Higher National Diploma in Cosmetology
Higher National Diploma in Cosmetology (NVQ Level 6) offered by University College of Ratmalana (UCR) enriches students’ knowledge and experience in the broad domain of Cosmetology while inculcating the right attitudinal characteristics to peruse a successful career in Cosmetology. The profession of Cosmetology is generally, yet insufficiently, understood as a profession of beautifying people (this is normally NVQ Level 4). However, Cosmetology extends beyond mere beautifying people into ensuring the wellbeing of people. The field of Reflexology, which is under the shelter of Cosmetology, is one such example beyond beautification. A cosmetologist is required to have a good knowledge of the skin, anatomy and physiology, science of cosmetic products, etc. The curriculum offered by UCR covers these areas as well as other employability skills such as management and communication skills. The total duration of the programme is 3 years. The programme starts with the foundation course of six months duration. After the foundation course, students study towards NVQ Level 5 (two semesters) over a period of one year. Then, students are given the opportunity to get on-the-job training (OJT) for six months. NVQ Level 6 starts after OJT. Duration of NVQ Level 6 is also one year making the total duration of the course three years. Upon completing NVQ Level 6 qualifications, students have diverse paths to select for their career depending on their skills, opportunities, and interests. Due to the growing demand for high-quality cosmetology treatments from well-qualified people, there is a great opportunity for students become entrepreneurs as well.
Module Content
Ø Foundation
The foundation course has two parts. Those who make direct entry from A/L examination into Higher National Diploma will have to follow most of the NVQ Level 4 course modules on Beautician and Hairdresser during the foundation course.
Those who enter after completion of NVQ Level 4 qualifications in Cosmetology will have to follow basic mathematics, English, biology, etc. during the foundation course.
Ø NVQ 05
NVQ Level 5 has two semesters offering the following compulsory modules.
| Semester 1 | |
| Module Code | Module Name |
| O93C001M01 | Introduction to Professional Cosmetology and Ethics |
| O93C001M02 | Health, Safety and First Aid in Cosmetology Services |
| O93C001M03 | Limitations of Cosmetologist with Respect to Skin, Hair and Nail Disorders to be Attended |
| O93C001M04 | Nutrition, Diet and Exercise-Related to Cosmetology |
| O93C001M05 | Cosmetics Products for Skin, Nail and Hair Services |
| O93C001M06 | Advance Skin Care |
| EMTM01 | Workplace Information Management |
| EMTM02 | Workplace Communication Management |
| Semester 2 | |
| Module Code | Module Name |
| O93C001M07 | Advance Hair Treatments and Advance Hair Dressing |
| O93C001M08 | Customer Care, Market Promotions and Interpersonal Relations in the Salon |
| O93C001M09 | Advance Hand Care and Foot Care |
| O93C001M10 | Regulatory Requirements for Hair & Beauty Industry |
| O93C001M11 | Infrastructure and Equipment Maintenance |
| EMTM03 | Planning and Scheduling Work at Workplace |
Ø OJT – An Introduction about the OJT.
After completion of NVQ Level 5, students are sent to various workplaces of their choice, depending on the availability of placement, to gain experience while engaged in work. This paves the way for students to apply their developed skills and acquired knowledge to actual work in a real work environment beyond the laboratory while facilitating them to learn further skills required by specific jobs.
Ø NVQ 06
NVQ Level 6 also consists of two semesters. The first semester provides a set of compulsory modules while Semester 2 offers some elective modules as well, in addition to compulsory modules.
| Semester 1 | |
| Module Code | Module Name |
| O93C001M12 | Ayurvedic Beauty Therapy |
| O93C001M13 | Anatomy and Physiology of Skin, Hair and Nails |
| O93C001M14 | Advanced Makeup |
| O93C001M15 | Staff Training and Development |
| EMTM04 | Problem Solving and Decision Making |
| EMTM05 | Teamwork and Leadership |
| Semester 2 (Compulsory Modules) | |
| Module Code | Module Name |
| O93C001M16 | Organize Competition and Shows |
| O93C001M17 | Marketing of Cosmetology Services |
| O93C001M18 | Entrepreneurship in Cosmetology |
| EMTM06 | Creating & Maintaining a Learning Culture at the Workplace |
| Elective Modules | |
| O93C001M18 | Advance Nail Technology |
| O93C001M19 | Nail Artistry |
| O93C001M20 | Operations and Maintenance of Electrical Machines used in Skin Care |
| O93C001M21 | Advance Skin Technology |
| O93C001M22 | Chemical services on Hair |
| O93C001M23 | Hair Artistry and Fantasy Hair Styles |