Quick facts
| Qualification type | City & Guilds Level 2 Hairdressing Certificate |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Study times |
You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:00 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
| Entry requirements |
Entry is by interview. |
| Campus |
The Academy of Hair and Beauty, West Suffolk College Sixth Form campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Yes |
Is it for me?
If you have already completed your Level 1 qualification in hairdressing or are looking for an opportunity that will inspire your artistry, flair, and creative skills, this could be the next step for you. This is the first of two years training to be a fully qualified hairdresser.
This course covers all the skills learners require to become a professional Stylist in the hairdressing industry.
There are both theory and practical elements studied in real working environment salon, allowing you to gain experience and knowledge to begin a career in this industry.
You will get the opportunity to take part in local and national competitions, to visit trade shows, and experience training from industry leaders. Our Hairdressing department is recognised by both World Skills UK and the Fellowship of British Hairdressing as a Centre for Excellence, highlighting the world class expertise we deliver to our students. Join us to become a high-performing hairdresser and develop ambition, resilience, teamwork, and curiosity to exceed in your career.
This course is the pre- requisite to Hairdressing - Level 2 Hairdressing Diploma and completing both will fully qualify you as a hairdresser & enable you to progress onto the Level 3 Diploma qualification.
What you'll learn
-
Principles and practices of hairdressing services
-
Shampoo, condition and treat the hair and scalp
-
Cutting hair using basic techniques
-
Styling and finishing techniques
-
Plaiting and twisting the hair
-
Working safely in the salon
Equipment required for the course
The course is free for any students aged 16-19 years of age. There is an approximate cost of £500 for kit and uniform that MUST be purchased. Student Welfare department can help with some costs through a WSC Bursary scheme.
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 is practically assessed on a unit-by-unit basis working on live models, with oral assessment used to support practical and written evidence. Each term has a synoptic practical assessment, with live models, this covers practical skills and behaviours of a hairdresser. Each term has a written synoptic exam to check progress and learning to date. There will also be an end of course exam this covers both theory and practical skills, and this will indicate your suitability to progress to higher levels.
Further study
Once this first year of level 2 hairdressing certificate is complete you will need to progress on to year 2 which is the full Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing, this covers all the remaining necessary skills required to be fully qualified, including colouring and perming.
Level 2 Certificate in Barbering is often an option for students once they have achieved the Level 2 in Cutting & Styling.
On completion of full level 2 Diploma, learners can progress onto Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Hairdressing.
- Hairdressing - Level 2 Hairdressing Diploma
- Hairdressing - Level 3 Hairdressing Advanced Diploma
- Barbering - Level 2 Barbering Certificate
- Barbering - Level 3 Barbering Advanced Diploma
- Hairdressing - Level 2 Professional Standard Hairdressing Diploma - Apprenticeship
Example careers
- Hairdresser
- Senior Stylist
- Freelance Stylist
- Salon Owner
- Colour Technician
- Colour Specialist
Days & times
Starting September 2025