Beauty Therapy HND
Course code 013B
What is special about this course?
The HND Beauty Therapy is a two-year course developing the knowledge, research, and skills that will underpin your work in the beauty industry.
The setting develops your skills in a realistic working environment, using contemporary salon equipment, and will develop proficiency in an array of salon treatments. You will practice on each other prior to completing assessments on external clients, who you will be expected to source and book in for assessment sessions.
You will be taught by industry professionals with a wide range of industry experience, who will impart essential knowledge to equip you for employment. We encourage and develop your professionalism in appearance and client skills, ensuring you are employable for beauty salons, spas, cruise liners or in a career as a self-employed therapist.
Special features
- You will be required to purchase a uniform and kit and for your studies, details will be given on acceptance to the course
- You will be expected to follow a dress code whilst working in the salons
- You may be required to undertake a work placement as part of your course (for more information please contact your chosen campus)
- You can study full-time or part-time to suit your personal and professional circumstances
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
- 2 Scottish Highers at grade C or above OR
- 2 A levels at grade D or above
- Preferably in English or a science related subject, plus
- 3 National 5 qualifications or 3 Standard Grades 1, 2 or 3, or an SCQF Level 6 programme, or equivalent
- Entry to year 2 may be possible with an HNC Beauty Therapy
- Prospective students without the standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis
- You will be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process and may be asked to perform an assessment task
Access routes
- HNC Beauty Therapy may allow direct access to year two of the HND
Year 1 - HNC
Year 1 of the course is HNC Beauty Therapy.
Year 2 - HND
Mandatory units are:
- Beauty therapy: advanced facial and body therapy techniques
- Lifestyle advice for clients
- Beauty therapy: promotional and selling skills
- Beauty therapy: graded unit 2
- Beauty therapy: product knowledge
Mandatory units may also include:
- Beauty therapy: depilation advanced
- Contemporary spa massage
- Spa treatments
- Seated massage therapy
- Remedial massage
- Beauty therapy: electrical depilation
- Beauty therapy: advanced electrical epilation
Optional subjects may include:
- Beauty therapy: depilation
- Beauty therapy: face and body electrotherapy
- Beauty therapy: facial therapy treatments
- Beauty therapy: hand, foot and nail therapies
- Body massage treatments
- Beauty therapy: contemporary aesthetic treatments
- Beauty therapy: make up skills
- Traditional head massage
- Signature massage
- Liquid and powder nail enhancements
- Light curing gel nail enhancements
- Eyelash enhancements
- Eyebrow artistry
- Spa treatments
- Reflexology
- Aromatherapy massage
- Work placement
Option units available may vary depending on study location, for more information contact your chosen campus
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time (structured)
- You will study by way of face-to-face lectures and tutorials in the classroom and practical exercise in a salon environment
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 2 years (HNC + HND)
- Part-time: 4 years (HNC + HND)
Where can I study my course?
- Perth
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £1,285 | £1,285 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £86 | £86 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £7,110 | £7,440 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £474 | £496 |
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK, including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| Higher National Awards (HNC, HND) | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year | £8,775 | £8,925 |
| Part-time (per HN credit) | £585 | £595 |
Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
Additional costs
You will be expected to cover costs for uniform and kit (approximately £180-£205).
What can I do on completion of my course?
On completion of your HND Beauty Therapy you might want to find work in salons, hotels, cruise ships or self-employment.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
I chose this course because I always wanted to learn more about the beauty industry. While my focus was on learning bridal make-up, I also enjoyed learning other practical aspects such as massage, reflexology, nails and facials. I am currently working in a spa and this qualification will help further my opportunities within the beauty industry.
My plans are to continue working in the spa to build up my experience; eventually I’d like to set up my own business, specialising in baby and pregnancy massage.
Kerri studied the HND Beauty Therapy at UHI Perth.
Apply for Beauty Therapy HND
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.