HNC Beauty Therapy at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

A one-year HNC developing the knowledge, research and practical skills needed to work in the beauty industry, taught by industry professionals in a realistic salon environment with contemporary equipment. It suits new entrants and those progressing from SCQF level 6 beauty therapy.

Duration: Full-time: 1 year; part-time: 2 years | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Mandatory units: applied anatomy and physiology, face and body treatment packages, professional salon skills and graded unit 1. Options may include depilation, electrotherapy, facial therapy, hand, foot and nail therapies, body and head massage, make-up skills, nail and eyelash enhancements, eyebrow artistry, spa treatments, reflexology, aromatherapy, remedial massage, electrical epilation and a work placement; options vary by campus.

Career pathways

Beauty therapy in salons, hotels, cruise ships and other venues; self-employment; progression to HND Beauty Therapy or year two of BSc (Hons) Integrative Healthcare.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above, or 1 A level at grade D or above (preferably English or a science subject), plus 3 National 5 or 3 Standard Grades (1, 2 or 3), or an SCQF level 6 programme or equivalent; alternatively NC Beauty Care or SVQ3 Beauty Therapy. Applicants without the standard entry are considered individually. Applicants must be 16 or over on the first day of the course and will be invited to an interview. International applicants: IELTS for UKVI (Academic) 5.5 overall with no element below 5.0, or LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 (60 overall, no element below 55), taken at a UKVI-approved centre for Student Route visa applicants; online students overseas need IELTS Academic 5.5 overall with no element below 5.0 or a CEFR B2 equivalent in all four components.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,285 a year (2026/27). Scotland-domiciled students, full-time HNC Source

International applicants: GBP 9,460 a year (2026/27). Full-time HNC, term-time address in Scotland Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full-time: 1 year; part-time: 2 years

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