Spa Therapies (SCQF Level 6)

Course overview

Are you looking for a career in the Spa industry? Our Spa Therapies course will equip you with the skill set to perform a variety of spa treatments currently in our spa industry today.

Combining a mixture of practical massage and theory-based units you will learn practical skills from experienced staff with a wealth of knowledge and gain excellent underpinning knowledge to support your practical work whilst incorporating product knowledge from our leading industry providers Dermalogica.

You will gain hands-on experience initially with your peers to build confidence in treatment procedures, and techniques and develop skills before progressing to clients in our realistic employability salons. Ensuring you are completely prepared for the industry and for setting up your own successful business if desired by offering a wide range of salon and spa environments, assessing you across a variety of methods including work experience with clients’ case studies and presentation skills.

Further opportunities for our optional volunteering scheme with college stakeholders are encouraged where applicable. We have a wonderful collaboration with St Columba's Hospice where students volunteer to carry out a variety of treatments to the carers of those in the hospice.

On successful completion of the course, you will be qualified to work within the Spa Industry, or you may wish to further your studies as a Complementary Therapist.

Training at Edinburgh College will enhance your employability prospects as we have an exceptional standard of facilities alongside highly qualified lecturers.

Please note:

• There is an additional cost for course kits, uniforms and books which must be purchased before starting the course.  
• Some theoretical elements will be delivered online - you will be required to have access to IT to enable you to complete this part of the course e.g. laptop, PC, iPhone, Android phone.

If you are interested in being a model for our students or want to try out our star facilities before beginning your studying journey, you can book in for a treatment.

Hair Salons, Beauty Salons and Barbershop | Edinburgh College

• Full Body Massage (ABT Accredited)
• Massage Techniques
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Facial Massage
• Indian Head Massage (ABT Accredited)
• Spa Treatments (ABT Accredited)
• Bamboo Massage (ABT Accredited)
• Stone Therapy Massage (ABT Accredited)
• Herbal Compress Massage (ABT Accredited)
• Lifestyle & Relaxation Techniques

Placement information

• The work placement requirement for this course involves participation for 1 week at a spa of your choice along with the optional volunteering as mentioned above. You may also be asked to partake in wellness or Spa therapy events organised by the college.

Please note that work placement is a mandatory requirement for the course.

How the course is assessed

• All practical assessments are carried out on clients provided within our salons. 
• The theory aspects of the course are carried out under exam conditions completing open-book assessments and closed-book assessments.

Number of days per week

• 2 days per week (9.00 AM - 4.00pm) Plus one evening (4:30 -7.30 PM) 

Entry requirements

• All applicants must be 16 years of age or older before the start date of the course and must hold :
• A minimum of three National 5s (or equivalent) or four relevant Standard Grades at Credit Level preferably in English and Biology and pass the interview task

Or

• NC Beauty Care Level 5 of 6
• Adult returners' entry with a pass interview task and successful interview

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

Entry requirements are based on the successful application including a personal statement of 500 words or more on the application form. Successful applicants will then be invited for an interview with the college lecturers coordinating the course.

The formal interview has a scoring criterion based on - communication and interview responses

What will happen on the day of your interview? 

1. You must turn up for the interview on time
2. You have to be available for up to 2 hours as there is a lot to get through  
3. You will be shown a PowerPoint presentation covering the course content and student life at Edinburgh College. 
4. You will answer a written assessment and a few short questions based on your skills and aims within the beauty industry 
5. Please read the Briefing Document on the skin and hair to prepare for the written assessment 
6. You will then be given a short one-to-one interview which will allow you time to ask any questions  
7. You must bring in your original certificate for your qualifications including your subject information and the record of your core skills and a photocopy of both   
8. All candidates must present themselves for the interview wearing a black top, black- trousers, black shoes, light day make-up and hair tied back. 

Spa Therapies SCQF Level 6 Briefing Document

Hair and Beauty Applicant Privacy Notice

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

• HNC Beauty Therapy

Career options

• Self-Employed Therapist 
• Spa Therapist
• Spa manager
• Volunteering opportunities
• NHS massage therapy