of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
Course Level
Level 1
Duration
1 year full-time
Placement
Opportunities available
Entry
September
Fees
View Fees
You will be trained to a high professional standard in our training and commercial salon facilities
Explore the three key areas of hair, make-up and beauty to help you to decide your future path in the industry
Dreaming of a career in beauty, hair or make-up, or a combination, but unsure where to begin? Our introductory course is the perfect stepping stone to explore your passion and see if this path is right for you.
Designed for those with a grade 2 in maths and English, this course allows you to resit these essential subjects alongside your vocational training. You’ll gain hands-on experience in the hair, beauty and make-up industry, learning skills such as hair styling and washing, face painting, skincare, mini facials, manicures and pedicures. It's the ideal starting point to begin your journey in the industry, while working towards your maths and English GCSEs.
Why choose this college course?
- COMPREHENSIVE INDUSTRY INSIGHTS – Explore the exciting world of hair, make-up, and beauty, helping you make informed decisions about your future career path
- PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES – Achieve your maths and English GCSEs, paving the way for progression to our Level 2 courses
- HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE – Gain valuable industry experience and connections to kick-start your career journey
Our facilities
University College Birmingham has a range of state-of-the-art teaching facilities and equipment for students on our hair and make-up courses, with outstanding training and commercial salons.
Our salon facilities provide a real working environment where you will be trained to a high professional standard using the latest Schwarzkopf products
We have fully-equipped make-up studios on campus where you can hone your practical skills
Course breakdown
Topics you will study
- Basic manicure
- Basic pedicure
- Skincare
- Face painting
- Hair styling
- Shampooing and conditioning
You will also have an individual study programme to help you build the skills and experience you need to progress onto higher education or gain employment.
Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change
Maths and English
To help you secure your dream career, you will also continue developing your maths and English skills alongside your full-time course. If you haven’t achieved GCSE grade 4/C in English and maths at age 16, you will continue to study these through resits or taking Functional Skills at an appropriate level.
How maths will support your career
- Ratios are very important, for example when mixing hair dye.
- Basic addition and subtraction are important in calculating the costs of equipment/products and managing stock.
- Percentages are key in working out customer discounts.
How English will support your career
- Good quality speaking and listening skills are needed when communicating with colleagues.
- Customer service requires good English skills in speaking and written communication.
- Accurate reading is a vital skill when following instructions for hair/beauty products and treatments.
Entry requirements
If you are unsure if your qualification is equivalent or if you wish to check if you meet the entry requirements for this course, please call 0121 214 2919, email feadmissions@ucb.ac.uk or use our live chat.
Introduction to Hair and Beauty
Academic requirements
- A minimum GCSE English (language or literature) and maths at grade 2 is required
Supporting documents required
- School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
You are assessed by a variety of methods, including:
- Practical assessments to gain evidence for your portfolio
- Multiple choice exams
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Uniform and kit costs
This course requires a uniform and kit costing approximately £50, depending on the items you purchase. Prices are subject to change each year – exact costs and information on how to order required items will be provided to you prior to enrolment.
You may be eligible for the Learner Support Fund, which assists college students with course-related costs such as essential uniform, equipment and travel. For more information, please visit our Financial Support for College Students page.
70%
Work placements
Work placements offer a wealth of benefits alongside your studies, helping you put your learning into practice, develop your skills and understanding of the workplace, boost your CV for your chosen career or enhance your UCAS application for higher education. Our HIRED employability team can help find the ideal placement for you.
Work alongside experts in your sector
A snapshot of some of the employers we have worked with:
- Emava Hair Salon @ Bannatyne (Solihull)
- Regis Salon (Birmingham)
- Tandis Hair and Beauty (Birmingham)
- Lemuria Urban Retreat (Birmingham)
- Bijou Hair Salon (Sutton Coldfield)
This course offers the perfect opportunity to pursue your passion for hair, beauty or make-up while working towards your maths and English GCSEs.You'll study what you love, while gaining these essential qualifications. Explore three key areas of the industry, providing valuable insights to help you decide your ideal progression route and future career path.
Career opportunities
The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Make-up artist
Average Salary: £21,161
Junior hair stylist
Average Salary: £23,000
Beauty therapy assistant
Average Salary: £23,000
Zainab’s Story
Zainab was invited to attend introductory workshops to prepare her for her college course and headlong towards a dream career in hairdressing.
Meet your tutors
