Hairdressing (SCQF Level 6) NC
Study mode: You study most days of the week and complete all course units /modules in the standard time., You take fewer course units/modules per week compared to full time.
Course type: NC
Start in: August
Learning mode: You attend classes in person at your local campus or learning centre., You complete a work-based activity to gain industry experience.
How: You attend classes at scheduled times, shown on your timetable., You are supported, monitored and assessed in a workplace.
What is special about this course?
This National Group Award (NC) in Hairdressing at SCQF level 6 is aimed at anyone who has a Hairdressing qualification at Level 5 or with relevant salon experience at this level or above.
This award is designed as a starting point for those interested in working in these specific industries or as a Continuous Professional Development for those already employed in some capacity. The responsibility for finding clients shifts more heavily onto the student as the course focuses more on “commercial experience” and “employability skills”. While NC5 is an introduction, NC6 is designed to prepare you for the pace of a professional salon.
· NC Hairdressing Level 5, or equivalent; OR SVQ Level 2 Hairdressing at SCQF Level 5.
· If English is not your first language, you should have a minimum of SQA ESOL National 5, or equivalent.
· You must be 16 years or over before the course start date.
· If you do not have formal qualifications, but have more than two years of industry experience, you may be considered if you pass a skills test at the interview and provide one industry-relevant reference.
· Applicants will need to secure a placement/employment in a salon for at least one day a week before the course starts. This is a requirement for the Commercial Experience unit.
· If you’re invited to attend an interview, please bring along copies of any qualifications that you have mentioned in your application.
Work Experience
Current Techniques in Long Hair: Basic
Reception Duties and Skills
Hair Beauty and Make-up Personal Care and Appearance
Preparation for Hairdressing Technical Skills
Gents Scalp Massage
Communications
IT
Numeracy
How will I study my course?
- Full Time
Face to Face
- UHI Orkney, Kirkwall
Start date
24th August 2026
Fees
For finance/funding information – please refer to UHI Orkney Finance.
For course fees – please email ocrevenue@uhi.ac.uk
Apply for Hairdressing (SCQF Level 6) NC
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI Orkney. UHI Orkney operates 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 age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.