City & Guilds Level 3 VRQ Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing
This programme is aimed at qualified hairdressers wishing to further develop their skills and creative ability. A Level 3 qualification would give you the opportunity to share experiences with other professionals and help you realise your own potential.
Students will learn a variety of skills, whilst lessons are predominantly practical based, there will be elements of theory covered as well as other areas including:
- Practical demonstrations
- Practical activities to develop skills
- Working on each other and blocks
- Providing hairdressing services to clients
- Theory/knowledge input – with direction to home study.
- Ongoing assessment
Dates & course durations
7th September 2026, Mondays, 9.00am-4.30pm.
Enrolment for autumn courses will open in June.
Entry requirements
Students wishing to apply for this course will already have Level 2 Hairdressing and a minimum of one year’s commercial experience with current employment in a salon.
Course units
The Level 3 training programme in Hairdressing provides professional training of the highest standard in a realistic and up-to-date working environment. The subjects covered are the theory and practice of Advanced Hairdressing which will include:
- Cross unit test
- Creatively style and dress hair
- Creatively cut women’s hair using a combination of techniques
- Creatively colour and lighten hair
- Provide hairdressing consultation service
- Provide colour correction service
- Contribute to the planning, implementation and evaluation of promotional activities
Assessments
- Students are assessed through observation of practical skills and completion of tasks.
- Students will also be required to complete end of unit tests
Course fees
£3,326
Contact our Admissions team if you have any course fee-related questions regarding funding eligibility etc: info@yorkcollege.ac.uk
Study methods
The course involves a blend of both practical skills development and classroom theory through:
- Demonstration of hairdressing techniques
- Initial theory input followed by directed home/independent study
- Opportunities for students to practice skills during lessons
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.
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.
Course progression
Following successful completion of the Level 3 Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing, students may progress to a Level 4 course.
Career progression
Students will gain skills that will enable them to demonstrate more advanced techniques in the hairdressing salon. Some adult learners chose to provide hairdressing services on a mobile/self-employment basis or work in a salon environment.
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