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Hair and Beauty

NPAs in Make Up and Eye Treatments and Scalp, Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage

Campus Granton Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 5

Study mode Full time

Start date Jan 2027

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Course overview

This exciting 18-week course is a combination of two Level 5 NPA courses, building on the skills you have gained in Semester 1, covering the additional essential skills in Make Up and Body Massage to enhance your journey within the Beauty industry and progression for further study as a Beauty Therapist 

By working in our realistic salon environments, you will gain valuable practical experience to enhance your skills and employability prospects. You will be assessed on your practical abilities, along with written assessment criteria where applicable. 

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.  

This is a practical course where you will build your skills while working on others within the class. You must be comfortable performing treatments on others and receiving treatments yourself. 

On successful completion of this course, you can apply for progression into NC6 Beauty Services and Treatments the following academic year  

Please note:  

  • There is an additional cost for the course kit, uniforms and books – this must be purchased prior to starting the course (a bursary will cover the cost of these if you are eligible) 

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
  • NPA: Make Up and Eye Treatments
  • Developing Make-Up Skills
  • Developing Skills in Eye Treatments
  • NPA in Scalp, Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage
  • Scalp Massage: An Introduction
  • Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage

Placement information

  • There is no work placement required for this course; however, you will be working with clients in our realistic employability salons and studios. 

How the course is assessed

  • All practical assessments are conducted on paying clients in our salons.  
  • Assessment of theory will include portfolio building and open- and closed-book assessments. 

Number of days per week

  • 2 days per week between 9 AM and 5 PM.

Entry requirements

  • All applicants must be 16 years of age or older before the start date of the course and must hold: 
  • The Semester 1 NPAs in Facial and Eye Treatments and Hand, Foot Care and Nail Art  

Or

  • A minimum of three National 5 qualifications at SCQF Level 5  
  • Mature returners' entry with a successful interview  

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 Statement in conjunction with the rest of your application 

Thereafter, successful applicants will be invited to a formal interview, which may be conducted online or on campus, to discuss their application and their reasons for wishing to study NPA Beauty Care. 

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.
  • 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. 

Hair and Beauty Applicant Privacy Notice 

English Proficiency Requirements

IELTS 5.5 

Progression and Articulation Routes

  • SCQF Level 6 Beauty Services and Treatments (36-week course, the following academic year) 

Career options

  • Employment within a beauty salon as a Junior Beauty Therapist.
  • This course allows further progression to our SCQF Level 6 Beauty Services and Treatments course.

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date
Granton Campus Full time 18/01/27

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