Hair and Beauty
Beauty Therapy Services and Treatments NC
Campus
Granton Campus
Milton Road Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 5
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2026
Choose your study options
Course enquiry form
Course overview
NC Beauty Therapy Services and Treatments (SCQF Level 6) is an innovative one-year course that covers the skills required to enter the beauty industry.
You will combine practical and theoretical work in areas such as massage, facial treatments, eye enhancements, nails, waxing, and electrotherapy, gaining essential practical experience working on clients in our professional salon environment.
You will be provided with up-to-date training in new technologies 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.
This course is fantastic preparation for becoming a practitioner in the industry and equips you with the skills you need to continue to further studies at HNC/D Level.
Please note:
- There is an additional cost for course kits, uniforms and books which must be purchased prior to starting the course.
- Some theory will be delivered online; you will be required to have access to IT to complete this part of the course, e.g., a laptop, PC, iPhone, or 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
- Facial Manual and Electrical Treatments
- Eyelash and Eyebrow Treatments
- Body Massage Techniques
- Body Electrical Treatments
- Body Wraps
- Hand and Foot Treatments
- Freeform Sculpture using Light Curing Gel
- Depilation
- Customised Make Up
- Healthy Eating and Wellbeing
- Work Experience
- Skills Practice
Placement information
- You are expected to undertake a work placement in Semester 2 to gain hands-on experience in industry.
- 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
- You must be 16 years of age or older before the start date of the course
- You must hold a minimum of 4 passes at SCQF Level 5 (National 5s) or equivalent - preferably in English/ESOL, Biology and another science.
Or
- NC Level 5 Beauty Care and Make-Up qualification.
Please include a strong personal statement in your application explaining your reasons for wanting to be in the course.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
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 complete a written assessment and a few short questions based on your skills and goals in the beauty industry.
- Please read the Briefing Document on the skin and hair to prepare for the written assessment.
- 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.
NC Level 6 Beauty Care Briefing Document
Hair and Beauty Applicant Privacy Notice
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
- HNC/D Beauty Therapy
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Granton Campus | Full time | 24/08/26 |
| Milton Road Campus | Full time | 24/08/26 |
