Entry Level Hair and Beauty Course in Cambridge – Cambridge Regional College

CostFee:1154.00 Concession: 161.00
Duration1 year
LevelEntry Level
DeliveryClassroom based
Start3 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

An Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector Course in Cambridge. Classes run at Cambridge Regional College, full-time during the day. The course runs for one year. You'll need 2 GCSEs at grade 2 or above to apply, and candidates are assessed on experience, enthusiasm, a school reference, and a practical aptitude test. This entry level an introduction to the hair and beauty sector qualification covers the core skills and knowledge the hair and beauty industry expects. The course also includes English and Maths lessons.

Who this course is for

Thinking about a career in the Beauty Therapy?

The Beauty Therapy Industry can be demanding career, requiring good health, stamina, a capacity for hard work, a pleasant personality and the ability to get on with people. If you think that you possess these qualities, you want to learn a range of industry skills and you have a genuine interest in this career route then this course is for you. The course also consists of GCSE English & Maths lessons for those not already at a grade 4, and all students study ACE and Century lessons to ensure they are continuously developing their English & maths skills in a contextualised manner, so you leave us with the best possible skills required by employers.

The course will provide you with knowledge, skills and professional behaviours relevant to Beauty Industry requirements, many of the underpinning skills will also be relevant in a wide range of customer service settings and are therefore transferable.

Course content can include: Understanding skin structure and the science of how it reacts to a variety of treatments & products. Client care & consultation skills including skin & lifestyle analysis. Basic skin & hand care, Manicure & pedicure, Basic & photographic make-up, Nail art or face painting Creating total looks based on themes or colours.

All L1 theory is assessed by assignments, you will therefore need to allow time for home study. Any L2 units within the qualification can be assessed by online multiple choice tests.

We will introduce you to an industry, where professionalism, creativity and artistry combined with technical skills provide an excellent service experience for your clients. You will develop the behaviours and attitudes expected of a professional beauty therapist, from the reception desk to the salon floor.

Entry requirements

You will need 2 GCSEs at grade 2 (E) or above. Potential candidates must demonstrate their commitment and enthusiasm towards a career within the Hair industry. Each candidate will be considered on their experience, suitability, school reference showing good attendance and behaviour and a practical aptitude test.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop an understanding of the hair and beauty sector and the roles within it.
  • You'll learn the basics of hairdressing techniques used in salons.
  • You'll explore health, safety, and hygiene standards relevant to hair and beauty work.
  • You'll practise client communication and professional behaviour in a salon environment.
  • You'll build knowledge of tools, products, and equipment used in the industry.
  • You'll study English and Maths as part of your timetable if you don't already hold a grade 4 GCSE in each.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions and practical work at Cambridge Regional College. Assessment is hands-on, reflecting the practical nature of the hair and beauty sector. You'll be assessed on your skills and knowledge throughout the year, with tutors observing your practical work and reviewing your understanding of industry standards.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Cambridge Regional College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Junior hairdresser: assist stylists in a salon while building your skills.
  • Salon assistant: support the team with washing, preparing, and tidying.
  • Beauty salon receptionist: front-of-house role in a hair or beauty setting.
  • Trainee hair colourist: entry-level colour work under supervision.

What you could study next

  • Level 1 Diploma in Hairdressing: the natural next step after this Certificate, covering a wider range of practical hairdressing skills.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing: the qualification that takes you toward working independently in a salon. Many employers look for Level 2 as a minimum.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Therapy: if you want to move into beauty treatments rather than hair.

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