Beauty Therapy HNC (Progression)

Course overview

Learn beauty therapy skills to a higher level. In this 1-year course, you will build your skills in beauty therapies that you studied at SCQF Level 6 and be taught and assessed on a more advanced skill set to prepare you for a career in Beauty Therapy that can lead to a more technical and supervisory level.

You will learn the therapeutic skills and knowledge you need to move into the highest level of the beauty industry by performing a variety of beauty therapy techniques and more advanced beauty treatment plans to meet industry requirements. You will also gain more hands-on experience working in our employability salon with the high-end skincare brand Dermalogica, further enhancing your employability prospects.

You will be fully prepared for the industry and for setting up your own successful business across a wide range of salon and spa environments by assessing you through a range of methods, from your work experience with client case studies to oral presentation skills.

Please note:

• There is an additional cost for course kits, uniforms and books that must be purchased before starting the course.
• Some theory will be delivered online - you will be required to have access to IT to enable you to complete this part of the course, e.g.laptop, PC, iPhone, Android phone

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.

What you will learn

• Beauty Therapy: Applied Anatomy and Physiology
• Beauty Therapy: Face and Body Treatment Packages
• Beauty Therapy: Face and Body Electrotherapy
• Aromatherapy
• Signature Massage
• Light Curing Gel Nail Enhancements
• Eyebrow Artistry
• Eyelash Enhancements
• Beauty Therapy: Graded Unit 1
• Beauty Therapy: Professional Salon Skills
• Work Placement

Placement information

• All students are expected to complete an external work placement in Semester 2 of the course.
• You will also be working with clients throughout your subjects and in our realistic Employability salons as part of the course.

Please note that these are mandatory aspects of the course.

How the course is assessed

• All practical assessments are conducted for paying clients in our salons. 
• The theoretical aspects of the course will be assessed through a variety of closed-book assessments, essays, case studies, and research.

Number of days per week

• 3 days per week (9.00 AM - 4.00 PM) plus one evening (4:30 PM - 8.00 PM).

Entry requirements

• All applicants must hold an SCQF Level 6 qualification in Beauty Therapy.
• You must provide an academic reference to support your completed application with a strong Personal Statement.
• Progressing students must have completed NC 6 Beauty Care.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

Candidates must have completed a SCQF Level 6 qualification in Beauty Therapy.  Internal candidates will be considered for HNC Beauty Therapy if they have completed NC6 Beauty Care successfully, meet the attendance requirements, and demonstrate the academic capability to progress to SCQF level 7.  External candidates must provide an academic reference to support their completed application witha strong personal statement.

Thereafter, successful applicants who meet the above criteria will be invited to a formal interview, which will include a written task and an interview to discuss their application.  Please refer to the Interview Briefing document to prepare for our interview task as follows:

The formal interview is scored based on presentation and communication skills during the interview.

What will happen on the day of your interview? 

1. You must turn up for the interview on time  
2. You have to be available for up to 2 hours, as there is a lot to get through  
3. You will be shown a PowerPoint presentation covering the course content and student life at Edinburgh College. 
4. You will answer a written assessment and a few short questions based on your skills and aims within the beauty industry   
5. Please read the briefing document on the facial muscles, lymphatic and circulatory systems to prepare for the written assessment 
6. You will then be given a short one-to-one interview that will allow time to ask any questions  
7. You must bring in your original certificate for your qualifications, including your subject information, the record of your core skills and a photocopy of both   
8. All candidates must present themselves for the interview wearing a black top, black trousers, black shoes, light day make-up and hair tied back. 

HNC Beauty Therapy Briefing Document

Hair and Beauty Applicant Privacy Notice

Progression and Articulation Routes

Once you have achieved your HNC, you may apply to progress into 2nd Year HND Beauty Therapy or continue your studies to degree level in:

• Complementary Therapies
• Business studies
• BSC (Hons) Integrative Healthcare Degree at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).

Career options

You will be fully qualified as a Beauty Therapist and therefore have employment opportunities in: 

• Beauty therapist manager of a spa or beauty salon.
• Start up your own business. 
• Trainer/Lecturer within the Beauty industry.
• Entry to 2nd Year HND Beauty Therapy.
• Integrated Healthcare Degree (UHI).