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Level 1 Diploma in Hair & Beauty Skills (Hair & Beauty or Barbering Pathways)

Course Code

Hair & Beauty Skills

Course Type

School Leaver Course

Course Duration

September - February

Location

Central Campus

Start Date

September 2026
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Sandwell College student (hairdressing student)

Level 1 Diploma in Hair & Beauty Skills is the perfect introductory course for anyone interested in starting a career in the Hair and Beauty industry. Aimed at school leavers, the course offers a strong foundation in both practical skills and industry knowledge.

Choose Your Pathway
At enrolment, learners will choose one of two pathways:

  • Hairdressing

  • Beauty Therapy

Hands-On Learning Experience
You’ll develop essential practical and employability skills through real-world experience in our professional training environment — the Bliss Hair & Beauty Salon.

Progression Opportunities
The course runs until February, after which learners can progress to a Level 2 Certificate. You’ll continue your training on one of two specialist pathways:

  • Level 2 Hairdressing (Cutting)

  • Level 2 Beauty (Cosmetic Make-Up)

This course is an excellent first step into the exciting world of hair and beauty.

GCSE Grade 2 or below in English and Maths, ESOL or Functional Skills Entry Level 3.

Each Level 1 Diploma in Hair & Beauty Skills course has 1 mandatory unit and 5 selected optional units.

Mandatory units:

Hairdressing pathway

  • Follow Health and Safety
  • Shampoo and Condition
  • Blow drying Hair
  • Plaiting Hair
  • Colour hair using temporary colour

Beauty pathway

  • Follow Health and Safety
  • Skin care
  • Hand care
  • Make- up
  • Nail Art

Costs:

  • This course is fully funded for students aged 16–18.

  • Adults who don’t already have a Level 3 qualification or who receive certain benefits may also be eligible for funding.

  • Students will need to purchase a kit, but bursary support may be available if you’re eligible.

  • A uniform will be provided by the department, you’ll just need to buy appropriate footwear.

Train in Real Salons with Real Clients

  • Learn in our state-of-the-art professional salons for hair, beauty, barbering, and nails

  • Get hands-on experience working with real clients in our Bliss Hair & Beauty Salons

  • All training is closely supervised by our experienced and dedicated staff

  • AHT/ World skills competitions
  • P Louise Make up academy
  • Harry Potter World workshop visit
  • Professional beauty Seminar London
  • Champneys Springs Spa

You’ll be assessed through a mix of practical and written tasks, including:

  • Ongoing (formative) and final (summative) practical observations

  • Written coursework and assignments

To help you succeed, you’ll also take part in practical demonstrations and knowledge sessions to prepare for your assessments.

What’s Next?
After completing the Level 1 Diploma in Hair & Beauty Skills, students can move on to a Bridging Course from February to June, choosing one of two pathways:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Cutting

  • Level 2 Certificate in Cosmetic Make-Up

Following the bridging course, learners can progress to a full Level 2 qualification in one of the following areas:

  • Level 2 Diploma in Beauty

  • Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing

  • Level 2 Diploma in Nails

  • Level 2 Diploma in Barbering

This course can also lead to a related apprenticeship, giving students a head start in their career.

Course Details

Qualification

Level 1

Exam Board

VTCT

Study Mode

Full Time

Department

Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy

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FREE BUS TRAVEL for EVERY full-time 16-18 year-old student.

Choose Sandwell College when you leave school and get all the benefits of our MEGA DEAL.

All students will be given a FREE bus pass (via a mobile app) that allows travel on West Midlands buses in Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Solihull, Birmingham and Coventry, OR from anywhere along the Wolverhampton to Birmingham Metro line.

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Located in West Bromwich, Sandwell College boasts best in class facilities and exceptional teaching standards.
Alongside delivering outstanding pass rates, the College is proud to offer unrivalled mental health services and welfare support, ensuring that every student has access to the advice and guidance they need.

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Want to secure your place for September 2026?

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