Level 3 VRQ Diploma in Barbering

Course Code: P291943

Key Information

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

Fees:

Free

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

This Level 3 VRQ Diploma in Barbering is ideal for anyone wishing to become a professional barber, and someone who would like to learn new skills to unlock future earning potential in a thriving and lucrative industry.

Units include:

promote and sell products and services to clients
monitor and maintain health and safety practice in the salon
cut men's hair to create a variety of looks
cut facial hair to create a variety of looks
hairdressing consultation support for colleagues.

You will work one day a week in the salon to enhance your customer service and salon skills. You are encouraged and supported to take part in local and national competitions, including WorldSkills and will have the opportunity to go on national and international visits.

Alongside valuable work experience placements, you will also take part in a variety of voluntary and charitable activities, including Nurses Day at the Queen Alexandra Hospital, Victorious Festival and community events.

Apply

You will require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including maths & English.

You will also need to hold a Level 2 Diploma in Barbering to join this course.

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 grade 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 are aged 16-19 and 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 a grade 4 or above in maths, you will have the opportunity to complete core maths. 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.

Throughout the course, you will be assessed regularly against the standards set by the examining body. These assessments will be pre-arranged. You will be given written assignments to complete throughout the programme, as well as online exams. Practical assessments will take place in our commercial salons.

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.

This qualification may lead directly into employment in the barbering industry as a senior barber, a salon manager, or to work as an independent barber.