Hair and Beauty
Barbering NPA and VTCT Level 3 NVQ Diploma (SCQF Level 5 and 6)
Campus Granton Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 6
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2025
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This one-year exciting course covers the basic skills with the NPA, in Semester 1, progressing to the advanced skills at SCQF Level 6 - Level 3 Diploma in Barbering, the highest award recognised within the industry to enter and work in the Barbering industry.
As you work within our professional salon environment and Barbershop, you will gain essential practical experience working on clients and mannequin heads, working with high-end product companies such as Wella, Osmo and American Crew during practical sessions on paying clients to enhance your employability prospects further.
Theory classes cover the knowledge required to complete all written work as part of your course. You will be required to have access to IT to enable you to complete parts of the course, e.g. laptop, Pc, iPhone, Android phone, Tablet, iPad.
Training at Edinburgh College will enhance your employability prospects as we have an exceptional standard of facilities and highly qualified lecturers. You will be provided with up-to-date training in innovations and techniques with leading product manufacturers and barbers.
Edinburgh College is not only a recognised Centre of Excellence by Wella but also houses the Wella Training Studio for Scotland. This amazing collaboration ensures students receive the most up-to-date training in innovations and techniques within the industry.
This award is the highest recognised within the industry as qualifying you as a Barber.
Please note:
- There is an additional cost for the course kit, uniforms and books, which must be purchased before starting the course.
- Students will also be expected to bring in clients for practice and assessment purposes.
If you are interested in being a model for our students or want to try out our star facilities before beginning your studying journey, simply book in for a treatment.
Hair Salons, Beauty Salons and Barbershop | Edinburgh College
What you will learnSemester 1:
- National Progression Award in Barbering
- Gents Cutting – Clippering and Razoring
- Cut Facial Hair
- An Introduction to Gent's Shaving
- Gents Scalp Massage
Semester 2:
- VTCT Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Barbering
- Consultation Services
- Health and Safety
- Creatively Cut and Clip Hair Using a Combination of Barbering Techniques
- Design and Create Facial Hair Shapes
- Provide Shaving Services
- Creative Barbering Skills
- Planning Promotional Activities
- Financial Effectiveness of the Business
- Work Placement
Placement information
- All students at this level will take part in a work placement programme for two days per week (9 AM to 4 PM). This is a mandatory aspect of the course.
How the course is assessed
- All practical assessments are carried out on paying clients within our Barbershop.
- The theoretical aspects of the course are carried out by completing open-book assignments and invigilated closed-book exams.
Number of days per week
- 2 days per week, 9 AM to 4 PM
- 2 days' work placement
Entry requirements
All applicants must be 16 years of age or older before the start date of the course, and/or must hold
- Preparation to Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing qualification and have a Work Placement in a Barbershop in place.
or
- Have a minimum of 2 passes at SCQF Level 5 (National 5s) and have a work placement within the Barbering industry.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
Applicants will be given a date to attend an information/interview, which will involve:
- Group Information session with Q and As.
- Face to face interview –where you will be asked relevant questions relating to the course and your goals, and experience.
- Written task – this task will be scored.
In exceptional cases, the interview may be carried out via Microsoft Teams or a formal telephone interview, where you will be asked relevant questions relating to the course, your goals and experience.
The formal interview has a scoring criterion based on communication skills at the interview, along with the written task.
Hair and Beauty Applicant Privacy Notice
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
- You will be qualified to work within the Barbering industry.
Career options
- You will be qualified to work within the Barbering industry.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Granton Campus | Full time | 25/08/25 |
