Facial Diploma Course
The Facial Diploma Course teaches complete beginners how to assess the skin and perform a professional facial, including facial massage, neck and shoulder massage, and a relaxing scalp massage.
This one-day course provides the foundation needed to begin offering professional facial treatments.
You will learn how to complete a consultation, analyse the skin and select suitable products for different skin types and concerns.
The practical facial includes cleansing, exfoliation, an enzyme peel, facial massage, a mask and finishing products. It also includes neck and shoulder massage and scalp massage.
No previous beauty or skincare qualification is required. Students normally practise on each other during the academy session, so an external model is not required.
After successful completion, you will receive an accredited Facial Diploma. You will also receive 10% off a clinical course, subject to the entry requirements of the selected course.
What Is Included in the Facial?
The course teaches a complete facial sequence that can be adapted according to the client’s skin.
The treatment includes:
- Client consultation
- Skin analysis
- Preparing the treatment area
- Initial skin cleansing
- Secondary cleansing
- Exfoliation
- Enzyme peel application
- Facial massage
- Neck and shoulder massage
- Scalp massage
- Sheet-mask application
- Finishing skincare products
- Homecare and aftercare advice
Client Consultation
A consultation must take place before the facial begins.
You will learn how to discuss:
- The client’s main skin concerns
- Current skincare products
- Previous facial treatments
- Allergies and sensitivities
- Relevant medical information
- Medication
- Contraindications
- Expected treatment results
The consultation helps you decide whether the facial is suitable and whether any part of the routine needs to be adapted, delayed or avoided.
Skin Analysis
Skin analysis helps you choose suitable products and treatment stages.
You will learn how to examine the appearance and condition of the skin before beginning the treatment.
The training covers common skin types and concerns, including:
- Dry skin
- Oily skin
- Combination skin
- Dehydrated-looking skin
- Sensitive-looking skin
- Congested skin
- Dull-looking skin
- Uneven skin texture
You will learn to work within your professional scope. Facial therapists should not diagnose medical skin conditions.
Selecting Facial Products
The same products will not suit every client.
You will learn how to select products according to the client’s skin type, condition and treatment goals.
The course covers:
- Cleansers
- Exfoliating products
- Enzyme peels
- Massage products
- Sheet masks
- Serums
- Moisturisers
- Finishing products
You must always follow the instructions and timings provided by the product manufacturer.
Cleansing and Exfoliation
Correct cleansing prepares the skin for the remaining stages of the facial.
You will learn how to remove makeup, surface products and impurities without using excessive pressure.
Exfoliation removes surface skin cells and prepares the skin for later treatment stages.
The course also introduces enzyme peels as part of the facial routine.
You will learn how to:
- Assess whether exfoliation is suitable
- Select an appropriate product
- Protect sensitive areas
- Apply the product evenly
- Follow the correct processing time
- Monitor the client’s skin
- Remove the product correctly
Facial Massage
Facial massage forms an important part of the treatment experience.
You will learn how to use controlled movements while maintaining a steady rhythm and suitable pressure.
The practical training covers:
- Preparing the skin for massage
- Selecting a suitable massage product
- Hand positioning
- Massage direction
- Pressure control
- Maintaining treatment flow
- Adapting the massage to client comfort
Neck, Shoulder and Scalp Massage
The course includes neck and shoulder massage and scalp massage techniques.
These stages help create a more complete and relaxing facial experience.
You will learn how to position the client and use controlled movements without causing discomfort.
The massage must be adapted when a client has a relevant contraindication or sensitivity.
Sheet-Mask Application
A sheet mask may be applied after the cleansing, exfoliation and massage stages.
You will learn how to choose a suitable mask, prepare the skin and apply the mask neatly.
The course also covers treatment timing, mask removal and the application of suitable finishing products.
Contraindications
A facial may need to be changed, delayed or avoided when a contraindication is present.
You will learn how to identify issues that may affect the treatment.
These may include:
- Active skin irritation
- Open or broken skin
- Recent facial procedures
- Known product allergies
- Active infection
- Conditions that require medical advice
The course explains when the client should be referred for suitable professional advice.
Health, Safety and Hygiene
Safe working practices are covered throughout the course.
You will learn how to:
- Prepare a clean treatment area
- Wash and sanitise your hands
- Clean tools and equipment
- Prevent cross-contamination
- Use products hygienically
- Check product expiry dates
- Protect the client’s clothing and hair
- Keep treatment records
- Dispose of waste correctly
Practical Facial Training
Your tutor will demonstrate the facial before you begin practical work.
Students normally practise on each other. This allows you to perform the treatment and experience the massage movements as a client.
Your tutor will guide you through:
- Setting up the treatment area
- Completing the consultation
- Analysing the skin
- Selecting suitable products
- Following the facial sequence
- Performing the massage
- Applying the mask
- Completing the treatment
- Providing aftercare advice
Homecare and Aftercare
Clients should receive advice suited to their skin and the products used during treatment.
You will learn how to explain:
- How to care for the skin after the facial
- Which skincare products may be suitable
- Which products or treatments may need to be avoided
- Sun-protection requirements
- When normal skincare may be resumed
- When the client should seek further advice
Aftercare should be provided verbally and in writing.
What You Will Learn
- Client consultation
- Skin analysis
- Common skin types and concerns
- Contraindications
- Health, safety and hygiene
- Preparing the treatment area
- Product selection
- Skin cleansing
- Exfoliation
- Enzyme peel application
- Facial massage
- Neck and shoulder massage
- Scalp massage
- Sheet-mask application
- Finishing products
- Homecare and aftercare
10% Off Clinical Courses
After completing the Facial Diploma Course, you will receive 10% off a clinical course.
The Facial Diploma can provide an entry route to further skincare training. However, every advanced course has its own entry requirements.
You should check the requirements of your selected clinical course before booking.
Part of the Complete Beauty Therapist Course
The Facial Diploma is also included within the Complete Beauty Therapist Course.
This wider programme also includes body massage, waxing, Builder in a Bottle and gel nail polish training.
Who Is This Course For?
The Facial Diploma Course is suitable for:
- Complete beginners
- People entering the beauty industry
- Nurses progressing into skincare
- Beauty therapists adding facial treatments
- Students preparing for clinical skincare courses
- People planning to open a skincare business
What Can This Course Lead To?
After successful completion, you may seek suitable insurance and begin offering professional facial treatments.
Possible career routes include:
- Working as a facialist
- Working in a beauty salon
- Working in a skincare clinic
- Providing mobile facial treatments
- Working from a suitable home treatment room
- Starting a skincare business
- Progressing to advanced clinical skincare training
Facial Diploma Course Details
Suitable For
Complete beginners and existing beauty professionals.
Entry Requirements
No previous beauty or skincare qualification is required.
Qualification
Facial Diploma.
Course Duration
One practical training day from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Class times can vary.
Model Requirement
No external model is required. Students normally practise on each other during the course.
Course Kit
No take-home kit is included. All products and equipment required during academy training are provided.
Clinical Course Discount
You will receive 10% off a clinical course after completing the Facial Diploma Course.
Accreditation and Insurance
The course is accredited and designed to support insurance eligibility after successful completion.
You must arrange suitable professional insurance before offering treatments. Cover remains subject to the insurer’s current terms and eligibility requirements.
Training Locations
The Facial Diploma Course is available at our Glasgow and Aberdeen beauty training academies.
Facial Diploma Course FAQs
Is the Facial Diploma Course suitable for beginners?
Yes. The course is suitable for complete beginners, and no previous beauty or skincare qualification is required.
What will I learn during the course?
You will learn client consultation, skin analysis, cleansing, exfoliation, enzyme peel application, facial massage, neck and shoulder massage, scalp massage, mask application and aftercare.
What should I wear?
Students attending the Facial Diploma Course in Glasgow or Aberdeen should wear a beauty tunic, scrubs or suitable all-black clothing.
Do I receive a course kit?
No take-home kit is included. All products and equipment required during training are provided by the academy.
Do I need to bring a model?
No external model is required. Students normally practise the facial treatment on each other during the course.
How long is the course?
The course includes one practical training day from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Class times can vary.
Can I work professionally after completing the course?
The Facial Diploma is accredited and designed to support insurance eligibility after successful completion. You must arrange suitable professional insurance before offering treatments.
Do I receive 10% off a clinical course?
Yes. You will receive 10% off a clinical course after completing the Facial Diploma Course. The selected course remains subject to its own entry requirements.
Can I film the course?
You may record approved tutor demonstrations for personal learning. You must respect the privacy and consent of tutors and other students.
What if I change my mind or want to change courses?
The Facial Diploma Course is non-refundable. Course credit may be offered for a change or cancellation, subject to the academy's booking terms.














