Quick facts
| Qualification type | City & Guilds Level 2 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 |
Entry by interview. Applicants will have completed Level 1 in Hairdressing or Barbering, and we will also consider students who have achieved Grade 4 and above in English and Maths and minimum of one other at Grade 4 and above. Applicants that are 19+ do not require previous qualifications but will need an interview to assess suitability. Current WSC students wishing to progress to level 2 or 3 programmes, must have excellent attendance and have raised their achievement levels in year to progress on to higher level courses. This expectation also applies to Maths and English courses. |
| Campus | he Academy of Hair and Beauty, West Suffolk College Sixth form campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Yes |
Is it for me?
What you'll learn
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Principles and practices of hairdressing and barbering services
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Shampoo, condition and treat the hair and scalp
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Cut hair using basic barbering techniques
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Dry and finish men's hair
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Cut facial hair to shape using basic techniques
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Create basic outlines and detailing in hair
Equipment required for the course
Upon enrolment for this course, learners will receive order forms that list all the equipment, tools and uniform requirements of the course. The uniform will consist of black trousers, a polo top, black hoody and flat black closed toe shoes.
Learners will be required to purchase a tuition/mannequin head that will be used to learn all the practical skills for barbering. An equipment list will include all electrical equipment, combs, brushes and scissors needed, including a kit bag. Each learner will be required to have access to a recommended textbook that supports the knowledge delivered for this course. You may need to consider additional costs for trips and activities throughout the year. Uniform is required for every session in the practical area.
At the start of the academic year, you may also need to consider an additional cost for membership to The Fellowship for British Hairdressing, trips and activities throughout the year.
Approximate Kit Cost - £400
Approximate cost of the polo shirt - £25
Work experience placements
Learners are required to find a work placement in a salon for at least one day per week, which will build relationships in the industry and could lead to employment in the future.
Assessment
This course has an end point practical assessment, similar to a trade test, this covers practical skills and behaviours of the professional barber. There will also be an end of course exam covering theory taught across all five units of barbering. You will be graded Pass/Merit/Distinction/Distinction*.
Further study
- Barbering Advanced Technical Diploma Level 3
- Apprenticeship
Example careers
- Barber
- Senior Barber
- Shop Owner
Days & times
Starting September 2025