Hairdressers and Barbers
Up to £23,142Hairdressers and barbers shampoo, cut, colour, style and treat hair.
Admissions
Entry Requirements
What You'll Need
- GCSE Maths and English
- A genuine interest in hair and working with people
- Successful interview with our team
If you're still working towards Grade 4 in Maths or English, you can keep building those alongside the course. There is a small kit to purchase.
Explore Related Courses
Other courses you might be interested in:
Level 1 Level 1 Certificate in an Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector VTCT – Hair
Level 2 Level 2 Certificate in Women’s Hairdressing
View all Hairdressing courses →
What You'll Learn
Cut, Colour, Style. On Real Clients.
This Diploma gives you the full set of hairdressing skills a salon looks for. Across 11 units, you’ll learn to cut and colour women’s hair, dress and style hair, carry out client consultations, and work safely and professionally, along with the art of dressing hair.
You’ll build these skills on real clients in our salons, not just mannequins, developing the confidence and people skills that make a great stylist. It’s a genuine step into the trade, leading towards a job in a salon, an apprenticeship, or the Level 3.
Core Units
- Follow health and safety practice in the salon
- Working in the hair industry
- Client consultation for hair services
- Shampoo and condition the hair and scalp
- Colour and lighten hair
- Cut women’s hair
- The art of dressing hair
Optional Units
- Plaiting and twisting hair
- Provide scalp massage services
- Salon reception duties
- Create an image based on a theme, and promote sales in a salon
How You're Assessed
Assessment Methods
Coursework
Written assignments, research projects, and case studies that let you explore topics in depth.
Practical Assessment
Hands-on tasks and practical demonstrations in realistic working environments.
Exams
Formal examinations to test your knowledge and understanding under timed conditions.
Practical assessments, online tests and written assignments.
Career Destinations
Where This Course Takes You
/year
Hairdressing and Beauty Salon Managers and Proprietors
Up to £46,823Hairdressing and beauty salon managers and proprietors plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the activities and resources of hairdressing and nail salons, beauty treatment, pet grooming and similar establishments.
Leisure and Travel Service Occupations
Up to £36,860Job holders in this unit group perform a variety of leisure and travel service occupations.
Beauticians and Related Occupations
Up to £22,780Beauticians and related workers give facial and body beauty treatments, apply cosmetics and dress wigs.
Your progression pathway
Before this Level 1 or GCSEs Level 1 Level 1 Certificate in an Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector VTCT – Hair →
This course Level 2 Level 2 Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing
Where next Progress on to Level 3 → Level 3 Level 3 Diploma Women’s Hairdressing VTCT → Employment or further study →
Life on the Course
See What It's Really Like
Our Facilities
Real Clients in The Hub Salon
You'll carry out real treatments on paying clients in The Hub Salon, our professional on-campus salon, with supportive, industry-experienced tutors.
The Hub Salon
Our professional on-campus salon, where you carry out real treatments on paying clients.
Supportive Tutors
Skilled, qualified tutors with industry experience, supporting you every step of the way.
Competitions and Masterclasses
Take part in trips, the Concept Competition, and masterclasses with industry pros.
The Hub Salon · Real Paying Clients
Student Voice
“
Doncaster College has been amazing. I’ve built confidence with clients, learnt how to write a CV, and met great people. The teachers are so kind and supportive, and they’ve helped me every day to grow in my hairdressing career and reach my goals.
For Parents & Carers
Supporting Your Child's Journey
Tutors With Real Experience
Our tutors bring real industry experience into the classroom. They teach what's actually used in the world of work, and students consistently say this is what makes the course work.
GCSE Support Built In
If your child needs to resit GCSE English or Maths, it's built into the timetable — not bolted on as an extra. They'll get structured support alongside their main course.
About student supportFinancial Support Available
Bursaries are available, and free meals are provided for those who qualify. If cost is a concern, there's help — and it's straightforward to apply.
Financial support info For Careers Advisers
Quick Reference Guide
Level
Level 2
Duration
1 Year
Study Mode
Full-Time
Awarding Body
VTCT
Entry
GCSE Maths and English
Assessment
Coursework + Practical Assessment + Exams
Age
16+
Ready to Become a Hairdresser?
Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Questions? Call 0800 358 7575