Entry requirements
- Completion of Beauty Therapy – VRQ Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Therapy (or equivalent)
or
- Employment or experience in the beauty industry
- A relevant SCQF Level 5 Anatomy and Physiology qualification is also required.
Why take this course?
The course will develop your understanding and equip you with practical techniques in advanced aspects of beauty therapy and related industries. You will also learn how to work effectively with colleagues and provide exceptional service to clients.
Experienced staff will guide you as you learn practical skills in body massage, facial and body electrotherapy, stone therapy, micro-dermabrasion, and personal health and wellbeing. Alongside this, you will gain practice in the promotion and selling of products and services.
You will train in a realistic work environment, which provides preparation for excellent salon experience for progression to employment.
What you will experience
- Working on real clients
- Client consultation and monitoring of health and safety
- Face and body electrotherapy treatments
- Body and hot stone massage
- Microdermabrasion
- Personal health and wellbeing
- Underpinning knowledge for advanced beauty therapy techniques
Course content may vary depending on which campus you study at.
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/ e-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
VRQ Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy
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 Saturday 14 March from 10am – 2pm.
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.
Education at NESCol
On successful completion of this course, you can progress to the following courses at North East Scotland College:
Employment
Careers in Beauty Therapy including employment opportunities in beauty salons and hotels. You will also find there are opportunities in the creative industries, where you could pursue work in areas such as TV and theatre.
Student Stories
Stacey Kenyon
Hair, Beauty & Complementary Therapies
HNC Complementary Therapies
“We were a close-knit community that would help each other out, and I’ve made lifelong friends that I still speak to every day.”
Read more about Stacey's story
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.
Apply 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 submitted, this will be processed by our Admissions team.
Aberdeen City Campus
StartsAug 2026
Course CodeC00040
Fraserburgh Campus
StartsAug 2026
Course CodeC00144
Alternatively, you can complete a paper application and send it to us.
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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