Hairdressing and Barbering Full Time Programme

Express your creativity, develop professional skills and build a career in the hair industry.

Hairdressing

Entry Level 3 Hair and Beauty

Duration: 1 year

This introductory programme provides an excellent starting point for students interested in the hair and beauty industry. You will develop confidence, practical skills and an understanding of professional salon environments while exploring a range of hair and beauty techniques.

Level 1 Hair and Beauty

Duration: 1 year

Available at Wigston Campus only

This course introduces students to the core skills and knowledge required within the hair and beauty industry. You will explore hairdressing, beauty treatments and customer service while developing the professional behaviours expected within salons and spas.

Level 1 Hairdressing

Duration: 1 year

Available at Nuneaton Campus only

Develop the fundamental skills required to begin a career in hairdressing. You will learn basic styling, shampooing, blow-drying and salon reception skills while gaining confidence in a professional salon environment.

Level 2 Hairdressing

Duration: 1 year

Available at Nuneaton and Wigston Campuses

Develop practical hairdressing skills through client-based learning and salon experience. Students learn cutting, colouring, styling and consultation techniques while working to professional industry standards.

Level 3 Hairdressing

Duration: 1 year

Available at Nuneaton and Wigston Campuses

Build advanced hairdressing skills including creative cutting, colouring, styling and client management. This programme prepares students for employment within professional salons or self-employment opportunities.

Barbering

Level 2 Barbering

Duration: 1 year

Available at Nuneaton and Wigston Campuses

This practical programme develops the skills required to work as a barber. Students learn cutting, styling, facial hair services and client consultation techniques while working in realistic salon environments.

Level 3 Barbering

Duration: 1 year

Available at Nuneaton Campus only

This advanced programme develops high-level barbering skills and techniques, helping students prepare for employment, self-employment or progression within the barbering industry.

Hair and Media Make-Up

Level 2 Hair and Media Make-up

Duration: 1 year

Available at Nuneaton Campus only

This creative programme combines hair styling and make-up artistry, preparing students for careers within media, fashion, theatre and entertainment industries. Students develop specialist skills while building a professional portfolio.

Level 3 Theatrical, Media and Special Effects Make-up

Duration: 1 year

Available at Nuneaton Campus only

This specialist creative programme develops professional skills in theatrical, media and special effects make-up. Students explore character creation, prosthetics, body art and industry techniques used within theatre, television, film and entertainment.

Throughout your studies, you will develop industry-relevant skills, knowledge and behaviours including:

Hairdressing

• Shampooing and conditioning
• Hair cutting techniques
• Hair colouring services
• Styling and finishing techniques
• Client consultation
• Hair science and product knowledge
• Salon reception and customer care 

Barbering

• Men's haircutting techniques
• Beard and moustache services
• Skin fading and advanced cutting
• Client consultation
• Professional barbering practices
• Business and customer service skills 

Hair and Beauty

• Basic beauty treatments
• Hair styling techniques
• Customer care
• Health and safety
• Professional salon behaviours
• Product knowledge 

Hair and Media Make-up

• Fashion and photographic make-up
• Hair styling for media
• Creative design techniques
• Editorial looks
• Portfolio development 

Theatrical, Media and Special Effects Make-up

• Special effects make-up
• Prosthetic application
• Character design
• Body art
• Theatrical make-up
• TV and film make-up techniques
• Industry portfolio development

We offer a range of entry points to support students at different stages of their learning journey.

Entry requirements vary according to course level. Previous qualifications, practical aptitude, creativity and career aspirations will be discussed during the interview process.

For hairdressing, barbering and make-up programmes, students should demonstrate enthusiasm for working with clients and developing professional salon skills.

Students benefit from learning in professional salon environments designed to reflect industry standards.

Facilities may include:

• Commercial training salons
• Professional barbering facilities
• Hairdressing salons
• Specialist make-up studios
• Industry-standard equipment and products
• Client reception areas
• Professional styling stations
• Specialist media make-up resources 

These facilities provide valuable real-world experience while developing practical and customer service skills.

Students may be required to purchase:

• Professional salon uniform
• Hairdressing or barbering kit
• Specialist make-up kit (where applicable) 
• Appropriate footwear
• Stationery and study materials

Further information will be provided before enrolment.

Industry experience is an important part of your programme.

Students may benefit from:

• Commercial salon activities
• Work placements 
• Employer-led projects
• Industry masterclasses
• Guest speakers
• Competitions and showcases

These opportunities help students develop confidence, professionalism and employability skills.

Successful completion of these courses can lead to:

Further Study

• Advanced hairdressing qualifications
• Specialist barbering qualifications
• Media make-up qualifications
• Apprenticeships
• Higher education programmes 

Career Opportunities

• Hairdresser
• Barber
• Salon Stylist
• Hair Colour Technician
• Freelance Hairdresser
• Media Make-up Artist
• Special Effects Make-up Artist
• Theatre Make-up Artist
• Fashion Stylist
• Salon Manager 
• Self-Employed Professional