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Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing studies

EKC Folkestone College

Shorncliffe Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2TZ

National Certificate (BTEC / NCFE)
Level 3
Retail and Commercial Enterprise

Available start dates

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026
Folkestone College
1 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours

Application Instructions

Applications Open - Monday 27 October 2025

Applications Close - Open all year

How to Apply - Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide.

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Folkestone College

You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

  • EKC Ashford College
  • EKC Broadstairs College*
  • EKC Canterbury College*
  • EKC Dover College
  • EKC Folkestone College*
  • EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application, except for A Levels at EKC Canterbury College, where up to 4 A Level courses can be added per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

Course Summary

On this highly practical course, learn the skills and knowledge needed to be a qualified hairdresser, all whilst working in our realistic salon environment.

Course Details

VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing is a qualification that has been specifically designed to develop your practical skills, to an advanced level through a variety of techniques in the following units:

  • The creative art of cutting women’s hair
  • The artistic skill of colouring
  • Imaginative dexterity of styling and dressing hair
  • How to provide effective consultation support for colleagues.

To develop your skills further you will also be given the opportunity to choose from the following optional units:

  • Hair colour correction
  • Hair extensions
  • Creative hairdressing design skills
  • Bridal hairstyling
  • Hair additions
  • Salon design for the hair and beauty sector

Underpinning this qualification you will develop a sound knowledge of monitoring health and safety whilst working in the hairdressing industry.

You will also develop a knowledge and understanding of the practical skills learned throughout this qualification. The purpose of this qualification is to develop your practical skills to an advanced level of occupational ability to enable you to perform your own salon services as well as support others.

How will it be delivered and assessed?

Assessment will be conducted with hands-on evaluations in our salons, complemented by written assignments and online examinations.

Your next steps...

After this Level 3, you will be ready to start working as a Senior Stylist or Advanced Hairdresser, either in a salon or similar environment or through self-employed work. The qualification equips you to start your own salon.

With a Level 3 qualification, you can progress to roles such as a senior stylist in various settings, including commercial hair salons, specialist salons.

You might choose to specialise in areas like bridal hairstyling, colour correction, or creative cutting techniques. Opportunities exist in a range of industries such as television, film, theatre, media, cruise liners, hospitals, care homes, the Armed Services, and HM Prison Service.

Working with product manufacturers as a technician or trainer is another avenue.

You can also go onto further study in this area, such as a specialised apprenticeship or at university to hone your skills. You could also pursue advanced studies such as the Level 4 Diploma in Salon Management or Advanced Techniques and Management Practice in Hairdressing.


For more courses like this, check our courses page.