Quick facts
| Qualification type | City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Study times | You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:15 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
| Entry requirements |
Students will be able to start at this level if they have achieved a grade 3 in English & Maths at GCSE. Some students may have completed an Entry level Hairdressing or Beauty Therapy programme during year 10 & 11 of Key Stage 4 in formal education but will need to have also achieved at least a grade 3 in English & Maths. |
| Campus | The Academy of Hair and Beauty, West Suffolk College main campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Highly recommended |
Is it for me?
If you admire influential barbers on Instagram and want to create your own trending styles, this course could be your first step towards becoming a skilled professional barber, developing the personal and technical skills to launch a successful career.
On the Level 1 certificate, you will learn both theory and practical knowledge working on both long and short hair. Alongside developing the confidence and self-esteem to excel in this career, you will receive focused training to ensure you have the skills required to begin providing barbering services and excellent customer service.
You will develop the skills to join an ever developing and growing industry, working in the hairdressing, barbering and beauty industry attracts passionate, artistic and hardworking individuals. This is a demanding industry where maximum job satisfaction is guaranteed for the right person!
What you'll learn
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Shampooing and conditioning
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Skin care
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Introduction to the hair and beauty sector
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Presenting a professional image
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Styling men's hair
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Create a hair and beauty image
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Health and safety
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Working with others
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The art of colouring hair
Equipment required for the course
Yes, there will be uniform to purchase, as you will represent the trade you are training for. The details regarding the uniform will be given out at enrolment.
The uniform will consist of self-sourced black tailored trousers or leggings, a polo shirt with the Academy logo, plain black sweatshirt or jacket and flat solid black closed toe shoes/trainers. Each learner is required to buy a recommended textbook that supports the knowledge delivered for this course. You may also need to consider additional costs for trips and activities throughout the year.
Approximate cost of the polo shirt: £25
Work experience placements
Work experience is a big part of this course – You will be encouraged to have real work experience in a professional barber shop for a minimum of 60 hours over the year. This will be recorded and monitored by your course director, you will also need to complete a log of the hours and experiences you have had whilst in this placement.
Assessment
Assessment will be on a unit-by-unit basis, each having both theory and practical elements to achieve. You will be given feedback as you progress through the skills taught and then once you are competent, you will be prepared for assessment tasks. Most units offer a Pass, Merit or Distinction grading system.
Further study
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Barbering Technical Certificate Level 2
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Barbering Advanced Technical Diploma Level 3
Example careers
- Barber
- Senior Barber
- Shop Owner
Days & times
Starting September 2025