Hairdressing Level 2 NVQ Diploma (SCQF Level 5)
Campus Granton Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 5
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2026
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This one-year exciting course covers the skills required to enter the hairdressing industry.
Throughout the course, you will have practical sessions delivering hairdressing services, working on clients, along with theory classes to give you the knowledge you need to complete the written work and e-assessments required for the course. 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
Training at Edinburgh College will enhance your employability prospects, as we offer 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 with paying clients from high-end product companies such as 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 Level 2 qualification will allow you to enter the industry as a junior hairdresser or continue your studies to the next level (Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing) to advance your hairdressing skills. You will receive up-to-date training on new innovations and techniques from leading product manufacturers and hairdressers.
Please note:
- There is an additional cost for the course kit, uniforms, and books, which must be purchased before starting the course.
- 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, simply book in for a treatment.
Hair Salons, Beauty Salons and Barbershop | Edinburgh College
What you will learn- Consultation Techniques
- Health and Safety
- Shampoo, Condition, and Treat the Hair and Scalp
- Cutting Hair
- Style and Finish hair
- Set and Dress Hair
- Colour and Lighten Hair
- Plait and Twist Hair
- Salon Reception
- Work Placement
Placement information
- All students at this level will take part in a work placement programme for one day a week (9 AM to 4 PM) from August for the full academic year.
- This is a mandatory aspect of the course
How the course is assessed
- All practical assessments are carried out on paying clients within our salons, working either independently with your own clients or working as a team member.
- The theoretical aspects of the course are delivered online, and you will complete open-book assignments in Teams.
- E-Assessments will be carried out on campus, invigilated.
Number of days per week
- 2 days per week (9 AM to 4 PM)
- Plus, one evening (4.30 PM to 8 PM)
- One-day work placement (6 hours) is a mandatory aspect of the course.
Entry requirements
All applicants must be 16 years of age or older before the start date of the course and hold:
- The Preparation to Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing qualification and have a work placement in place - NB applicants without a Work Placement will not be considered for the course
OR
- a minimum of two passes at SCQF Level 5, and are currently working as a junior in the Hairdressing industry
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
Applicants will be given a date to attend campus for an open evening recruitment event, which will involve:
- Group Information session with Q&As
- Face-to-face interview –where you will be asked relevant questions relating to the course, your goals, and experience
- Skills Test to ensure you have the correct dexterity skills for the course (please see details below
In exceptional cases, the interview may be carried out via Microsoft Teams ora formal telephone interview, where you will be asked relevant questions relating to the course, your goals and experience
Skills Test
- External applicants: a skills test on a mannequin head will be required within a commercially viable time frame.
- Internal applicants: - the skills test will be a showcase of your work during Semester 2 of your current course to establish if your skills are at the level to progress
The formal interview has a scoring criterion based on communication skills at the interview, along with the skills test
Hair and Beauty Applicant Privacy Notice
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
- Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing
Career options
- Opportunity into employment within the Hairdressing industry or continue with your studies in the Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Granton Campus | Full time | 24/08/26 |