From 3-hour master classes in hairdressing skills open to anyone (covering topics such as creating up dos; smoothing and straightening; and curling and backcombing) to full-time courses at levels 1, 2, and 3 there’s something for you at Leicester College. When you study hairdressing with us you’ll benefit from real industry experience in our commercial salon which is open to the public. It’s also possible to undertake intermediate and advanced level apprenticeships in hairdressing, which will allow you to earn a wage while studying for a professional qualification in College.
Hairdressing and Barbering
Who are Leicester College’s hairdressing courses for?
Our hairdressing courses are for you if you want to work as a hair stylist. Our short courses are also ideal if you want to learn how to do your own (or someone else’s) hair for a special occasion. Courses are open to anyone from school leavers to adult learners looking for a career change, and we can help you find the appropriate level of course for you based on your existing qualifications and work experience. Learners aged 16-19 will follow a study programme which will include GCSE or functional skills English and maths if you don’t already have grade 4 (C).
Further information
Work experience in our salon will form a compulsory part of your full-time course. Trips, exhibitions and trade show visits may also be offered to complement your studies. You will need to purchase a hairdressing kit and uniform, and assessment will include online tests as well as practical assessments.

Helen Kenny
Photography Higher National Certificate
My motivations for enrolling in the HNC were more personal, it was an opportunity for me to do something for myself.
I enjoy learning and I think it’s important to point yourself towards things that you love doing, rather than what you think you should be doing or what is expected of you.
Barbering Diploma level 2 – C3856
Course Code: C3856
Key Information
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Start Date 04 Sep 2023
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Study Hours Full Time
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Duration 1 year
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Campus Freemen's Park Campus
This exciting hands-on course is designed to give you all the skills needed to begin your career in barbering without any previous experience. You will learn the key techniques of cutting, styling, health and safety and hygiene, allowing you to progress onto a another barbering or hairdressing course or go straight into barbering professionally at a junior level.
Hairdressing Introductory Diploma level 1 – C0613
Course Code: C0613
Key Information
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Start Date 04 Sep 2023
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Study Hours Full Time
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Duration 1 year
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Campus Freemen's Park Campus
The course is an introduction to the hairdressing industry and will provide you with the skills to work as an assistant to a qualified hairdresser. You will learn many new hairdressing skills including developing customer service skills
Hairdressing Technical Certificate level 2 – C5379
Course Code: C5379
Key Information
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Start Date 04 Sep 2023
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Study Hours Full Time
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Duration 1 year
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Campus Freemen's Park Campus
Start your journey on a career in hairdressing with this hands-on course, designed to give you the core technical and theoretical skills to pursue a junior role in the industry or to progress onto higher level qualifications in hairdressing.
Women’s Hairdressing Diploma level 3 – C3974
Course Code: C3974
Key Information
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Start Date 11 Sep 2023
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Study Hours Full Time
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Duration 1 year
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Campus Freemen's Park Campus
Getting technical with your hairdressing skills can make you desirable to industry employers or gives you the edge in your own business. Building upon the knowledge you obtained on level 2 you will take this to the next level, becoming more confident within yourself and your skillset.
Barbering Diploma level 2 – C7411
Course Code: C7411
Key Information
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Start Date 13 Sep 2023
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Study Hours Part Time
5 hours per week -
Duration 1 year
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Campus Freemen's Park Campus
The Level 2 Barbering diploma will provide you with the skills and knowledge to enter the barbering industry. You don’t need any previous knowledge or experience to start this qualification. There are a range of technical skills you can learn during this part time course which will bring forth a range of opportunities.
Women’s Hairdressing Diploma level 2 – C5387
Course Code: C5387
Key Information
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Start Date 13 Sep 2023
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Study Hours Part Time
7 hours per week -
Duration 1 year
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Campus Freemen's Park Campus
This course will suit you if you want to learn all of the technical skills and knowledge needed to work as a junior stylist providing basic hairdressing services. You don’t need any previous knowledge or experience to start this course.
Women’s Hairdressing Diploma level 3 – C7412
Course Code: C7412
Key Information
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Start Date 13 Sep 2023
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Study Hours Part Time
7 hours per week -
Duration 1 year
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Campus Freemen's Park Campus
Working around your daily schedule our part time evening Hairdressing diploma aims to provide you with a range of specialist practical skills and technical knowledge which will equip you to gain employment or further training within the hairdressing industry. Taught in our salons with industry experts you'll get hands on experience whilst you're a student.
Award in Cutting Men’s Hair – C1489
Course Code: C1489
Key Information
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Start Date Various
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Study Hours Part Time
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Duration 10 weeks
This course, in collaboration with Leicester Barbering Academy, is designed to give you a head start with the foundational skills needed for a career in this industry. You will learn consultation techniques around different hair types and characteristics as well as a wide range of cutting techniques and clipper work.
Award in Cutting Men’s Hair – C1489
Course Code: C1489
Key Information
-
Start Date Various
-
Study Hours Part Time
-
Duration 10 weeks
This course, in collaboration with Leicester Barbering Academy, is designed to give you a head start with the foundational skills needed for a career in this industry. You will learn consultation techniques around different hair types and characteristics as well as a wide range of cutting techniques and clipper work.