

Barbering Level 2 Certificate City & Guilds
Course level: 2
Course code: Q1290
19/11/2026
Is this course right for me?
If you are passionate about a career in barbering, this course will be the starting point giving you the basic skills and knowledge you need to enable you to progress to a NVQ Level 2 in barbering.
You will learn how to take a client on a journey from entering the salon to carrying out a range of different cutting and styling techniques and recommending the correct products for them to use.
You will also learn about the importance of health and safety in the salon and how to deliver a first class service to customers – all of which will enable you to gain a job in the industry or progress to a higher level qualification.
Delivery Information
You will attend college one-day-per week and cover all the basics of barbering and hairdressing theory. You will also get the chance to work real clients in our commercial hair salon at the New Era salon at the CLQ campus. – Please note, you will be expected to arrange for your own clients to attend the salon.
Costs
- Kit: you will be required to purchase your own barbering kit (approximately £180)*
- Uniform : a college-approved uniform is compulsory (approximately £50)*
*Financial support may be available to cover some of these costs
Also, if you earn less than £32,000 per year and aged 19 or over, you could study this course for FREE!
Course details
Entry Requirements:
To access the course you are required to have:
- Four or more GCSEs at Grade 3 or above including maths and English
- Successfully completed a Level 1 Hairdressing programme (preferred but not essential)
- Undertake a salon skills session in which you will be required to meet members of the teaching team and demonstrate your ability to carry out a given barbering task
- Purchase a barbering kit (details will be provided at enrolment)
What will I learn?
During this course you will study the following modules:
- Working in the hair industry
- Client consultation
- Shampoo and condition hair and scalp
- Cut men’s hair
- Style men’s hair
- Salon reception
- Promote products and services
- Health and safety
What skills will I gain?
By studying this course you will gain the following skills:
- Develop your communication skills and confidence in dealing with a wide range of people
- Learn how different services work and are carried out
How will I be assessed?
You will be continually assessed through the programme via:
- Providing services to clients in a realistic working environment
- Practical observations
- Online testing
- Verbal questioning
What can I do next?
The skills you will learn from this course will enable you to:
- Work in a barber’s shop
- Progress to an Level 3 certificate in barbering
- Progress to a Level 3 barbering apprenticeship
Please note: City of Wolverhampton College reserves the right to close or not run courses if enrolment numbers are not educationally or economically viable. If this course is unable to run, you will be notified as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Future careers
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Our Future Finder tool can help you explore options and match them to our courses. City of Wolverhampton College partners with employers and leading universities, ensuring our qualifications are relevant and designed to help you succeed.
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