Barbering - Level 2

Summary

This qualification can be completed over one year where those wishing for a career in the Barbering industry. The course is practical based offering a wide range of skills such as cutting, shampooing, styling and facial hair techniques supported by underpinning knowledge for each unit through theory workshops, functional skills and tutorials.

It also gives students opportunities for timed work placed assessments in a realistic working environment. Students will have the opportunities to work in commercial salons with state-of-the-art resources and equipment.

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
02 Sep 2026	Bispham Campus	1 Year	Apply now

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

On completion of this course, you could progress on to a Level 3 Diploma in Barbering or change your pathway and complete a course in Hairdressing.

Key information

Entry Requirements

4 GCSEs grade 3-1 including English and Maths, along with the following:

Good communication and dexterity skills
Keen desire to work with the general public
Attend an interview
Hardworking approach towards the industry

Qualification obtained

Diploma in Barbering

Fees and funding

Courses for learners who are 16-18 years old at the start of their course and resident in the UK are fully funded. You may also be entitled to further financial help to support your studies depending on your personal circumstances. For more details of these, please visit our page on Finance Support for School Leavers.

If you are not a UK resident, we will confirm whether funding is available when we process your application. If not, you may be liable for course fees.

Extra costs and equipment

If you are aged 16 to 18 your uniform, tools and equipment are all provided for you. However, full black shoes and black trousers must be purchased and worn at all times with the uniform top.

All students will need to provide their own stationery, including pens, notepads and an A4 folder. If you need a replacement ID badge, the cost will be £3 (or £8 if incorporated with a bus pass).

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: City and Guilds

Regulatory Body: Ofsted

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

You will study the following modules:

Styling men's hair
Working in the hair industry
Follow health and safety
Client consultation for hair services
Shampoo and condition the hair and scalp
Cut men's hair
Cut facial hair
Salon reception duties

Essential skills: English and Maths

All school leavers at B&FC are encouraged to continue developing their English and maths skills as higher ability in both these subjects is linked to long-term career success and increased earning potential - irrespective of how well you performed at GCSE. If, however, you achieve a GCSE Grade 3 or less in either subject, you will also have the opportunity to work towards re-sitting these to enhance your paper-based qualifications. This won’t delay your career journey because you will be undertaking this programme of study at the same time as your chosen subject.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

An industry placement is compulsory for 16-18 year-olds, with students spending one day a week on a relevant industry placement. Please note it is your responsibility to find a suitable placement.

A varied enrichment calendar (with optional activities) will be made available at the start of the academic year. The costs will vary according to each activity and will be made available at enrolment.

How will I learn?

Our expert tutors understand that everyone learns in different ways so they use a range of teaching methods to enable everyone to achieve their potential. A key method used is demonstration, which allows you to observe the practical application of skills before having a go yourself.

You will work collaboratively with your peers in group tasks, presentations and practical salon sessions. You will be required to model for your peers as well so you can experience the therapies first hand. You will also be expected to apply these skills to real clients in our working salons.

There will be dedicated individual / self-study time on your course which needs to be supported by your own study outside of College, using online development platforms such as Canvas, our virtual learning environment.

E-learning is a key element of all our programmes and we also use a range of online apps to support, enhance and motivate learning. Your tutors will support you with these technologies and also in preparing for exams.

The course is 3-4 days a week for 35 weeks and your tutor will guide you on independent study.

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is continuous and both formative (allowing you to regularly reflect on and improve your performance) and summative (carried out at the end of a learning period). You will need to complete online exams and demonstrate your practical skills, to awarding standards.