Level 2 City & Guilds Diploma in Hairdressing
The Hairdressing VRQ Level 2 course at York College is designed for individuals with a passion for hair and a desire to develop professional salon skills. This practical and creative course provides a strong foundation in a range of hairdressing techniques including cutting, colouring, styling, and client consultation. Delivered in our industry-standard salons by experienced tutors, the course combines hands-on experience with essential theory to prepare students for employment or further study in the hairdressing industry. This course offers an exciting pathway into a rewarding career.
Dates & course durations
9th September 2026, Wednesday evenings, 6.00pm-9.00pm.
Enrolment for autumn courses will open in June.
Entry requirements
Students must be 19 years of age or over, with a good understanding of the English language. Effective communication skills (both written and verbal) are essential to successfully complete the assessment requirements. Hairdressing can be a physically demanding job, with the need to stand for long periods of time, often working in fixed positions. It also requires good manual dexterity. Students must have achieved a level 1 Hairdressing qualification or be able to demonstrate that they have skills and knowledge at this level.
Course units
The Hairdressing VRQ Level 2 qualification at York College typically includes a combination of mandatory and optional units designed to equip learners with the core skills and knowledge required to work as a junior stylist. The units may include:
Core Mandatory Units:
Working in the Hair Industry
Health and Safety in the Salon
Client Consultation for Hair Services
Shampoo and Condition the Hair and Scalp
Promote Products and Services to Clients in a Salon
Technical Units:
Cut Women’s Hair
Colour and Lighten Hair
Style and Finish Hair
Set and Dress Hair
Optional Units (will vary depending on College delivery):
Plaiting and Twisting Hair
Create an Image Based on a Theme within the Hair and Beauty Sector
The Art of Dressing Hair
Display Stock to Promote Sales in a Salon
Assessments
The assessment methods for the City and Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Hairdressing include a combination of the following:
Practical Assessments
Learners demonstrate their skills by completing practical tasks on clients
Written Assignments or Projects
Some units require learners to complete written tasks that show understanding of theory, such as health and safety practices.
Online or Paper-Based Tests
Multiple-choice or short-answer tests assess underpinning knowledge of topics covered in the units.
These are externally set by the awarding body and usually completed under exam conditions.
Oral Questioning
Tutors may ask verbal questions during or after practical tasks to assess knowledge and understanding.
Portfolio of Evidence
Learners compile a portfolio showcasing completed assessments, observations, and supporting documentation, which must meet City and Guilds standards.
All assessments are internally assessed and externally verified to ensure consistency and quality.
Course fees
£0-£2820
Contact our Info team if you have any course fee-related questions regarding funding eligibility etc: info@yorkcollege.ac.uk
Additional costs
Students will need to purchase the salon Inspired T shirt – cost to be confirmed (approximately £15). They will need to wear their own plain, smart black trousers and flat black shoes that fully support the foot (not trainers, boots or sandals)Students may be required to purchase a kit; however, we are currently reviewing this situation.
As this course requires additional study from home, you may need access to a PC/laptop and suitable Wi-Fi to access teaching and learning.
Facilities
York College offers outstanding facilities designed to support and inspire students in the Hair, Beauty, and Media Make-up industries.
The Hair & Beauty department includes two large, fully equipped hairdressing salons and four professional-standard beauty therapy salons, providing realistic commercial environments for students to refine their skills. Due to the success of higher-level Beauty Therapy qualifications, an additional advanced clinic will be introduced in September 2026.
A welcoming commercial salon reception area enhances the professional experience, while three dedicated media make-up workshops provide creative spaces equipped with industry-standard tools and products.
Beyond the department, students benefit from the wider College’s excellent facilities, including the modern Learning & Research Centre, quiet study hubs, well-equipped IT areas, multi-function printers, and expert on-site support services—creating an ideal environment for both academic and practical success.
Study methods
The study methods for the City and Guilds Level 2 Hairdressing are designed to provide a balanced mix of theory and hands-on practical experience. They include:
Practical Salon Sessions.
The majority of learning takes place in York College’s professional salon environment, where students develop and refine their hairdressing techniques on clients / models under the supervision of experienced tutors.
Classroom-Based Learning
Theory lessons support the practical work and cover essential topics such as hair structure, health and safety, and client consultation. These sessions may involve group discussions, demonstrations, and workbook activities.
Independent Study
Students are expected to complete assignments, research tasks, and revision outside of scheduled class hours to reinforce their learning and prepare for assessments.
Students will need to practice skills at home to build confidence and speed. Students who excel on this course are those that continue to practice outside of college hours. Students are encouraged to photograph this work to put in their portfolio.
Demonstrations and Tutor-Led Workshops
Tutors provide step-by-step demonstrations of hairdressing techniques, followed by supervised practice where students replicate the skills.
Portfolio Development
Students compile evidence of their progress and completed assessments in a portfolio, often supported through guidance sessions and reviews with tutors.
This combination of practical training, theoretical study, ensures learners are prepared for entry-level roles in the hairdressing industry.
Course progression
Students who have demonstrated the necessary skills in Level 2 Hairdressing can progress their skills and continue onto L3 Hairdressing. This course is currently taught alongside our full-time students during the day.
Career progression
Upon successful completion of the Hairdressing VRQ Level 2 course, learners are prepared to begin a career in the hair industry or continue their professional development. Typical progression routes include:
- Employment as a Junior Stylist in salons, barbershops, or freelance settings
- Level 3 in Hairdressing to advance technical skills and knowledge, including creative cutting, advanced colouring, and client care
- Specialist Courses such as barbering, hair extensions, bridal and occasion hair, or colour correction
- Self-employment or Salon Assistant Roles with the potential to build towards managing or owning a salon
This qualification is a key stepping stone for those aiming to build a long-term, successful career in the dynamic and creative hairdressing industry.
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