Skip to content

Barbering

Course Code: BARB2
  • Level: 2
  • Qualification: Diploma
  • Awarding body: City & Guilds (C&G)
  • Duration: One year
  • Course type: Full-time
  • Time of day: Daytime
  • When you'll study: Three days a week, 9.00am - 5.00pm
Apply now Career Coach

What's it all about?

Are you looking to start a career in the exciting and fast-paced world of barbering?

Our comprehensive programme is designed to equip you with the essential skills and techniques needed to begin your journey. You’ll learn everything from classic cutting methods to modern styling trends, as well as key aspects of client care and professional grooming.

Whether you’re completely new to barbering or looking to refine your skills, this course will provide the hands-on training and knowledge needed to build a strong foundation for success.

Course information

This course will give you hands-on experience in both our commercial and training salons, developing the skills and confidence needed for a successful career in barbering. Throughout the programme, you’ll study a range of essential units designed to build your knowledge and refine your techniques.

Course Units

  • Working in the Hair Industry – Gain insight into how a modern barbershop operates, along with the key values and professional behaviours expected in the industry.
  • Health & Safety – Understand the crucial regulations and best practices to ensure a safe working environment for both you and your clients.
  • Consultation – Develop the listening and communication skills needed to deliver the perfect consultation and meet client expectations.
  • Promoting Products & Services – Learn how to recommend the right products so clients can maintain their style at home, while also boosting your earning potential through retail sales.
  • Shampoo & Conditioning – Master the fundamentals of shampooing and conditioning to create a relaxing and professional experience from the start.
  • Cutting Men’s Hair – Learn how to create a variety of styles and achieve that fresh, sharp look for your clients.
  • Cutting Facial Hair – Develop the skills to trim and shape beards, moustaches, and sideburns with precision.
  • Colouring & Lightening – Explore the techniques used to enhance or transform hair colour, from subtle highlights to full coverage.
  • Styling Men’s Hair – Perfect your styling techniques to ensure your clients leave feeling confident and looking their best.
  • Creating an Image – Build your professional portfolio and grow your social media presence by crafting standout editorial and competition looks.
  • Salon Reception Duties – Learn the importance of reception work, including booking appointments, taking messages, and delivering top-tier customer service.
  • Perming – Discover how to add curl and volume to hair using perming techniques.

Lessons will be a mix of practical and theory-based learning, ensuring you have the knowledge and hands-on experience to succeed in the barbering industry.

To enrol on this course, you’ll need three GCSEs at grade 3 (D) or above, or a related Level 1 qualification.

You will be assessed through practical observations, where your assessor will watch you put your techniques into action. You’ll also create a digital portfolio to document your barbering journey and showcase your progress. In addition, you will complete online multiple-choice exams to test your knowledge and understanding.

On successful completion of this course, you may progress to the Level 2 Diploma in Women’s and Men’s Hairdressing.

Please note fees are quoted for one year only.

Download course PDF

Future careers

What you could earn:

Hairdressing and Beauty Salon Managers and Proprietors

£44,930.44

Potential salary

£12,090.96

Entry level salary

£26,658.56

Average salary

2

Annual openings in Plymouth

View career details

Related courses

Beauty Therapist Apprentice

  • Level: 2
  • Duration: 15 months
  • Course type: Full-time

Hairdressing Professional Apprentice

  • Level: 2
  • Qualification: Apprenticeship
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Course type: Full-time

Hair and Beauty Summer School (for 13-16 year olds)

  • Level: 1
  • Qualification: College Certificate
  • Awarding body: City College Plymouth
  • Duration: Three days (Tuesday to Thursday)
  • Course type: Short course
View all courses

Book an open day and come visit us!

Come and visit us on one of our college open days, where you can find out more about our courses, check out our facilities and speak to current students and staff.

Book an open day