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?
This course is ideal if you’re interested in health and wellbeing. Whether you want to start your career, or build your skills as a beauty therapist, the HNC Complementary Therapies course will prepare you for the growing wellness industry.
Complementary therapies are holistic – meaning they focus on the whole person, including physical, mental and emotional health. These treatments can help reduce stress, improve relaxation, manage long-term pain, and support overall wellbeing.
During the course, our expert lecturers will guide you through a range of techniques, including massage, reflexology and aromatherapy. You’ll also work with clients in our professional salon, helping to build your confidence and gain experience for the workplace.
The UK wellness industry is worth around £170 billion* and continues to grow as more people focus on their health and wellbeing. A qualification in this area offers a range of exciting career opportunities.
On completion of the HNC, you will be a qualified practitioner and able to apply for a licence and insurance.
*Global Wellness Institute
What you will experience
This course includes both practical and classroom-based theory modules.
You’ll learn in our salon, in:tuition, at Aberdeen City Campus, working with real clients.
The HNC covers:
- Consultation techniques to promote health and wellbeing
- Body and aromatherapy massage
- Indian head massage
- Reflexology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Perspectives of health
- Critical thinking
- Professional practices
- Work experience in a local clinic or salon.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before applying to this course.
What you will need
- You will need to buy a kit, textbook and uniform.
- For practical classes, you will need to wear your uniform, closed-in shoes and no jewellery. Full details will be given 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 this winter.
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
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
After completing the course, you could move into a range of roles focusing on wellbeing and holistic health.
Many graduates decide to become self-employed and start their own business as a complementary therapist.
Alternatively, you could find a job in:
- Beauty salons or spas
- Health clubs or gyms
- Hotels or cruise ships
- NHS hospitals
- Private hospices
- Charities
- Care homes
Student Stories
Cara Kuszpit
Hair, Beauty & Complementary Therapies
Advanced Beauty Therapy Techniques
“The three years were great as you get to do a wide range of treatments, which gives you a proper feel for what it’s like to work as a Beauty Therapist.”
Read more about Cara's story
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
Duration1 year
Course CodeC00037
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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