Certificate in Barbering and Personal Development (MADE): C&G
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Course overview
Creative. Dynamic. Trend-led.
If you love experimenting with style, following the latest hair trends on Instagram or TikTok, and dream of working in a salon, this 18-week course is the perfect way to begin your journey into professional hairdressing.
The NQ Level 5 Hairdressing: An Introduction gives you the foundation skills, creative confidence and salon experience needed to launch your career. Working in our fully equipped professional salons, you’ll learn key techniques such as shampooing, blow-drying, long hair styling and basic cutting — the same fundamentals used by top stylists every day.
You’ll also build a digital portfolio showcasing your creativity and progress, while completing hands-on practical assessments and gaining real salon experience through work placements with local partners.
With additional training opportunities from leading brands like L’Oréal and GHD, you’ll gain recognised industry certificates and up-to-date insight into trends, tools and techniques.
This course is ideal for:
- Beginners with a genuine interest in hairdressing and style.
- Creative learners who enjoy hands-on, practical work.
- School leavers or career changers looking for an accessible entry route.
- Those who want to build confidence and prepare for progression to advanced training.
What you will learn
Your training combines creative salon practice, client care and digital learning. You’ll cover:
- Shampooing, Conditioning & Blow-Drying – foundation salon techniques.
- Long Hair Styling – plaiting, up-dos and creative dressing.
- Basic Cutting Skills – learning shapes, angles and precision.
- Setting & Winding Techniques – creating volume, curl and movement.
- Digital Portfolio Development – showcasing styles, progress and reflection.
- Salon Practices & Client Care – communication, professionalism and teamwork.
- Professional Conduct & Industry Standards – expectations in modern salons.
📸 Assessment Methods:
- Practical assessments observed in live salon settings.
- Written assignments and digital portfolios demonstrating technique and creativity.
- Compulsory work experience placement to build real-world salon skills.
Entry requirements
✅ A genuine interest and enthusiasm for the hair industry.
✅ Applicants who don’t meet formal requirements may be directed to an alternative preparatory course.
✅ A thoughtful personal statement will support your application.
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
This course provides the first step toward employment in:
💇 Salon Assistant roles
💅 Hair or Beauty Trainee positions
📸 Session Support in creative or social content projects
🎓 Progression to advanced hairdressing qualifications
Future prospects
Successful learners can progress onto the NQ Level 5 Hairdressing Progression (18 weeks) course, where you’ll further develop your cutting, colouring and styling techniques — preparing for advanced training, an apprenticeship, or employment in the industry.
