Level 1 VTCT Diploma in An Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector

Course Code: P271854

Key Information

Course type
Vocational
Campus:
Highbury Campus
Start Date:
08 Sept 2025
Duration:
1 year
Attendance:
Full-time

Fees:

Free

Hairdressing student works on head model in the Eden Salon at Highbury Campus

The Level 1 Diploma in Hair and Beauty is the perfect launch pad for anyone who would like to work as a professional hair stylist or beauty therapist. Working in our commercial salon, you will learn a wide range of industry-standard treatments, developing your customer and business awareness.
Units include:

shampoo and conditioning hair
customer service
effective teamwork
blow-drying
facial skin care.

Our salons are open to the public, giving you valuable hands-on experience. Guest speakers visit to give demonstrations and you can add to your skills by completing short courses in specialist areas.
You will have the opportunity to visit exhibitions, training academies and product suppliers in the UK and overseas.

You will be encouraged to enter competitions such as WorldSkills and our annual Hair & Beauty show, showcasing your work at regional and national levels.

Apply

A minimum of 4 GCSE's grade 2 and above, including maths and English.

The course is full-time, 15 hours per week, over one year, commencing in September.

A minimum of 90% attendance, which includes maths and English classes, must be achieved to ensure success on the course.

If you are aged 16-19 and achieved a 4 or above in maths you will have the opportunity to complete core maths.
If you are aged 16-19 and have achieved a grade 3 in maths and/or English GCSE or Level 1 Functional Skills, then you will attend GCSE timetabled sessions to improve your grade.
If you are aged 16-19 and achieved 2 or below in maths and/or English GCSE or Entry Level 3 Functional Skills, then you will attend Functional Skills timetabled lessons.
If you have declared a learning difficulty and are aged 19-25, the above will also apply to you. Improving your maths and English skills will help you progress further in your career.

Our salons are run as commercial businesses to improve your employability skills, and some sessions will be run into the evening.

The course will consist of theory, practical, portfolio, tutorial and additional learning to enhance your qualification.
Throughout the programme, you will be assessed regularly against the standards set by the examining body.

School Leavers under the age of 19 do not have to pay fees on any full time courses, though may have to pay for their second year if turning 19 during their studies. If you’re aged 19 or over you might qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. It’s easy to apply for and you won’t have to pay anything back until you’re earning over £25,000. If you are studying a part-time course and you receive one of the following benefits, or you depend financially on someone who does, you may be entitled to have your tuition fees waived: Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support. You will, however, have to pay any awarding body/assessment fees (unless you are on a first full level 2 course). * If you are in receipt of Working Tax Credit or receive other allowances, you may be eligible to claim concessionary rates. If you are entitled to a fee concession you will be asked to provide proof of your entitlement. It is essential that you inform us if your entitlement changes at any time during your course.

You can progress on to the Level 2 Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing or Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Therapy or progress on to an apprenticeship.