Hairdressing

L2 Level 2
Full Time
1 September 2025 — 18 July 2026
Barry Campus
This course is available at other locations or at different start dates/levels.

About this course

Our VTCT Level 1 & 2 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing (QCF) course is a substantial vocational qualification for learners seeking a career as an employed and/or self-employed junior hairdresser/stylist. 

This qualification is based on the Level 1 & 2 Hairdressing National Occupational Standards (NOS), and is recognised by the UK's lead hairdressing professional association (The Hairdressing Council) as being fit for purpose for preparing learners for a career in the sector. 

Studying in the college’s fantastic facilities, including our vast commercial hairdressing salons, which have paying clients for learners to work on. This programme is structured to provide learners with the flexibility to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required for their designated career pathway as a junior hairdresser/stylist. 

In addition to your Hairdressing course you will also work towards NVQ Level 1 certificate in Customer Service; Laith a’r Waith. This will provide you with the skills to work with customers, which is a major part of the hairdressing industry. 

In parallel, learners will develop their communication and customer service skills, their awareness of environmental sustainability and their commercial skills, all of which are valued highly by employers. Problem solving and research skills will also be enhanced. 

Students are required to purchase a uniform approximately £50.00, flat black enclosed shoes, a hairdressing kit approximately £280.00 stationary and files. All order forms will be sent to you once enrolled.

What you will study

Learners must achieve all mandatory units which include:

Level 1 - completed by December:

· Removing colours

· Shampooing and condition the hair

· Blow drying

· Working with others

· Health and safety

Level 2:

· Health & safety

- Client consultation

- Shampooing, conditioning

- Hair Cutting Blow

- Drying and setting

- Colouring

- Developing and maintaining your effectiveness at work

Learners will also develop their understanding and skills by completing the following optional specialist units below:

- Plaiting and twisting hair

- Reception duties

Additional areas that are covered include Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy.

Students will be required to undertake a work placement as part of their full time qualification, as well as have the opportunity to work within a busy commercial environment in order to develop their vocational skills and competence.

Salon Work Experience: 245 hours in total.

This is achieved by attending work placement in a salon, plus attending one late night per week and a maximum of 6 Saturdays throughout the duration of the course at the Urbasba Salon. Additional fees include Salon Fee £30.00 plus Kit and Uniform to be confirmed on enrolment.

Course fee per year

Salon Fees: £30.00

Entry requirements

3 GCSEs Grades A* - D including English Language (or equivalent).  Satisfactory reference from Course Tutor.  Alternatively, successful achievement of Level 1 and satisfactory reference.  Satisfactory reference from School or College to indicate good behaviour, attendance and progress.  

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

1 September 2025

End date

18 July 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

20 hours per week

Location

Barry Campus
Maps & directions

Course code

HBCR2F40
L2

Qualification

Hairdressing

More...

What our students say

"l enjoy my course because it’s an actual real-life salon so there is real work experience and there are plenty of great facilities here." 

Beauty
Freya Rees
Former Level 2 and 3 Beauty student

Career prospects & further study

£7.7billion

The industry generates almost £7.7billion for the UK Economy. NHF (2018).

On successful completion of your level 2 course, you will have the opportunity to progress on to a Full time Level 3 hairdressing, Level 3 theatrical make-up or Beauty therapy Level 2. 

Alternatively gain employment in a salon as a junior stylist.

Locations

Barry Campus
Barry Campus

Cardiff and Vale College,

Barry Campus,

Vale of Glamorgan,

CF62 8YJ