Mode of Study

Full-time

Start Date

25th Aug 2025, 1 year

Location

City Campus

Applications from International Students Welcome

Overview

The HNC Hairdressing course is designed for hairdressers currently working in the profession who are seeking an advanced certificate in hairdressing. This course will provide you with the highest qualification currently held in hairdressing. The course is designed for experienced stylists or newly qualified stylists who want to further their studies.

All technical units build and expand your existing skills, and knowledge as a stylist, allowing you to design and create looks based on current fashion. A specialised unit in hair and scalp allows you to develop a deeper understanding of hair loss and the implications of conditions and how to treat them.  You'll also learn new skills in Photoshop to portray your work and advance your communication skills via writing and presenting.

Lecturers teaching your course have experience and expertise in Hairdressing and learning and teaching methods. Your lecturers continually upskill in professional development and pride themselves as Colour Experts/Specialists, Trichologists and Cutting Ambassadors. One of our core values as lecturers and industry experts is to support you as an individual to flourish as a student.

Your course will be interactive using a variety of methods to ensure your learning and progression needs are met. Units are lecturer-led, however, we fully encourage you to take ownership of your own learning through designing looks, working with other college students from make-up artists to photographers and organising charity events.

Career prospects and employment opportunities are excellent with many of our students who've previously undertaken this course going on to study TQFE, lecturing positions, self-employment and starting their own businesses, private educators, living and working in Australia and working as stylists on cruise liners. You may also have opportunities to take part in European Partner Student Exchanges. 

On successful completion of this course, you'll be awarded an HNC Hairdressing.

This course is placed on the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework at Level 7. 

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

• National Qualification at SCQF level 6 or SVQ level 3 in Hairdressing; OR
• A minimum of 5 years' experience within the hairdressing profession; OR
• Other equivalent qualifications or experience.

Additional selection requirements

• 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 or we'll make an offer based on your application form.
• You may have to undertake a skills test to demonstrate you are at the appropriate level for this course.

ESOL entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum SQA ESOL National 5 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher or equivalent for HNC/D courses.

What you study

You'll study:

• Classic and Creative Cutting.
• Principles of Colouring.
• Hair and Scalp Treatments.
• Social Media.
• Work Placement.
• Graded Unit 1.

Additional units will be added to make up Group Award.

After the course

Careers

On successful completion of the course, you could operate your own business, apply for employment on-board cruise liners, lecturing posts in Further Education or as a Company Technician / Trainer.

Continuing Study

On successful completion of the course, you can apply for entry to HND Make-up Artistry, TQFE via Stirling or Dundee University or undertake Assessor Awards.

Teaching

How the course is taught

Assessment methods

Additional Information

Materials

Dress code