Beauty Therapy HNC (Progression)

Course overview

Learn beauty therapy skills to a higher level. In this 1-year course, you will build your skills on beauty therapies that you studied at SCQF Level 6 and be taught and assessed on a more advanced skill set to prepare you for a career in Beauty Therapy that can lead to a more technical and supervisory level.

You will learn the therapeutic skills and knowledge you need to move into the highest level of the beauty industry by performing a variety of beauty therapy techniques and more advanced beauty treatment plans to meet industry requirements. You will also gain more hands-on experience working in our employability salon with the high-end product company Dermalogica, thus enhancing your employability prospects even further.

You will be fully prepared for the industry and setting up your own successful business with a wide range of salon and spa environments by assessing you in different methods from your work experience with clients' case studies to oral presentation skills.

Please note:

• There is an additional cost for course kits, uniforms and books that must be purchased before starting the course.
• 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.laptop, PC, iPhone, Android phone

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.

What you will learn

• Beauty Therapy: Applied Anatomy and Physiology
• Beauty Therapy: Face and Body Treatment Packages
• Beauty Therapy: Face and Body Electrotherapy
• Aromatherapy
• Signature Massage
• Light Curing Gel Nail Enhancements
• Eyebrow Artistry
• Eyelash Enhancements
• Beauty Therapy: Graded Unit 1
• Beauty Therapy: Professional Salon Skills
• Work Placement

Placement information

• All students are expected to complete an external work placement in Semester 2 of the course.
• You will also be working on clients throughout your subjects and in our realistic Employability salons as part of the course.

Please note these are mandatory aspects of the course.

How the course is assessed

• All practical assessments are carried out on paying clients within our salons. 
• The theoretical aspects of the course will be assessed by using a variation of closed-book assessments, essays, case studies and research.

Number of days per week

• 3 days per week (9.00 AM - 4.00 PM) plus one evening (4:30 PM - 8.00 PM)

Entry requirements

• All applicants must hold an SCQF Level 6 qualification in Beauty Therapy.
• You must provide an academic reference to support your completed application with a strong Personal Statement.
• Progressing students must have completed NC 6 Beauty Care

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

You will be invited to a formal interview on campus to discuss your application and why you wish to study HNC Beauty Therapy.     

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? 

1. You must turn up for the interview on time  
2. You have to be available for up to 2 hours as there is a lot to get through  
3. You will be shown a PowerPoint presentation covering the course content and student life at Edinburgh College. 
4. You will answer a written assessment and a few short questions based on your skills and aims within the beauty industry   
5. Please read the briefing document on the facial muscles, lymphatic and circulatory systems to prepare for the written assessment 
6. You will then be given a short one-to-one interview that will allow time to ask any questions  
7. 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   
8. All candidates must present themselves for the interview wearing a black top, black trousers, black shoes, light day make-up and hair tied back. 

HNC Beauty Therapy Briefing Document

Hair and Beauty Applicant Privacy Notice

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

Once you have achieved your HNC, you may apply to progress into 2nd Year HND Beauty Therapy or continue your studies to degree level in:

• Complementary Therapies
• Business studies
• BSC (Hons) Integrative Healthcare Degree at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).

Career options

You will be fully qualified as a Beauty Therapist and therefore have employment opportunities of: 

• Beauty therapist manager of a spa or beauty salon.
• Start up your own business. 
• Trainer/Lecturer within the Beauty industry.
• Entry to 2nd Year HND Beauty Therapy.
• Integrated Healthcare Degree (UHI).