Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing studies

Applications Open - Monday 2 November 2026

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.

Hairdressing is a dynamic and fast-moving career path, where styles evolve, client expectations grow, and no two days look the same. If you enjoy experimenting with techniques, refining your craft, and transforming your clients’ ideas into reality, this Level 3 course will help you elevate your talent to a professional level. Building on your existing knowledge, you’ll develop your technical ability, creativity and confidence so that you become a qualified hairdresser. Throughout your studies, you’ll work in our industry standard commercial salon, gaining sought-after experience with clients while using professional equipment and the latest products. As you enhance your work and client care skills, you’ll be ready for your first role in a salon, a higher-level apprenticeship, or even further specialised study such as at university.

On this Level 3 Hairdressing course, you’ll develop advanced practical skills and knowledge to prepare you for a career in the industry. Studying with us means exploring a range of specialist techniques, including: • 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’ll also have the opportunity to choose from optional units such as: • Hair colour correction • Hair extensions • Creative hairdressing design skills • Bridal hairstyling • Hair additions • Salon design for the hair and beauty sector Throughout the course, you’ll build a strong understanding of health and safety in a salon environment, alongside the theory behind your practical work. This qualification is designed to develop your skills to an advanced level, giving you the confidence to carry out your own salon services and support others in a professional setting.

All assessments are designed to ensure you can demonstrate your practical ability and understanding of professional hairdressing techniques. You’ll be assessed with practical observations in our salons, alongside written assignments and online tests that check your knowledge and understanding. Throughout the course, you’ll also build a portfolio of your work, giving you a visual record of your progress and achievements that you can use for future opportunities.

This study programme is designed to help you move quickly toward advanced jobs, higher education, or apprenticeship opportunities if you know what you want to do next and meet the entry requirements needed for success. Achieving a Level 3 qualification will improve your future earning potential and career choices. It also allows you to progress to Higher Education, Higher Apprenticeships, and Degree Apprenticeships. These can lead to roles like advanced technician or skilled supervisor at Level 3, and eventually to management or professional status as you continue your studies. To study at Level 3, including all T Level and A Level programmes, you will need an average entry score of 5.0 from your best 6 GCSE subjects, ideally including English and Maths.

After completing the Level 3 course, you’ll be ready to work as a Senior Stylist or Advanced Hairdresser, either in a salon or as a self-employed professional. You may choose to specialise in areas such as bridal styling, colour correction, or creative cutting, or explore opportunities across industries including media, theatre, cruise ships, and the armed forces. There are also opportunities to work with product manufacturers as a technician or trainer. If you’d like to continue developing your skills, you can progress onto further study, such as a specialised apprenticeship, university, or a Level 4 qualification in areas like salon management or advanced hairdressing techniques. Level 3 learner, Lauren, is looking forward to her next steps, thanks to the skills she's gained on the course: “Working in the Salon has given me a chance to look at what I could go into after College. I’ve even had the chance to take on the role of ‘Manager’ which has been eye-opening. "Working with real clients is always great and has helped to build my communication skills. I feel really confident now about progressing into a salon when I finish College.”