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Free Level 3 Hairdressing Course in Birmingham

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyVTCT awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Hairdressing Course in Birmingham. Classes run at University College Birmingham. You'll train full-time over one year, covering cutting, colouring, styling, shampooing, and conditioning. Practical sessions take place in on-campus training and commercial salon facilities, with work experience placements included. The course covers both Level 2 and Level 3 study across two years in total, so this delivery sits within a broader programme. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm the right entry point for you. A free hairdressing course for adults and school leavers alike, it opens doors to salon work, freelance styling, and specialist roles.

Who this course is for

"Want to cut it as a professional hairdresser? Discover all the essentials you need to succeed in this sector on our Hairdressing college course. If you love following the latest fashions, trends and styles and want to learn how to make people look and feel their best, this course will lay the foundations for you to thrive.

Learning different techniques over two levels of study, you will cover practical skills such as cutting, colouring, styling, shampooing and conditioning, while you will also have the chance to take part in competitions. Your training will take place in our superb commercial salons on campus, while you will also have the opportunity to apply your learning to the real world through work experience placements.

A broad range of roles are open to you upon completing this course, from working in salons or high street businesses to luxury spas and resorts, as well as specialised roles in photographic studios and hair clinics. You will also gain the skills and knowhow for branching out on your own as a freelance hair stylist."

Entry requirements

Please refer to the University College Birmingham course page for specific entry requirements.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop cutting techniques to a professional standard.
  • You'll learn colouring methods, including tinting and highlighting.
  • You'll practise styling, setting, and finishing hair.
  • You'll cover shampooing, conditioning, and scalp treatments.
  • You'll build reception and client communication skills.
  • You'll apply your skills in commercial salon settings.
  • You'll have the opportunity to enter hairdressing competitions.

How you will learn

You'll learn through hands-on practical sessions in training and commercial salons on campus. Assessment is based on practical observation, portfolio work, and demonstrations of your skills. Work experience placements are included in the course, giving you the chance to apply what you've learned in a working salon environment.

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

  • Hairdresser: work in a high street or independent salon
  • Salon stylist: cut and colour for a broad client base
  • Freelance hair stylist: work for yourself on your own terms
  • Session stylist: hair work for photographic studios and media
  • Colourist: specialist colour services in premium salons
  • Spa hair technician: styling roles in luxury spas and resorts
  • Salon receptionist or coordinator: client-facing salon management

What you could study next

  • NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing: strengthens your route to a VTCT-recognised advanced qualification and supports senior stylist roles.
  • Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training: if you want to teach hairdressing in a college or training centre.
  • Barbering qualifications: a natural step sideways if you want to specialise in men's grooming and barbershop work.
Apply on ucb.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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