HomeProgrammesBeauty & HairdressingNew Zealand Certificate in Makeup and Skin Care (Introduction) Level 3

New Zealand Certificate in Makeup and Skin Care (Introduction) Level 3

Level 3

Gain foundation skills and knowledge so you can provide a range of makeup and skin care services with the UCOL New Zealand Certificate in Makeup and Skin Care (Introduction) programme.

A UCOL beauty student working on the eyebrow of a client.
Quick info

Level: 3

Locations: UCOL Wairarapa in Masterton

Duration: 19 weeks, full-time

Dates:
Masterton
14 Jul 2025 - 21 Nov 2025

Domestic Fees: *
$3,857.00

Scholarship info

International Fees:*
TBC

Additional Fees
Compulsory course costs may apply.

* Fees are indicative only, and are inclusive of the student services levy and GST (goods and services tax). The fee shown is for one year of study.

Get the skills you need to join the professional beauty industry. In this programme you will learn about makeup and skincare services, product consulting, how to understand symptoms of skin conditions, delivering services to industry standards, sales and promotions, professional communications, and health, safety, and hygiene compliance.

 Career & Study Outcomes

This qualification may lead to higher level qualifications in beauty, including:

Graduates of this qualification may be employed in positions such as:

  • Skin care and makeup technician

 Course Information

This programme comprises of 60 credits:

Professional Practice (15 Credits): To equip learners with the fundamental skills and knowledge required of a makeup and skin care technician.

On successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  • Describe and apply health, safety and hygiene practices and procedures to ensure both personal and professional safety in a salon
  • Describe and demonstrate the use and maintenance of tools and equipment used in makeup and skin care
  • Describe facial features, shapes and underlying skin tones and how this relates to makeup colour and design theory
  • Describe makeup products and different makeup styles
  • Communicate and converse effectively in a salon environment

 Skin Care Services (15 Credits): To equip learners with the required knowledge of the structure and functions of the face and of facial skin types and conditions; and to enable learners to perform skin care services in preparation for makeup application.

On successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  • Describe and explain the structure and functions of the skin on the face, facial skin types and conditions
  • Identify the principle muscles and bones of the face, head, neck and décolleté
  • Conduct a skin consultation to determine skin type and condition
  • Perform a skin care service in preparation for makeup application

Makeup Services (10 Credits): To enable learners to perform a range of makeup services.

On successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  • Conduct a client consultation to determine makeup selection
  • Perform makeup services

Cosmetic Counter Sales and Services (20 Credits): To enable learners to provide advice on the selection and use of cosmetics and toiletries and assist with sales and promotional activities.

On successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  • Consult with clients to select and recommend skin care, nail care and makeup products to meet client needs
  • Describe and explain retail hair products, fragrances and men’s and women’s toiletries in terms of meeting customer requirements
  • Describe and explain basic business, financial and sales processes relevant to the beauty service industry
  • Apply sales and customer service techniques and processes in a salon environment
  • Assist with merchandising and makeup and skin care events

 

 Domestic Entry Requirements

NCEA Level 1 (including Literacy 10 credits and Numeracy 10 Credits at Level 1)

OR

Equivalent academic achievement

OR

On a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean

 

For more information about NCEA Credits see the UCOL NCEA explained page.

 International Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for international learners is IELTS General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL).

UCOL is an iBT testing centre.

IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (ie combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

In addition to this, international applicants under the age of 20 must have NCEA equivalency (refer to guide held by Business Development International).

 Advice & Guidance

Excellent personal presentation is required on this programme at all times. A uniform is provided for learners and this must be worn for all practical classes and clinics.

Learners need to be aware of the physical requirements to meet industry standards in a salon environment. For example, a good posture must be maintained to ensures minimum postural impairment of the learner.

Learners are required to put any special needs or requirements in writing and advise the programme leader prior to the programme start date.

Learners whose attendance falls below 90% may have difficulty in completing sufficient practical work to demonstrate their competency in the required assessments.

Recognition of prior learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a learner believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL | Te Pūkenga Academic Statute and other relevant policies and procedures.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

  • National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
  • Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
  • Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme
  • Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).

 Accreditation

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020, and Universal College of Learning, a business division of Te Pūkenga is accredited to teach it.

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