SWC Foundation Degree Boosts Amy and Shauna’s Hair and Beauty Careers 18 Dec 2025 Shauna Litter and Amy Wilkins, studying on South West College’s Foundation Degree in Hair and Beauty Management (with Specialisms), are making impressive strides in their careers. They have praised Northern Ireland’s first Higher Education programme to offer dedicated pathways in Beauty Therapy and Hairdressing, highlighting how it has enabled them to advance their expertise and develop high-level practical and managerial skills that are increasingly valued throughout the industry. Amy, specialising in hairdressing, is already putting her new skills into practice. Based at the luxury salon Hygge in Omagh, she says the course has boosted her confidence and allowed her to take on greater responsibility. Amy said: “I started my hairdressing career on a Level 3 apprenticeship and have steadily progressed. I have been with Hygge from the very beginning. I love the freedom and creativity of hairdressing, and studying at the College has been fantastic. The facilities are excellent, and the tutors are so supportive. Now I am studying hairdressing at Higher Education level, strengthening my skillset and growing my confidence.” Shauna, chose the Beauty Therapy pathway to formalise and deepen her professional experience. After completing her Level 3 Beauty Therapy at SWC Dungannon alongside several additional courses, she saw the Foundation Degree as the ideal next step. Shauna said: “The course is excellent. Students travel from far and wide to study here and it has a strong reputation in the industry. You can return to it at any stage, which is a huge advantage. I have undertaken many courses over the years, but this higher education programme with specialisms really stood out. It allows me to build on my existing knowledge and gain formal qualifications that matter. Our industry is constantly evolving, so staying up to date with new trends and techniques is essential, and this course is giving us exactly that.” Both Amy and Shauna highlighted the benefits of access to highly qualified lecturers, fully equipped training salons, professional product ranges, industry visits, guest speakers, and opportunities to develop their skills in a realistic working environment. Amy added: “The hairdressing facilities are high-end, and the chance to work with leading brands while mastering advanced cutting, colouring and styling techniques has enhanced my skillset enormously. I would encourage anyone who wants to sharpen their skills and stay ahead of industry trends to consider this course.” Likewise, Shauna said: “We are training with premium industry products like Dermologica and learning advanced skills. I would recommend the course to anyone, whether they are progressing straight from Level 3 Beauty or returning to education later in their career, like I am.” Follow in Amy and Shauna’s Footsteps: Foundation Degree Hair and Beauty Management (Validated by The Open University) Omagh Higher Education Beauty Therapy Hairdressing & Barbering Level 5 Part-Time This programme aims to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of management within a hair and beauty context. It is also designed to develop students’ skills in a range of hair and beauty services, which are aligned to the needs of employers in the industry. This programme consists of fifteen modules which provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage... View Foundation Degree Hair and Beauty Management (Validated by The Open University) Share Sign up. Get Qualified. Succeed. Subscribe now for hand-picked courses, inspiration and the latest news and offers, straight to your inbox. The details provided will be used to send you relevant information about SWC. Subscribe now for hand-picked courses, inspiration and the latest news and offers, straight to your inbox. The details provided will be used to send you relevant information about SWC.