Hair and Beauty
Barbering NPA and VTCT Level 3 NVQ Diploma (SCQF Level 5 and 6)
Campus Granton Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 6
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2026
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This exciting one-year course covers the basic skills with the NPA in Semester 1, progressing to advanced skills at SCQF Level 6 - Level 3 Diploma in Barbering, the highest award recognised within the industry for entering and working in the Barbering industry.
As you work within our professional salon environment and Barbershop, you will gain essential practical experience working on clients and mannequin heads, and with high-end product companies such as Wella, Osmo, and American Crew during practical sessions on paying clients, further enhancing your employability prospects.
Theory classes cover the knowledge required to complete all written work as part of your course. You will need access to IT to complete parts of the course, e.g., a laptop, PC, iPhone, Android phone, Tablet, or iPad.
Training at Edinburgh College will enhance your employability prospects, as we offer exceptional facilities and highly qualified lecturers. You will receive up-to-date training on innovations and techniques from leading product manufacturers and barbers.
Edinburgh College is not only a recognised Centre of Excellence by Wella but also houses the Wella Training Studio for Scotland. This amazing collaboration ensures that students receive the most up-to-date training in industry innovations and techniques.
This award is the highest recognised within the industry, qualifying you as a Barber.
Please note:
- There is an additional cost for the course kit, uniforms and books, which must be purchased before starting the course.
- Students will also be expected to bring in clients for practice and assessment purposes.
What you will learn
Semester 1:
- National Progression Award in Barbering
- Gents Cutting – Clippering and Razoring
- Cut Facial Hair
- An Introduction to Gent's Shaving
- Gents Scalp Massage
Semester 2:
- VTCT Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Barbering
- Consultation Services
- Health and Safety
- Creatively Cut and Clip Hair Using a Combination of Barbering Techniques
- Design and Create Facial Hair Shapes
- Provide Shaving Services
- Creative Barbering Skills
- Planning Promotional Activities
- Financial Effectiveness of the Business
- Work Placement
Placement information
- All students at this level will take part in a work placement programme for two days per week (9 AM to 4 PM). This is a mandatory aspect of the course.
How the course is assessed
- All practical assessments are carried out on paying clients within our Barbershop.
- The theoretical aspects of the course are carried out by completing open-book assignments and invigilated closed-book exams.
Number of days per week
- 2 days per week, 9 AM to 4 PM
- 2 days' work placement
Entry requirements
All applicants must be 16 years of age or older before the start date of the course, and/or must hold
- Preparation to Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing qualification and have a Work Placement in a Barbershop in place.
or
- Have a minimum of 2 passes at SCQF Level 5 (National 5s) and have a work placement within the Barbering industry.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
Applicants will be given a date to attend an information/interview, which will involve:
- Group Information session with Q&A.
- Face-to-face interview – where you will be asked relevant questions relating to the course, your goals, and your experience.
- Written task – this task will be scored.
In exceptional cases, the interview may be conducted via Microsoft Teams or by telephone, during which you will be asked relevant questions about the course, your goals, and experience.
The formal interview has a scoring criterion based on communication skills at the interview, along with the written task.
Hair and Beauty Applicant Privacy Notice
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
- You will be qualified to work within the Barbering industry.
Career options
- You will be qualified to work within the Barbering industry.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Granton Campus | Full time | 24/08/26 |
