Introduction
Transform your passion for beauty and wellness into a professional career with our advanced HNC in Beauty Therapy, a prestigious qualification accredited by both SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) and ABT (Association of Beauty Therapists). This high-level qualification offers comprehensive training in the latest beauty treatments and techniques, using premier products from brands such as Dermalogica, Beautiful Brows and Lashes, CJP, and Eve Taylor.
Top-Level Training & Expertise: Learn from expert lecturers with years of experience in the beauty industry, ensuring that you gain the most current knowledge and skills to prepare you for a career in the beauty industry.
Experience with Leading Brands: Get hands-on practice with market-leading products like Dermalogica for skincare, Beautiful Brows and Lashes for lash and brow treatments, CJP for nails, and Eve Taylor for spa therapies.
Course code
HBEA
Location
Dumfries Campus
Duration
Full Time Attendance 2 or 3 days per week.
1 year (36 weeks), Please note this may be subject to change.
Additional hours for work experience and attendance in the evening may be required.
Entry Requirements
It is recommended that learners have some background knowledge and experience within the broad area of ‘Beauty Therapy’, this may comprise but is not restricted to: NQ Units at SCQF level 6 SVQ/NVQ at level 3 in appropriate subjects.
The HNC Complementary Therapies is suitable for a wide range of candidates including:
- adult returners to education
- individuals in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
- people who wish to start their own business
Entry Requirements
As with all SQA qualifications, entry is at the discretion of the centre. Examples of formal entry qualifications include:
- appropriate groupings of National units
- any two National Qualifications at Higher
- SVQ 2 or 3 in a relevant area
- relevant work experience
Different combinations of relevant National Qualifications, vocational qualifications and equivalent qualifications from other awarding bodies may also be acceptable.
You are required to be 16 years of age by August 2025 to undertake this course.
Approval of Qualifications: EU Regulations for learners under 16 years of age
Centres are responsible for ensuring they comply with the European Union (EU) Directive and are aware of the Pre-16 Restrictions set out by the Sector Skills Body, HABIA, (European Directive Pre-16 Restrictions). These restrictions apply to the following Group Awards and their units, whether the units are delivered as part of a Group Award or on an individual standalone basis. For further information, please click here to view the learner restrictions as per the industry authority.
Information and Interview Session Requirements
Once we have received your application you will be asked to attend an informal information and interview session.
Learners will be required to attend a face-to-face interview or an interview on Teams video to further discuss your application. You will be invited for a group and/or individual interview where you can find out more about the course and tell us why you’re interested in this subject area.
This is a key aspect of the application process. You must confirm your attendance should you be offered an appointment.
During the information and interview session, we will ensure the entry requirements, and your aspirations and career plan are appropriate for the course and the level of course you have applied for. It is therefore important that you prepare well for this.
Course Content
The HNC in Beauty Therapy is an excellent qualification which meets the needs of an expanding and dynamic industry and provides a platform for those who wish to progress their studies to degree level. The award includes units that underpin knowledge and skills to work as Beauty Therapists in the public, private, and charitable sectors.
Subjects studied encourage a holistic approach to restoring or maintaining good health.
Key Modules (Subject to Change):
Applied Anatomy and Physiology
Spa Treatments
Signature Massage
Face and Body Treatment Packages
Lash Lift
Brow Lamination
Traditional Head Massage
Aromatherapy Massage
Liquid and Powder Nail Enhancements
Freestyle Brows
Graded Unit
Professional Salon Skills
This course provides a broad range of advanced beauty and wellness knowledge:
Applied Anatomy and Physiology: Build a solid foundation in the anatomy and physiology essential for performing effective and safe beauty treatments. This includes an in-depth understanding of skin layers and functions, hair growth cycles, and nail anatomy. You will also explore the cardiovascular, nervous, and skeletal systems to understand how beauty treatments interact with these systems, enhancing health and well-being. This knowledge will equip you to deliver treatments with precision, while also appreciating the physiological benefits of beauty therapies, such as improved circulation, relaxation, and muscle relief.
Spa & Signature Massage Treatments: Master advanced techniques in high-quality, relaxing therapies, including indulgent body wraps, revitalising body exfoliation, and a variety of massage treatments such as Thai Massage, Hot Stone Therapy, Aromatherapy, and Indian Head Massage. These luxurious treatments will equip you with the expertise to offer clients a truly memorable and personalised spa experience, blending therapeutic touch with holistic wellness practices for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation.
Face & Body Treatment Packages: Learn to create tailored, comprehensive treatment packages that cater to individual client needs. Combine a full range of services, from body treatments to advanced electrical facials, showcasing skills in cutting-edge treatments like microdermabrasion and microcurrent therapy. These powerful tools are just some of the exceptional techniques you will learn to deliver top-tier beauty services and achieve remarkable results.
Liquid and Powder Nail Enhancements: Gain expertise in Liquid and Powder Nail Enhancements using CJP products, learning sculpting techniques, French tips, and more.
Freestyle Brows: Develop skills in the Freestyle Brows unit, which teaches the art of shaping and enhancing brows for the latest trends.
Graded Unit: This unit allows you to apply everything you have learned to a comprehensive project that demonstrates your readiness for a professional career in beauty therapy.
Professional Salon Skills: Develop essential skills for a successful career in beauty therapy, including client care, effective retailing strategies, and business planning. You will also receive training in trade testing, preparing you for the industry’s standards and expectations when applying for roles. This includes practical experience in conducting consultations, performing services under timed conditions, and demonstrating proficiency across a variety of treatments—equipping you with the confidence and professionalism to excel in job interviews and meet the demands of top employers.
Assessments
The course utilises a variety of assessment methods, including practical observation, case study compilation, research projects and closed book theory papers.
Progression
Successful HNC students may progress to HND courses in related areas, e.g. Professional Health Studies.
Career Prospects
Completing the HNC in Beauty Therapy opens the door to a wealth of rewarding career opportunities in the thriving beauty and wellness industry. With this advanced qualification, you will be well-prepared to work in luxury spas, high-end salons, or aboard prestigious cruise ships, offering sought-after treatments like aromatherapy massage, spa and signature massage treatments, nail, lash and brow enhancements. Additionally, hands-on training with leading industry brands such as Dermalogica, Eve Taylor, CJP and Beautiful Brows and Lashes ensures you gain invaluable experience with the products and techniques employers value most. This expertise gives you a competitive edge when seeking employment or progressing to specialised roles in the wellness sector, salon, and spa management. For those with entrepreneurial ambitions, this qualification also provides the skills and confidence to launch your own beauty business. With accreditation by SQA and ABT, you will have an industry-recognised qualification that sets you apart and positions you for long-term success. For those wishing to continue learning this qualification provides a strong foundation to advance to degree-level studies
Additional funding information
You should apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). Please visit their website: www.saas.gov.uk for further details.
Fee Rates
Advanced Courses – Full Time HND HNC £1,285.00
All students are liable for payment of their course fees, unless they make a successful application to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for full time fees or Part-Time Fee Waiver Grant (PTFG), are entitled to a SFC Fee Waiver, or their fees are to be paid by a third-party sponsor e.g. employer. It is the student’s responsibility to provide evidence of a successful application. If a student discovers they are ineligible for funding the student will become liable for unpaid fees Where students are self-financing, their course fees must be paid in full no later than 7 days prior to the course start date, unless an instalment plan has been agreed I.
PAYMENT INSTALMENT PLANS Where students are self-funding the course fee must be paid in full no later than 7 days prior to the course start date unless they select one of the following payment options.
- Where any net fee (after any applicable grant) is £300 or less the fee is payable in full no later than 7 days prior to the course start date.
- Where any net fee is in excess of £300 up to £800 and the duration of the course exceeds 3 months – a 3-month instalment plan is available.
- Where any net fee is in excess of £800 and the duration of the course exceeds 6 months – a 5-month instalment plan is available.
- The 1st instalment is due no later than 7 days prior to the course start date with the remaining instalments payable on a monthly basis thereafter. Any application to pay by instalments must be made to the Finance department (Tel 01387 734000) who have sole discretion on accepting any application for payment in this way.
Selling Points
A Pathway to Employment and Professional Development: Upon completing this course, you will be a qualified Beauty Therapist, eligible for professional membership and insurance as a Complementary Therapist, ready to take on various exciting roles in the beauty industry. This prestigious HNC qualification is highly valued in the beauty industry, providing a strong foundation for those wishing to advance to degree-level studies or embark directly on a professional career. You will be prepared to work confidently and competently across various settings, from high-end salons, luxury cruise ships, and spas to the expanding wellness sector.
Take your first step toward a rewarding career in beauty therapy. Secure your place in a program designed to provide industry-recognised skills and expertise.