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Hair, Beauty and Complimentary Therapy

Beauty and Make Up Aesthetics

Campus Granton Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 6

Study mode Full time

Start date Aug 2026

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Course overview

This exciting 18-week course will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills to work within the beauty and make-up sector.

The course is suited to individuals who wish to learn a variety of skills and techniques within the Hair, Make Up and Beauty sector. The course covers a variety of treatments and services that are currently popular in the Beauty and Aesthetic industry. You will learn skills in eye enhancements, eyelash enhancements, lash lifting and brow lamination, along with techniques in airbrush make-up and skin camouflage. The course also includes fantasy makeup and hair to explore your creative side and work towards building a portfolio.

Training at Edinburgh College will enhance your employability prospects as we have exceptional facilities and highly qualified lecturers. You will work in our salons or studios, providing a realistic industry environment and gaining essential practical experience working on paying clients with high-end product companies such as Dermalogica and Wella, which will enhance your employment prospects. Edinburgh College is a recognised Centre of Excellence by Wella and also houses the Wella Training Studio for Scotland. This amazing collaboration ensures that students receive the most up-to-date training in industry innovations and techniques.

This training will give you valuable practical experience and is a stepping stone towards a fulfilling career as a beauty aesthetician or make-up consultant

Please note:

  • There is an additional cost for course kits, uniforms and books, which must be purchased before starting the course. The bursary may cover this

If you are interested in being a model for our students or want to try out our star facilities before beginning your studying journey, book in for a treatment.

Hair Salons, Beauty Salons and Barbershops | Edinburgh College

What you will learn
  • Contemporary Eye Treatments
  • Eye Enhancements
  • Contemporary Make-up
  • Fantasy Make-Up and Hair
  • Gel Polish Application (ABT Certificated)
  • Lash lifting Aesthetics (ABT Accredited)
  • Spray Tanning (ABT Certificated)
  • Brow Lamination (ABT Certificated)

Placement information

  • There is no work placement required for this course; however, you will be working with clients in our realistic employability salons and studios.

How the course is assessed

  • You will be assessed on your occupational competence along with SQA  assessments.
  • All practical assessments are carried out on paying clients within our salons.
  • The theory aspects of the course are carried out online and on campus 

Number of days per week

  • Two days per week, 9 AM to 4 PM, plus one evening, 4.30 PM to 8.00 PM.

Entry requirements

  • All applicants must be 16 years of age or older before the start date of the course
  • A minimum of three National 5 or a Level 2 Makeup, Hair or Beauty related courses or equivalent (external Makeup courses) 

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

  • As part of the course application, you will be invited to an in-person information session with our lecturing team to learn more about the course. During the session, you will be given a small task to work in pairs, along with a formal interview.
  • The formal interview has a scoring criterion based on presentation and communication skills at the interview.

Hair and Beauty Applicant Privacy Notice

English Proficiency Requirements

IELTS 5.5

Progression and Articulation Routes

  • NC Beauty Therapy Services and Treatments (SCQF Level 6)

Career options

  • Beauty Industry
  • Make Up Consultant

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date
Granton Campus Full time 24/08/26

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