a suitable Beauty Therapy setting where they will apply their skills including demonstrating the ability to work in a supervisory capacity. Work-experience classes will prepare the student to apply for this work placement, and future work, by focusing on interview preparation. Students will assess their skills and qualities to produce a CV and cover letter. They will investigate their employment sector and identify job openings and future training opportunities. The placement reinforces the skills learned at North Connaught College and aids the development of employability/transferable skills.