Cosmetology – University College of Ratmalana

Higher National Diploma in Cosmetology

The Higher National Diploma (HND) in Cosmetology conducted by the University College of Ratmalana is a nationally recognized program designed to produce competent cosmetology professionals for Sri Lanka’s rapidly expanding beauty, wellness, and personal care industry. The program is aligned with the national vocational framework and integrates strong theoretical knowledge with extensive practical training, ensuring that graduates are well prepared for employment in Cosmetic clinics, aesthetic clinics, and the broader cosmetology and wellness sector.

Program Structure and Theoretical Foundation

The HND in Cosmetology is structured to progressively develop knowledge from fundamental beauty and skin care principles to advanced cosmetology applications. The theoretical component forms a strong foundation of the program, enabling students to understand skin, hair, and beauty treatments from a scientific and analytical perspective.

Core theoretical subjects include:

Introduction to cosmetology
Health, safety and first aid in cosmetology services
Role of cosmetologist with respect to identification of skin, hair and nail diseases and disorders
Cosmetic products for skin, nail and hair services
Advanced skin care
Advanced hair treatments and advanced hair dressing
Customer care, market promotions and interpersonal relations in the salon
Advanced hand care and foot care
Regulatory requirements in hair & beauty industry
Infrastructure, equipment & resource management
Nutrition, diet and exercise related to cosmetology
Anatomy and physiology of skin, hair and nails and systems of the body
Advance makeup
Staff training and development
Organization of competition and shows
Marketing of cosmetology services
Entrepreneurship in cosmetology
Advance nail technology and nail artistry
Special skin care services using electrotherapy
Special hair care services & fantasy hair styles artistry

Through lectures, tutorials, and structured assessments, students develop the ability to analyze skin and hair conditions, interpret client consultation data, recommend appropriate cosmetic treatments, evaluate product efficacy, and understand physiological responses under various treatment conditions. The strong theoretical foundation ensures that graduates are not only skilled practitioners but also professionals capable of supervision, problem-solving, and holistic decision-making within cosmetology practice.

Practical Training and Industrial Exposure

Practical competence is a fundamental component of the cosmetology diploma program. The curriculum integrates extensive laboratory sessions and workshop-based training to strengthen theoretical knowledge through hands-on practice in real treatment settings.

Students actively engage in:

Well-equipped cosmetology laboratories provide students with the opportunity to practice a wide range of beauty procedures under close supervision. Practical sessions emphasize hygiene and sanitation standards, client consultation skills, safe product handling, and the correct use of tools and equipment in accordance with industry guidelines.

A key feature of the program is the structured On-the-Job Training (OJT) component conducted. During this period, students gain real-world experience by working with clients in professional environments. This industry exposure helps bridge the gap between academic learning and professional cosmetology practice, enhancing students’ confidence, skills, and employability.

Learning Resources and Facilities

The University College provides modern facilities to support both academic and practical learning in cosmetology. These include:

Students also benefit from industry-linked training opportunities, exposure to current beauty trends, and access to professional products and equipment used in the cosmetology field. The learning environment is designed to promote professionalism, hygiene standards, client care skills, creativity, and innovation

Academic Staff and Expertise

The program is delivered by qualified academic staff with extensive teaching and professional experience in cosmetology practice. Lecturers possess strong backgrounds in areas such as skincare science, hair technology, beauty therapy, cosmetic chemistry. Many staff members integrate their industry experience into teaching, enhancing the practical relevance of both classroom instruction and laboratory sessions.

Continuous academic guidance, mentoring, and constructive assessment feedback ensure that students receive personalized support throughout their learning journey.

Module Code	Technical Module	Notional hours	Number of Credits
NVQ Level 5 Qualification Semester 1
O93C001M01	Introduction to cosmetology	75	3
O93C001M02	Health, safety and first aid in cosmetology services	75	3
O93C001M03	Role of cosmetologist with respect to identification of skin, hair and nail diseases and disorders	50	2
O93C001M04	Cosmetic products for skin, nail and hair services	100	4
O93C001M05	Advanced skin care	350	14
EMTM01	Workplace Information Management	75	3
EMTM02	Workplace Communication Management	50	2

NVQ Level 5 Qualification Semester 2
O93C001M06	Advanced hair treatments and advanced hair dressing	305	12
O93C001M07	Customer care, market promotions and interpersonal relations in the salon	80	3
O93C001M08	Advanced hand care and foot care	205	8
O93C001M09	Regulatory requirements in hair & beauty industry	55	2
O93C001M10	Infrastructure, equipment & resource management	55	2
EMTM03	Planning and Scheduling work at workplace	75	3
On the Job Training (06 months) 6 Months on the Job Training under the supervision of NAITA.

NVQ Level 6 Qualification Semester 1
O93C001M11	Nutrition, diet and exercise related to cosmetology	125	5
O93C001M12	Anatomy and physiology of skin, hair and nails and systems of the body	200	8
O93C001M13	Advanced makeup	300	12
O93C001M14	Staff training and development	75	3
EMTM04	Problem Solving and Decision Making	50	2
EMTM05	Teamwork and Leadership	50	2

NVQ Level 6 Qualification Semester 2
O93C001M15	Organization of competition and shows	100	4
O93C001M16	Marketing of cosmetology services	75	3
O93C001M17	Entrepreneurship in cosmetology	93	4
O93C001M18	Advance nail technology and nail artistry	127	5
EMTM06	Creating and maintaining of learning culture	50	2
On the Job Training (06 months) 6 Months on the Job Training under the supervision of NAITA.