Edinburgh College Banner

Hair, Beauty and Complimentary Therapy

Beauty Therapy Level 2

Campus Milton Road Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 5

Study mode Full time

Start date Aug 2026

Course enquiry form

Note your interest for this course.
Enter your full name
Enter your email address
This form collects your name and email address so we can contact you with pre-application information on future courses including application deadlines, campus open days and course information. Read our privacy notice to find out how we collect, store and use your data (and for information on withdrawing your consent).

Course overview

The VTCT Skills Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Therapy Studies is a qualification specifically designed to develop your practical skills, covering the following mandatory units: facial skincare, waxing, eyelash and eyebrow treatments, manicure, pedicure, client care, and health and safety. 

To further enhance your practical skills, you will learn to apply makeup and the creative skill of nail art.   

You will also develop knowledge and understanding of the practical skills learned throughout this qualification. The purpose of this qualification is to develop your skills in beauty therapy to a high level of occupational ability, enabling you to perform your own salon services.  

You will combine practical and theoretical work, including essential practical experience working with clients in our professional salon environment.   

You will receive up-to-date training in new technology and techniques for high-end products and equipment from representatives in the beauty industry. Training at Edinburgh College will enhance your employability prospects, as we have exceptional facilities and highly qualified lecturers.  

Apply now for us to assist you in joining one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing industries.  

Please note:  

  • 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., a laptop, Pc, iPhone, Android phone 
  • 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, book in for a treatment.  

Hair Salons, Beauty Salons and Barbershop | Edinburgh College 

What you will learn
  • Health and safety practice in the salon
  • Client care and communication
  • Provide facial skincare
  • Remove hair using waxing techniques
  • Provide eyelash and brow treatments
  • Provide manicure treatments
  • Provide pedicure treatments
  • Provide Nail Art
  • Apply Make Up
  • Work Experience
  • Skills Practise

Placement information

  • There is no work placement requirement for this course. 
  • Your skills will also be assessed whilst working on paying clients in our employability salons. 
  • This is a mandatory requirement of the course.

How the course is assessed

  • All practical aspects of the course are assessed on paying clients within our salons 
  • The theoretical aspects of the course are carried out online and in the classroom.  
  • Closed-book assessments are carried out under exam conditions  

Number of days per week

  • 3 days per week, 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Plus one evening 4.30 PM to 8 PM  

Entry requirements

  • All applicants must be 16 years of age or older before the start date of the course and must hold  
  • A minimum of 3 passes at SCQF Level 4 (National 4s) or equivalent and 1 pass at SCQF Level 5 (National 5) or equivalent - preferably in English/ESOL, Biology and another science 

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

Please include a strong personal statement in your application explaining your reasons for wanting to be in the course. Once completed, we will review your personal information. The formal interview has a scoring criterion based on presentation and communication skills at the interview. 

What will happen on the day of your interview?

  • You must turn up for the interview on time. 
  • You have to be available for up to 2 hours as there is a lot to get through?? 
  • You will be shown a PowerPoint presentation covering the course content and student life at Edinburgh College.
  • You will then have a short one-to-one interview, during which you can ask any questions. 
  • 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.
  • All candidates must present themselves for the interview wearing a black top, black trousers, black shoes, light day make-up and hair tied back.

Hair and Beauty Applicant Privacy Notice 

English Proficiency Requirements

IELTS 5.5 

Progression and Articulation Routes

  • SVQ/NVQ Beauty Therapy Level 3 
  • NC Beauty Therapy Services and treatments (SCQF Level 6) 
  • Spa Therapies (SCQF Level 6) 

Career options

  • This course prepares you with an excellent range of beauty therapy skills as a starting point for a career within the beauty sector.

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date
Milton Road Campus Full time 24/08/26

You may also be interested in these courses

Hair Beauty and Complementary Therapy

Barbering VTCT Level 3 NVQ Diploma (SCQF Level 6)

This one-year course develops essential barbering skills and progresses to advanced techniques at SCQF Level 6, leading ...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Full time

Hair Beauty and Complementary Therapy

Beauty and Make Up Aesthetics

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

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Full time

Hair Beauty and Complementary Therapy

Beauty Therapy Anatomy and Physiology

This 28-week course is an essential requirement for those wishing to further their studies in Body Massage, Aromatherapy...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Open learning

Hair Beauty and Complementary Therapy

Beauty Therapy HNC

Learn beauty therapy skills to a higher level. In this 1-year course, you will build your skills in beauty therapies tha...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Full time

Hair Beauty and Complementary Therapy

Beauty Therapy Services and Treatments NC6

NC Beauty Therapy Services and Treatments (SCQF Level 6) is an innovative one-year course that equips learners with the ...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Full time

Hair Beauty and Complementary Therapy

Body Massage

This 18-week exciting short course is designed to develop understanding and basic skills in preparing for and performing...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Evening

Hair Beauty and Complementary Therapy

Hairdressing - Level 2 Diploma (SCQF Level 5)

This one-year exciting course covers the skills required to enter the hairdressing industry.Throughout the course, you w...

Read more and apply

Campus
Milton Road Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Full time