Course Summary

This course is for school students, where the school has agreed to fund the placement, or for electively home educated young people.

The VTCT Level 2 Certificate in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy (601/0556/2)* supports young people to develop the technical knowledge and skills needed for a successful career within the hair and beauty sector, whether it’s in a high street salon, on a cruise ship or in the film and television industry. Students will have the opportunity to learn in our purpose-built SENSI training and commercial salons.

This course is delivered over two years, starting in Year 10, and students will study at the Roundhouse one day a week.

If you are home educated, you can also apply to study GCSE Maths and English with us.

*qualification featured on the DfE KS4 Performance Tables

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements, you just need a strong interest in hair and/or beauty therapy. 

You will be assessed during the first term at College to ensure this is the most suitable course for you, with fall-back options available.

Course Content

You will need to complete two mandatory units:

• Understanding the hair and beauty sector – learn about the businesses that make up the hair and beauty sector and the products, services and treatments offered

Weighting: 25% of the course

Assessment: External examination

• Hair and beauty research project – produce a proposal for research into the hair and beauty sector, demonstrate your findings and recommend improvements for future projects

Weighting: 25% of the course

Assessment: Internal assessment

You will also need to complete two optional units from the following:

• Business enterprise in hair and beauty – carry out research and generate ideas for new hair and beauty products and services while considering cost, market need and laws and regulations

Weighting: 25% of the course

Assessment: Internal assessment

• Marketing and promotions in hair and beauty – understand the background and principles of marketing and what factors influence marketing in the sector

Weighting: 25% of the course

Assessment: Internal assessment

• Hair and beauty science – learn about the chemistry of hair and beauty products, including the ingredients and their effects on the skin and hair

Weighting: 25% of the course

Assessment: Internal assessment

• Responding to a hair and beauty design brief – respond to a hair and beauty design brief by researching and presenting ideas to create a look for your client

Weighting: 25% of the course

Assessment: Internal assessment

How will I be assessed?

Students will be assessed through a mixture of internal assignments and an external examination.

All four units must be successfully completed to gain this qualification.

Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?

Students must wear a hair and beauty tunic (purchased through Derby College Group) for practical sessions. You will be required to supply your own writing materials.

What can I do after this course?

Further Study

Upon completion of the qualification, and depending on the grades achieved and other qualifications achieved, students may wish to progress to:

• The Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing or Beauty
• The Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing or Beauty
• An apprenticeship programme at Level 2 or 3
• A-levels

You will be able to access advice and guidance while studying at the College to learn more about the post-16 opportunities available for you.

Careers

Further study can lead to a variety of careers, including:

• Hairdresser/Barber
• Beauty Therapist
• Special Effects Make-up Artist
• Nail Technician

For more information, email the 14-16 team at 14-16@derby-college.ac.uk

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