Hair and Beauty studies

Allowing learners to experience the reality of working as a hairdresser, barber, beauty/spa therapist or nail technician, this exciting new Diploma reveals the wide range of opportunities that exist in the hair and beauty  sector. The sector is rapidly expanding and the Diploma in Hair and Beauty Studies could lead to a career in fashion, health and fitness, well-being, retailing, paramedical treatment, film and TV, complementary and alternative medicine, care or the creative industries.

The Diploma covers fundamental knowledge, skills and the latest developments in technology, and explores how the growing public interest in personal appearance and well-being has influenced the growth of this sector.

Diploma components

Learning Component Type
Principal Learning Specification Level 1
  Level 2
  Level 3
Additional and Specialist Learning   Level 1
  Level 2
  Level 3
Sample Assessment Material Under development
Generic Learning Functional Skills
(includes embedded Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills) Projects
  Work Experience

Principal Learning

Principal learning develops the knowledge, understanding and skills specific to each Diplomas relevant industry sector

At Foundation level students will:

  • Gain a broad understanding of the hair and beauty sector
  • Investigate the whole hair and beauty sector and gain awareness of possible career opportunities within the sector
  • Understand key personal presentation, customer service and communication skills
  • Be given the opportunity to practice some basic hairdressing, skincare and nail services
  • Be encouraged to investigate the importance of appearance and style

At Higher level students will:

  • Experience the benefits and challenges of working within the sector prior to entering potential employment
  • Be introduced to key legal health and safety requirements
  • Study basic anatomy and physiology linked to the delivery of basic hair, skin and nail services
  • Recognise the importance of communication skills in building a successful career
  • Understand how personality as well as cultural, racial, gender, fashion and religious influences can be expressed through the use of make-up and skincare techniques

At Advanced level students will:

  • Develop general management and business skills in a hair and beauty context
  • Be introduced to factors influencing business location and the interior design of new and refurbished commercial premises
  • Investigate how to select, match and create media suitable for an event
  • Explore marketing strategies for hair and beauty products and identify their impact on consumers
  • Understand a range of professional spa organisations
  • Know the key scientific principles and concepts of cosmetic chemistry
This Diploma will be available from 2009
image of arrow This Diploma is not currently available, it will be launched in 2009.
Diploma Acronyms
Hover over for definition
ASL DAB CAB LoL WE PL PLTS LSC QCF GQ VQ SHD IT ENG CBE CM BAF HB/H&B HOSP ELB MPD GLH
Useful links
Diploma lines of learning
Diploma information from QCA
Direct Gov Diploma site