Our Level 1 Certificate in an Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector is a qualification that has been specifically designed to develop your practical skills through introducing you to the hair and beauty industries and how you should present a professional image in the salon.
Career Destinations
With a total of eleven hairdressing and beauty salons, Inspires is one of the largest and most advanced salons of any college in the country and is open to members of the public.
You will be interacting with customers and will improve your business understanding and customer service abilities working in busy client sessions.
During your time at HRC, you will be taught by tutors and lecturers with a wealth of experience in the industry who have worked for high-end and well-known brands including Wella.
What can I do next?
When you have successfully completed this qualification, you may have the opportunity to progress to the following VTCT qualifications:
- Level 1 Diploma in Hair and Beauty
- Level 2 in Hairdressing
- Level 2 in Barbering
- Level 2 Beauty Therapy General
- Level 2 in Hair and Media Make-Up
What will I be doing?
This is a one-year programme that will enable you to develop the skills essential to develop your skills in both hair and beauty and will provide you with the foundation for further learning. It will also enable you to perform your own services and to assist others in the salon.
Topics covered include:
Completing services on clients which include shampoo, conditioning and styling, working relationships with others in Hair and Beauty, presenting a professional image in the salon, skin care, applying basic make-up, manicure, English and Maths, whilst gaining work experience.
Added Extras
There's lots of perks to this course, including:
- Opportunities to build your employability skills, including workshops run by leading names in the industry.
- Working on a placement whilst achieving the qualification broadens experience and confidence.
- Taking part in exciting projects and events, such as competitions and assisting in client sessions.
How will I be assessed?
Your theory and practical knowledge will be assessed throughout the year by your tutors, in preparation for your practical assessment to be completed on clients.
The theory knowledge will be delivered in class and opportunity to expand this with independent study and online test will be completed after every unit.
All units have written elements to be completed and presented in a professional way.
Entry requirements
There are no formal prerequisite qualifications that you must have prior to undertaking this qualification.
What do I need to bring?
There are some items you will need to purchase in advance of the course which you should expect to replace as and when you need to during the year.
You will need to purchase personal stationery. Kit and uniform are ordered and purchased by students. Kits are non-refundable once the course starts, kit costs are available on enrolment.
Payment for optional enrichment activities are detailed throughout the year.
If you think you would benefit from financial support, we have bursary options available for those who meet the criteria.
Please note, this funding is not guaranteed and is subject to availability at the time of application.
If you would like financial support, contact our Information Team on 01992 411411 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Fee Information
Free to Home students under 19 on 31st August 2023.
If you are a Home student aged 19 or over on the 31st August 2023, you may be liable to pay approximately £2,500 tuition fee for a Level 2 qualification and approximately £5,000 for a Level 3 qualification (these were the tuition fees for 2022/2023 and could be subject to change for 2023/2024).
If you are aged 19-23 you may also be entitled to free tuition if the course you choose is on a government-approved list and the qualification is your first full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.
If you are aged over 24 and you have not achieved a full Level 3 qualification you may be entitled to free tuition if the qualification is listed on the Government Free courses for jobs list. Similarly, if you already hold a Level 3 qualification (or above) and meet the Adult Education Budgets definition of unemployed or are in receipt of low wage, you may also be entitled to free tuition.
You may also be required to pay an administration fee, exam fees, kit fee and an Awarding Body Registration fee if applicable.
These fees are indicative of the 2024-25 costs and may be subject to change
