Introduction
This course offers a high-level beauty qualification which will provide you with knowledge of current beauty treatments and techniques. You will gain experience in using a wide range of products and will gain the advanced skills to develop knowledge, skills and a sound understanding along with practical expertise in all aspects of the beauty therapy industry, thereby enabling candidates to work confidently and competently within this industry to secure employment in a variety of settings within the beauty industry such as salons, spas and cruise liners.
This course focuses on more advanced treatments, techniques and product ranges as well as business planning, retailing and gaining employment. Do you have a keen interest in therapy treatments, combined with health and wellbeing and enjoy working with people? If so, this could be the course for you.
This advanced level course develops skills involved in complementary therapies, including a variety of massage techniques and health and wellbeing. It will encourage you to examine alternative methods of enhancing general health and allow you to gain experience and confidence in working with clients. You will be able to participate in volunteering opportunities throughout the year, offering treatments in a variety of settings.
On successful completion of the course, you will be a qualified practitioner, eligible for professional membership and insurance as a Complementary Therapist.
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.
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’ll 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 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 which 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.
Body Massage Treatment
Applied Anatomy and Physiology
Spa Treatments
Signature Massage
Face and Body Treatment Packages
Contemporary Aesthetic Treatment
Traditional Head Massage
Aromatherapy Massage Professional Salon Skills
(This may be subject to change)
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, eg Professional Health Studies.
Career Prospects
This course prepares you for a career in the field of Beauty Therapies, spas seeking holistic therapies or self-employment.
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
This course gives opportunities to expand skills and knowledge within related and optional topics within your disciplines. The course will give you structure and flexibility. It is structured to enable you to develop generic transferrable skills and recognises existing skills and competency allowing you to take charge of your own learning and development to allow progression and achievement. Opportunities are available for external industrial training from prestigious brands such as Dermalogica and Eve Taylor. Work experience opportunities are available within local spas and salons.
The department has strong links with industry, and you will be encouraged to take up salon work during your course to gain industry insight and knowledge.