Entry requirements
- Two Highers including English, Biology or Chemistry
Or
- Completion of Advanced Beauty Therapy Techniques – VRQ Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy (or equivalent)
Or
- HNC/D in Beauty Therapy
Why take this course?
Learn advanced aspects of complementary therapies and related industries, and how to work effectively with colleagues and clients.
You will develop critical and evaluative thinking, self-direction and reflective practices, whilst gaining practical skills in body and aromatherapy massage and reflexology techniques, whilst working with clients. Anatomy, physiology and health and safety are key theoretical subjects on the course.
You will learn in a realistic work environment, promoting personal health and wellbeing, which provides preparation for work placement and excellent salon experience for progression to employment.
What you will experience
- Working on real clients
- Consultation techniques to promote health and wellbeing
- Practical skills in body and aromatherapy massage
- Reflexology
- Underpinning knowledge for complementary therapy, including health and safety, perspectives of health and professional practices
- Work experience in a local clinic/ salon
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before applying to this course.
What you will need
- You are required to purchase the designated kit, text book and uniform.
- You will be required to wear the designated uniform in all practical classes and closed in shoes. No jewellery can be worn in practical classes. Full details will be provided at an information session.
- A laptop or similar device will also be required.
What you will get
HNC Complementary Therapies (SCQF Level 7)
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, please view the specific English language requirements for this course.
How do I pay for this course?
If you are studying a full-time advanced course (HNC, HND or above), you may be entitled to funding.
How to apply to NESCol
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Open Days
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Our next Open Day will take place on 15 March 2025.
Do you need extra support?
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
- learning difficulties or disabilities
- physical or sensory disabilities
- mental health and wellbeing concerns
- are care experienced or young carers
How do I cover the cost of living?
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
College transport to Fraserburgh
A bus is available to Fraserburgh Campus from a number of locations for a fee. Please contact collegetransport@nescol.ac.uk for more information.
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
University
Our university partnerships ensure a smooth progression to further study. Subject to meeting conditions, entry to the following degrees may be possible after completing this course:
Employment
Employment may be secured in the NHS, private hospices, salons, voluntary organisations, clinics or in a self-employed role.
Student Stories
Viktorija Nikitina
Hair, Beauty & Complementary Therapies
Introduction to Beauty Therapy
“My advice is to choose a course you are passionate about. You’ll love what you’re studying and have the best time and experience here.”
Read more about Viktorija's story
Iona Timmins
Hair, Beauty & Complementary Therapies
Hairdressing Level 2 , SCQF Level 5
“If you are thinking about becoming an apprentice at an older age, allow yourself to achieve it.”
Read more about Iona's story
Emma Robertson
Customer Focused
Beauty Therapy Techniques
“The course, students and staff combined made for such a brilliant experience. The facilities at NESCol are excellent and being able to develop your skills in a real life salon environment with clients is invaluable. I can’t recommend College enough – regardless of the industry you want to go into it is a positive, inspiring environment to study in and can open the door to so many career opportunities.“
Read more about Emma's story
Kimberley Rodgers
Hair, Beauty & Complementary Therapies
Introduction to Manicure
“Anyone can do the course – it’s great for anyone who wants to learn something new for themselves.”
Read more about Kimberley's story
Julie Ingram
Hair, Beauty & Complementary Therapies
Body & Spa Therapies (VRQ Level 3 Diploma in Body & Spa Techniques)
“I think my story shows the diversity a career in Beauty Therapy can offer. Not only can it allow you to travel, work anywhere in the world, but also give you the choice to work in an established salon or set up your own business and become your own boss. The opportunities are endless. It’s such a fun, rewarding career and the job satisfaction from making your client feel better about themselves is priceless. “
Read more about Julie's story
Paige Dixon
Hair, Beauty & Complementary Therapies
Hairdressing Apprenticeship
“I really enjoyed being in the salon and doing all on the job training, it was really good.”
Read more about Paige's story
HNC Complementary Therapies graduates
Hair, Beauty & Complementary Therapies
HNC Complementary Therapies
The first group of HNC Complementary Therapies students graduated from NESCol.
READ MORE ABOUT THIS STORY
Applications
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
You can apply for a place on this course by completing an online application form, which you can access using the ‘Apply Online’ button. Once completed, this will be received by our Admissions Team who will then process your application.
Aberdeen City Campus
-
Starts Aug 2025
-
Duration 1 year
-
Course Code C00037
Completed forms should be signed and returned to us at the following freepost address:
The Student Information & Admissions Manager
North East Scotland College
FREEPOST RTJJ-TXBA-AEZS
Aberdeen City Campus
Gallowgate
Aberdeen
Scotland
UK AB25 1BN
Full-time Application Form
Full-time Application Process
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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