Free Level 1 Hair and Beauty Course in Birmingham – University College Birmingham

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyVTCT awarding body

About this course

Free Level 1 Hair and Beauty Course in Birmingham. Classes run full-time, daytime at University College Birmingham, and the course takes one year to complete. You'll explore all three areas of hair, make-up, and beauty, building practical skills across hair styling and washing, skincare, facials, manicures, pedicures, and face painting. You can also resit GCSE maths and English alongside your vocational training. Entry requires a minimum grade 2 in both GCSE English and maths.

Who this course is for

Dreaming of a career in beauty, hair or make-up, or a combination, but unsure where to begin? Our introductory course is the perfect stepping stone to explore your passion and see if this path is right for you.

Designed for those with a grade 2 in maths and English, this course allows you to resit these essential subjects alongside your vocational training. You’ll gain hands-on experience in the hair, beauty and make-up industry, learning skills such as hair styling and washing, face painting, skincare, mini facials, manicures and pedicures. It's the ideal starting point to begin your journey in the industry, while working towards your maths and English GCSEs.

A-Level Economics offers a dynamic journey into the forces that drive our world, from global markets to everyday choices. This course doesn’t just cover theory—it’s designed around hands-on, problem-solving that lets you apply economic principles to real-world events. You’ll dive into both macroeconomics (big-picture issues like national economies and global trade) and microeconomics (the choices individuals and businesses make), helping you understand the ‘why’ behind today’s headlines.

This A-level course will not only change the way you view the world around you but will provide you with the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills, including research, communication and data analysis. On completion, you can go onto a economics-related degree or an apprenticeship, or go directly into industry.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A minimum GCSE English (language or literature) and maths at grade 2 is required Supporting documents required

School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.

What you will learn

  • You'll practise hair styling and washing techniques in a salon setting.
  • You'll learn skincare and mini facial treatments.
  • You'll carry out manicures and pedicures.
  • You'll develop face painting and make-up skills.
  • You'll explore the hair, beauty, and make-up industry to understand which area suits you.
  • You'll work toward GCSE maths and English alongside your vocational training.

How you will learn

You'll learn through hands-on practical sessions in training and commercial salon facilities. Classes are classroom-based, full-time, and run during the day. Learning covers hair, make-up, and beauty in a professional environment, giving you direct experience of industry techniques and standards.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. University College Birmingham will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Junior hairdresser: assist in a salon with styling and washing
  • Beauty therapist assistant: support treatments including facials and manicures
  • Nail technician: specialise in nail care and treatments
  • Make-up artist assistant: work in beauty, fashion, or media settings
  • Salon receptionist: front-of-house role in a hair or beauty salon

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing: the next step if you want to work as a hairdresser and develop advanced cutting and colouring skills.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Therapy: builds on this Course with deeper training in beauty treatments and client care.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Make-Up Artistry: focuses specifically on professional make-up techniques for a range of contexts.

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