Summary
Gain specialist hairdressing skills and knowledge to support your career progression in this area. The Level 3 Hairdressing Diploma is an advanced qualification that will prepare you for your next step towards working in the Hairdressing sector by providing professional skills in creative hairdressing techniques. You will learn the theory behind the practices you explore and you will be provided with the confidence needed to launch your career in hairdressing.
Entry Requirements
Successful completion of Level 2 qualification in related subject (Students can re-sit English and maths GCSE alongside this course)
Plus
- Good communication and dexterity skills
- Keen desire to work with the general public
- A successful discussion with a tutor
- The ability to study independently
- Hardworking approach towards the industry
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
The primary aim of this qualification is employment but it also provides an excellent opportunity to develop skills and knowledge further if you aim for achieving a level 4, or higher qualification.
Career Options and Progression
The primary aim of this qualification is employment but it also provides an excellent opportunity to develop skills and knowledge further if you aim for achieving a level 4, or higher qualification.
Key information
Qualification obtained
Diploma in HairdressingFees 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.
Adult students however will need to buy their own uniform at a cost of approximately £10. Black Trousers and full black shoes must be worn at all times with the uniform top. Adult students will also be required to purchase 2 training heads at a cost of approximately £30 each.
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?
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?
The table below illustrates the units you will cover on this course, along with how they will be assessed.
| Unit title | Exam (online test) | Number of practical assessments | Inferred Knowledge |
| 301 Creatively style and dress hair | ✓ | 6 | ✓ |
| 302 Creatively cut hair using a combination of techniques | ✓ | 6 | ✓ |
| 303 Creatively colour and lighten hair | ✓ | 6 | ✓ |
| 304 Provide client consultation services | ✓ | 5 | ✓ |
| 401 Hair colour correction services | ✓ | 4 | ✓ |
| 403 Provide Specialist Hair and Scalp Treatments | ✓ | 4 | ✓ |
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 body standards.
Assessment Methods
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 body standards.