Interior of the hair salon within the Graduate Salon

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Hairdressing Intermediate

Our intermediate hairdressing course combines technical training, customer service skills, and business knowledge to prepare you for a successful career in the dynamic hair and beauty industry.

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Start Date: 15 Sep 2025

Mode of Study: Full-Time

Location: Graduate Salon

Days: Mon to Sat

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Course overview

What will I do?

What’s next?

Is it for me?

Apply now

Course overview

Barber shops, hair and beauty salons and nail bars are in the top 10 most popular business start-ups. The industry offers vast opportunities for self-employment, progression, international travel and flexible working.

A flair for business is just as important as creativity, as are people skills such as confidence, communication and empathy. With a hairdressing course, you can learn to use your skills and imagination to improve someone’s life, whether it’s by making them feel good about themselves, solving a problem, or just being someone they can talk to.

What will I do?

Throughout this intermediate hairdressing course, you will develop the essential technical and theoretical knowledge needed to treat hair, from styling to colour treatments. You will be supported by our dedicated staff whilst learning and training in our commercial Graduate Salon.

Parts of our hairdressing courses focus on your customer service skills as these are very important, whether you’re working in a salon or running your own business. You will learn how to communicate with clients and how to give the highest standards of customer service. We will also give you the commercial knowledge of how a busy salon operates, from taking bookings to running stock checks, so that you can do these confidently in the workplace.

A uniform and kit is required for all of our hairdressing courses, details of which will be provided upon enrolment.

What’s next?

This hairdressing course will prepare you for life in a busy salon, specifically moving on to the next level of study of either Hairdressing, Barbering or Hair & Media Make-up. You will give a variety of treatments, including blowdrys, cuts and colours, to real clients and will become a confident stylist ready to take on a Hairdressing career with creativity and professionalism.

Is it for me?

Do you enjoy making people feel better about themselves? If so, this hairdressing course could be perfect for you! A simple re-style or makeover can boost your clients’ confidence and give you serious job satisfaction.

You must be friendly, understanding and patient with customers and your colleagues. Building a client base is very important, so you must be able to make people feel at ease with you and build their trust.

The diverse skillset that you’ll begin to pick up in this hairdressing course will enable you to go further in your career, so you must be willing to try new things. It’s important to keep up with current trends, for example how social media now has a huge influence on the hair and beauty industry.

Entry requirements

Level 1: You require GCSE grades at 2/E or above in English and Maths.

Level 2: You require GCSE English and Maths with one at least Grade 4/C and the other at least Grade 3/D.

Once we have received your application you will be invited to a programme interview which will give you the chance to ask any questions you have about the course and for us to discuss which level you are most suited to based on your current / predicted results.

If you meet the entry requirements you will be enrolled on our Level 2 programme where you will gain a specialist qualification in your chosen area. If you don’t quite meet the entry requirements for Level 2 you will be enrolled onto our Skills Academy programme. Skills Academy gives you the opportunity to pick up essential study stills whilst still gaining technical knowledge in your chosen area. On completion of this course you will gain a Vocational Studies Certificate which will enable you to progress onto a full Level 2 specialist programme.

Frequently asked questions

How will my progress be monitored?

Through regular assessment and mock exams, progress reviews of Industry Placements and regular one to one review with the Course Team Leader and Progress Mentor.

How much will I have to study each week?

This course will require around 20 hours per week in College plus industrial placement of at least 1 day per week and additional independent study, there will also be 1 day a week of Industry Placement.

Do I need to purchase anything?

We may recommend revision books for purchase during the course and there may be additional costs associated with transport to Industrial Placement and costs of relevant trips.

EXPLORE COURSES

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How to apply

Hairdressing Intermediate
(0340P-1/1)
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Start Date
15 Sep 2025
Days
Mon to Sat
Location
Graduate Salon

Our College, your future…

Introduction to Hair & Beauty
Every day there are new styles and new trends popping up on social media! When you’re in the Hair and Beauty industry, you get to exercise your artistry and creativity while helping people look and feel their best. Our Graduate Salon is where you will be practicing with both skills training and learning about the commercial side of the business. You’ll be learning first hand how a salon operates and working with clients to develop your customer service skills.
Courses Available

Barbering – Intermediate

Barbering – Advanced

Beauty Therapy – Intermediate

Beauty Therapy – Advanced

Hairdressing – Intermediate
How to get into the industry
Hairstylist or barber is an excellent career for on-the-job training and there are many apprenticeships and job vacancies available at all levels. Beauty Therapy apprenticeships are slightly less plentiful but do exist. Some beauty students go on to take a foundation degree in aesthetics.
Why study at Milton Keynes College?

Milton Keynes College offers fantastic facilities, dedicated support, and a wide range of qualifications. Our courses are designed with industry partners, ensuring you gain relevant skills for better employability. Located near some of the country’s largest businesses, the college provides excellent networking and professional opportunities, giving you an advantage when starting your career.
Why choose College?

There’s so much more to college than just your study programme. You’ll have the chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people, gaining more free time and independence in a less formal environment than at school. Milton Keynes College provides financial support and real working environments, giving you practical experience. You can also benefit from work experience opportunities with local and national businesses. By joining the student community, you’ll be part of a supportive network that enhances your personal and professional growth.
Application Journey

The application journey starts with researching your options to find the best course for you. From September, you can apply online. College interviews begin in November, giving you a chance to present yourself and learn more about our college. Discovery Days in July allow you to come on campus and get a real taste of college life. In August, you will receive your GCSE results, which are key for finalising your college placement. Enrolment then happens in August and September with your course beginning in September.

Ready to get started?

Take the next steps in your journey to joining us.

Download our Prospectus

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