City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Award in Hair and Beauty Studies

Subject Intent

Hair and Beauty provides students with an exciting and engaging introduction to the creative, scientific and professional world of the hair and beauty industries.

Our intent is to give students a broad understanding of this diverse and continually evolving sector while developing their creativity, confidence and practical skills. Students will explore how hair and beauty has developed over time, investigate the science behind hair and beauty products and treatments, and consider how design and imagery are used within the industry.

The course encourages students to develop important transferable skills including creativity, communication, problem-solving, organisation, independent working and attention to detail. Students will also gain an understanding of professional expectations within the sector and the wide variety of opportunities available within the hair, beauty and related industries.

Aims of the Course

The City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Award in Hair and Beauty Studies aims to provide students with a broad and balanced introduction to the hair and beauty sector.

Throughout the course, students will explore the different services, job roles and career opportunities found within hair and beauty. They will investigate how fashions and trends have changed over time and consider the social, economic and technological factors that have influenced the industry.

Students will also develop an understanding of the science behind hair and beauty, including aspects of biology and chemistry and how these are applied to products and services.

Alongside theoretical knowledge, students will have opportunities to develop creative and technical skills in areas such as hair styling, make-up and manicure techniques. This combination of knowledge and practical experience allows students to understand how creativity, science and professional skills work together within the hair and beauty industry.

Course Structure

The qualification is structured around three key areas of study:

Exploring the World of Hair and Beauty

Students investigate the hair and beauty sector and the wide range of services and careers available within it. They explore how hair and beauty styles have evolved throughout history and examine how social changes, technological developments and economic factors have influenced trends and working practices within the industry.

Science of Hair and Beauty

Students discover the important role science plays within hair and beauty. They explore relevant aspects of biology and chemistry and develop an understanding of how scientific principles are applied to hair, skin, nails, cosmetics and hair and beauty products.

This helps students understand not simply how products and techniques are used, but the scientific principles behind them.

Design in the Hair and Beauty Sector

Students explore the importance of creativity, design and visual communication within the industry. They consider how images and designs are created for different purposes and audiences and develop their own creative ideas.

Students are also able to develop technical skills associated with the sector, including hair styling, make-up and manicure techniques.

The qualification is assessed through a combination of a theory examination and a synoptic assignment, allowing students to demonstrate both their knowledge and their ability to apply what they have learned.

Where Could This Course Lead?

The Level 2 Technical Award in Hair and Beauty Studies provides an excellent introduction for students considering further education, an apprenticeship or, in the longer term, employment within the hair, beauty and creative industries.

After completing the course, students could progress to further study at college in areas such as Hairdressing, Barbering, Beauty Therapy, Hair and Media Make-up, Nail Technology, Make-up Artistry or other specialist hair and beauty qualifications.

Students may progress to courses such as a Level 2 Diploma or Technical Certificate in Hairdressing, Barbering or Beauty Therapy, before potentially moving on to Level 3 study. Apprenticeships within the hair and beauty sector can provide another progression route, allowing students to continue developing their skills while gaining experience in the workplace.

In the longer term, the course can support progression towards a wide variety of careers including hairdresser, barber, beauty therapist, nail technician, make-up artist, media make-up artist, beauty consultant, salon professional, salon manager, spa therapist and other roles within the hair, beauty, fashion, media and creative industries.

For students who progress to higher levels of study, opportunities can also extend into areas such as salon management, advanced beauty therapy, specialist make-up, education and training, product development, brand representation and self-employment.

The qualification therefore provides students with an engaging foundation from which they can explore their interests, develop valuable practical and transferable skills and begin to consider the many different pathways available within the hair and beauty industry.