If you have a passion for hair and beauty therapies, this course is designed for those considering a career in these sectors. You will be given a broad introduction to the techniques and requirements of the sector, giving you the skills associated with beauty treatments and hair styling. All of which will be taught in our Opus Salon, giving you a real-world salon experience work with clients.

Entry requirements

No formal requirements are necessary although students tend to have GCSEs at grade 3 and below. A good standard of English, an interest in beauty and/or hairdressing and the ability to follow instructions and safety guidelines are essential. 

Course overview 

For students looking to study beauty therapy and hairdressing in Southampton and the New Forest, our Beauty Therapy Hairdressing Futures Level 1 course is designed to help you gain further understanding of the industry especially if you have a desire to start working in a salon or move onto further levels of study.   

You will learn from teachers with a wealth of experience in the Beauty and Hair sector and will get to apply those skills in our beauty salon, Opus Salon, where you will work with real paying customers. 

 

What will I learn?

Our beauty therapy and hairdressing courses are based on the Nacro Education Get Set! framework, enabling you to gain critical skills and transferable skills that you need to progress onto your next step and help build your CV.  

As part of this course, you will take be taught a broad range of transferable skills in addition to specialist techniques, this includes professional and academic writing, customer service and problem solving. You will also learn how to manage you work and time independently based on the work required within the salon. You will be taught using the latest technology and treatment techniques for hair and beauty therapies.  

In addition, you will have the opportunity to learn maths and English as part of this course. 

Work Experience

As part of the Get Set! framework, we encourage all students to engage in enrichment activities to support your learning.  

You will be required to complete 60 hours of work experience during the college year. This can be undertaken throughout the year or during the two work experience weeks, one in February before the half-term break and the other the week before the Easter holiday. 

Work experience has been a huge stepping stone for many of our students, introducing them to the hair and beauty industry and what can be achieved, while giving them the confidence to pursue a career in this creative industry. Some students have also gone on to achieve paid work from these opportunities.

Modules

Modules for the Beauty Therapy Hairdressing Futures Level 1 will take place in both practical sessions and theoretical lessons. These include:  

  • Introduction to the hair and beauty sector 
  • Presenting a professional image in a salon 
  • Basic make-up application 
  • Providing basic manicure treatment 
  • Shampoo and conditioning.  
  • Styling women’s hair 

Assessment

At Totton College, we use a variety of assessment methods to ensure you achieve the Beauty Therapy Hairdressing Futures Level 1 qualification.  

Modules are assessed in the form of a portfolio of work; this could include observations on practical tasks or written assessments. You will be supported with all your work and given feedback and an opportunity to rework it before external assessment takes place. Your teacher will go through all this when you sign up for the course. 

You will also need to undertake small tests and assignments to ensure you maintain the standards throughout the year. 

Enrichment Opportunities

There are plenty of enrichments available, including guest speakers, careers week, trips and visits.

Career and Progression

After successfully passing this course, you will have the core knowledge to progress to a higher-level qualification and to move forward towards your chosen career.

On successful completion of this course, you will achieve the Level 1 Certification in Hair and Beauty. You will be able to progress onto a Level 2 Beauty or Level 2 Hairdressing course, depending on which route you wish to take. 

You can also discuss career options with the college careers advisor prior to completion of the course to explore apprenticeships or entry level employment. 

During my time at Totton College, I’ve learned all aspects of hairdressing—practical skills, theory, client service, and what it’s really like to work in a salon. I enjoy the practical parts of the course to practice different techniques and styles. The teachers are very friendly and approachable, and our class is really supportive. One of my proudest moments was passing my practical assessments and theory exams, which allowed me to move up to Level 2. It really boosted my confidence.

Bobbi Wenman

Hairdressing Level 2 student

Funding and bursaries

Students if you’re aged over 19 you may be eligible for free tuition depending on the course you want to study, your existing qualifications and your financial circumstances. For more information email info@totton.ac.uk or call 023 8087 4874.

Advanced Learner Loans are available for students who are aged 19 or over. Repayments do not begin until the course is completed and you are earning £25,000 or over. Eligible learners will be enrolling on a level 3 or above course and are a UK or EU national. For further information, visit gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan.


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