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, but we will also consider students who have achieved grade 4 and above in English and Maths, and minimum of one other subject 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 |
The 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 services
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Shampoo, condition and treat the hair and scalp
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Cutting hair using basic techniques
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Styling and finishing techniques
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Plaiting and twisting the hair
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Working safely in the salon
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 tailored trousers, smart leggings, a tunic top, plain black cardigan and flat black closed toe shoes.
An equipment list will include all electrical equipment, combs, brushes, hair pieces and scissors needed, including a kit bag. Learners will be required to purchase tuition/mannequin heads that will be used to learn all the practical skills for hairdressing and have access to the recommended textbook that supports the knowledge delivered for this course.
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.
Approx cost kit: £400
Approx cost uniform: £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 is practically assessed on a unit-by-unit basis working on live models, with oral assessment used to support practical and written evidence. The second term has a synoptic practical assessment, with live models, this covers practical skills and behaviours of a hairdresser. There will also be an end of course exam this covers theory. You will be graded Pass/Merit/Distinction/Distinction*.
Further study
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Hairdressing - Colouring Perming and Styling Services Technical Certificate Level 2
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Hairdressing Advanced Technical Diploma Level 3
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Media Make-up and Hair Artistry Advanced Technical Diploma Level 3
Example careers
- Hairdresser
- Senior Stylist
- Freelance Stylist
- Salon Owner
- Colour Technician
- Colour Specialist
Days & times
Starting September 2025