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Hair and Beauty

Beauty Skills (SCP)

Campus Granton Campus
Milton Road Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 5

Study mode Part time

Start date Aug 2026

Choose your study options

Campus Granton Campus Study mode Part time Start date 17/08/26
Campus Milton Road Campus Study mode Part time Start date 17/08/26

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Course overview

This course is specifically for senior phase school pupils while still at school.

This exciting 30-week course will introduce you to a variety of skills required for the Beauty industry. At the end of the course, you will be able to showcase the skills you have developed in a project that brings all aspects of your learning together.

You will attend one afternoon per week, building on your skills and knowledge and gaining essential practical experience in our professional training salons and academies. By developing these skills, you will have a greater insight into the Beauty discipline, enabling you to progress onto full-time studies with us the following year.

Training at Edinburgh College will enhance your employability prospects as we have an exceptional standard of facilities and highly qualified lecturers. You will work in our salons and studios, providing a realistic industry environment and gain essential practical experience working on paying clients with high-end product companies such as Dermalogica and Wella, which will enhance your employability prospects even further. 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.

Working with your peers in the college environment allows you to see the progression routes that are on offer and the opportunity to gain feedback from the students who are currently on these programmes.

Successful completion of the course allows progression onto full-time courses, depending on school qualifications.

Please note:

  • A key aspect of the course is working with others and developing the communication skills required by a beauty therapist. You will be expected to carry out the practical aspects on your colleagues and clients, and you must be able to have treatments carried out on yourself.
  • Schools must purchase a kit and uniform from the College for their pupils - £65

We also ask all students to adhere to the dress code for the department as follows:

  • Black Trousers
  • Black T-shirt or school shirt
  • Black Shoes

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 CollegeWhat you will learn

  • Create an Image Based on a Theme
  • Client Consultation and Customer Care Practices
  • Creating Retail Displays
  • Basic Skincare
  • Eyebrow Shaping
  • Basic Manicure
  • Basic Nail Art
  • Basic Photographic Make Up

Placement information

  • There is no work placement required for this course

How the course is assessed

  • All practical aspects of the course are assessed on paying clients within our salons
  • The theory aspects of the course are carried out under exam conditions completing open book assessments or multiple-choice questions

Number of days per week

  • 1 afternoon per week - Tuesday or Thursday 

Entry requirements

  • No formal entry requirements, however, a selection process will occur during the application process
  • Pupils must be in S4-S6 and have a passion for the industry

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

Applicants will be invited to attend the campus for a college experience day.  

As part of your course application, we require you to complete a mood board (details below) and bring this with you on the day

Application Task: Mood board

  • Your name
  • Mood board based on a theme of your choice and consisting of hair, beauty and fashion images that you like and inspire you – this can be a physical mood board or digital (information on how to create a mood board).

The College Experience Day will involve:

  • Group Information session with Q&A
  • Tour of the department
  • Team working
  • Review of Moodboard

Successful applicants will thereafter receive an offer of a place and a link to enrol on the course.  

Hair and Beauty Applicant Privacy Notice

English Proficiency Requirements

IELTS: 5.5

Progression and Articulation Routes

Successful completion of the course allows progression onto full time courses in August – (NB level of course is dependent on school qualifications):

  • Beauty Care (SCQF Level 5)
  •  NC Beauty Care (SCQF Level 6)
  • Spa Therapies (SCQF Level 6)
  • HNC Beauty Therapy (SCQF Level 7)

Career options

  • Progression to higher level Beauty, Make Up or Spa Therapies courses next academic year 

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date
Granton Campus Part time 17/08/26
Milton Road Campus Part time 17/08/26

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