Hair and Beauty
Beauty Care (SCQF Level 5)
Campus
Granton Campus
Milton Road Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 5
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2025
Choose your study options
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This 36-week course is an exciting insight into the Beauty industry and a great starting point for school leavers with National 4 qualifications.
The course introduces the basic beauty skills you need to enter the industry with practical and theory units covering Facial skin care, Lash and Brow Tinting, Make-Up, Massage techniques, Manicure, Pedicure, Waxing, and Event Planning.
You will work in our salons and studios which will give you valuable experience in a realistic environment. You will be assessed on your practical abilities and with written assessment criteria where applicable.
NB - 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 completion of this course, you can apply for the NC Level 6 Beauty Care.
Please note:
- There is an additional cost for course kit, uniforms and books – this must be purchased before 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, simply book in for a treatment.
Hair Salons, Beauty Salons and Barbershop | Edinburgh College
What you will learn
- Facial Skincare
- Lash and Brow Tinting
- Day and Evening Make-Up Trends
- Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage
- Gel Polish Aesthetics
- Manicure
- Introduction to Waxing
- Practical Salon Skills
- Event Planning
Placement information
- There is no work placement required for this course, however, you will be working on clients in our realistic employability salons and studios.
How the course is assessed
- All practical assessments are carried out on paying clients within our salons
- Assessment of theory will include portfolio building, open and closed book assessments
Number of days per week
- 2-3 days per week (between 9.00 AM and 5.00 PM)
- One evening (4.30 PM to 8.00 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 four National 4s or qualification at SCQF Level 4 or equivalent preferably in English and Biology
- Mature returners entry with successful interview
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
Please include a strong personal statement as part of your application which explains your reasons for wanting to be on the course. Once completed, we will review your Personal Statement in conjunction with the rest of your application.
Applicants who meet the above criteria will be invited to a formal interview, this will include a written task and interview to discuss your application. Please refer to the Interview Briefing document to prepare for our interview task as follows:
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 answer a written assessment and a few short questions based on your skills and aims within the beauty industry
- Please read the briefing document on the skin to prepare for the written assessment
- You will then be given a short one-to-one interview which will give you time to ask any questions
- You must bring in your original certificate for your qualifications including your subject information and 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.
Beauty Care (SCQF Level 5) Briefing Document
Hair and Beauty Applicant Privacy Notice
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
- NC Level 6 Beauty Therapy (36-week course the following year)
Career options
- This course allows further progression to our NC Level 6 Beauty Care
- You will gain some practical skills to work within a beauty salon as a Junior Beauty Therapist
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Granton Campus | Full time | 25/08/25 |
| Milton Road Campus | Full time | 25/08/25 |
