Certificate in Barbering and Personal Development (MADE): C&G
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Course overview
Take your creativity — and your career — to the next level.
This advanced course builds on your existing hairdressing skills and takes them into the professional, creative arena. You’ll gain the confidence, technical ability and industry experience needed to work independently as a stylist or progress into senior-level roles within salons or freelance settings.
Through creative workshops, you’ll explore advanced cutting, colouring and styling techniques, working with L’Oréal, GHD and other leading brands to achieve industry-recognised certifications and up-to-date professional practice.
You’ll develop an online digital showcase portfolio and style boards that highlight your creative talent and support your employment prospects in this ever-evolving, trend-led industry.
Training takes place in live salon environments, giving you real experience with clients and commercial standards.
This course is ideal for:
- Stylists who are ready to advance their creative and technical skills.
- Hairdressers who want to specialise in colour, cutting or contemporary styling techniques.
- Professionals aiming to build confidence and independence in a live salon environment.
- Learners with ambition to progress toward senior stylist, salon educator or self-employed roles.
What you will learn
Your studies combine hands-on salon experience, theory and portfolio development, covering:
- Creative Cutting Techniques – advanced shapes, textures and combination styles.
- Creative Colouring & Lightening – balayage, foiling, toning and correction services.
- Creative Styling & Dressing Hair – fashion-forward and occasion looks.
- Client Consultation & Service – communication and professional standards.
- Promotional Activities – planning and delivering creative campaigns.
- Personal and Professional Development – reflecting on your progress and career goals.
📸 Assessment Methods:
- Online assessments to measure theoretical understanding.
- Practical observation in live salon sessions.
- Professional discussion, reflective diary and portfolio of evidence.
- Written assignments, case studies and project work.
- Compulsory work experience placement with community or industry partners.
Entry requirements
✅ NQ Level 5 Hairdressing or equivalent qualification.
✅ A strong interest and enthusiasm for creative and professional hairdressing.
✅ Applicants who do not meet the entry criteria may be directed to an alternative course.
ℹ️ Applicants must be 16 years or older by the 30th of September.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL National 5 (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from this course can work as:
💇 Freelance or Self-Employed Hairdresser
🏙️ Senior Salon Stylist or Colour Technician
🎨 Creative Stylist or Session Worker
🧑🏫 Salon Educator or Brand Ambassador
Future prospects
Graduates can progress to:
- HNC/HND qualifications in Hairdressing, Salon Management or Creative Industries
- Employment in high-end salons, creative teams or self-employed freelance work
- Further specialist training in colour correction, bridal styling or advanced cutting
This qualification provides a direct route to industry recognition and enhanced earning potential — helping you establish yourself as a creative professional within the modern salon environment.
