HAIRDRESSING - LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA

Awarded By: VTCT

Level: Level 3

The Hairdressing Level 3 Diploma provides natural progression for those who have successfully completed a Level 2 Diploma in this subject, providing the knowledge, skills and confidence to undertake additional in-salon services that customers have come to expect, including creative cutting and styling, creative colouring and colour correction.

The qualification covers all of the specific skills needed to become a Senior Stylist.

Learners on the course are encouraged to seek and undertake a work placement as part of the programme, with many previous learners successfully securing employment in the salon upon successful completion of the course.

Course Information

Duration: 17 September 2025 - 26 June 2026

When: Wednesday 9am - 1:10pm, Thursday 9am - 4:05pm and Friday 9am - 4.05pm

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

As part of the Level 3 Hairdressing Diploma you will study four mandatory modules:

Creatively style and dress hair
Creatively cut hair using a combination of techniques
Creatively colour and lighten hair
Provide client consultation services

You will then be able to select a minimum of two optional modules from a range of ten, with options including:

Provide hair extension services (Please note there is an additional cost, if you choose this module)
Create a variety of permed effects
Hair colour correction services

Upon successful completion of the course you will be eligible to become a State Registered Hairdresser (SRH) with The Hairdressing Council.

HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT?

As a hairdressing learner at Preston College, you will perfect your skills in our on-site bespoke salon, Elements. The salon is a fully furnished hair salon, where you will work on fellow learners and paying customers, under the supervision of a Salon Manager. Paying customers are members of the public who often visit Elements for the great prices and customer friendly experience on offer.

As well as working in the salons, you will spend time in the classroom and in workshops, allowing you to enhance already held hairdressing abilities and develop skills in more complex areas. Typically, you will split your time between full days of commercial salon work, workshop demonstrations and in-class theory sessions, as the course is studied over two full days per week for a full academic year.

All learners at level 3 are encouraged to seek and undertake a work experience placement, as very often this leads to employment as a stylist, upon successful completion of the course.

In addition to classroom learning, world renowned Neal & Wolfe will visit college to provide bespoke teaching days throughout the year. You will also have numerous opportunities to hear from guest speakers and enter competitions.

You will be required to wear all black clothing whilst working in the salon environment.

All equipment and consumables will be provided for this course.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

To successfully pass the course, you must complete all assignment work, written papers and pass each practical task (assessed via tutor observation).

WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?

Whilst this qualification's primary purpose is to prepare you for employment as a Senior Stylist, you may choose to pursue further study to further enhance your skill set or specialise in a particular field of hairdressing. Examples of relevant Level 4 qualifications include:

Level 4 Certificate in Salon Management
Level 4 Diploma in Salon Management
Level 4 Certificate in Specialist Hair and Scalp Services
Level 4 Certificate in Hair Colour Correction
Level 4 Award in Advanced Hair Styling

Please note Preston College does not currently offer these courses, and therefore you would need to explore alternative course providers.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?