• Sustainable Practice in the Hair, Beauty and Barbering Industry
• Leading, Learning and Professional Growth
• Innovation and Development in Hair, Beauty and Barbering
• Advanced Small Business Enterprise Planning
• Research Project

Applicants must normally hold one of the following Level 5 qualifications (or equivalent):

• Foundation Degree in Hair and Beauty Innovation / Innovative Practice in Hair, Barbering and Beauty

• Foundation Degree in Hair and Beauty Management (with Specialisms)

• An equivalent Level 5 vocationally relevant qualification in hair, beauty, barbering, aesthetics, salon management, or a closely related discipline.

Essential Skills in English and Mathematics

All applicants must possess:

• GCSE English at Grade C/4 or above (or Essential Skills Level 2 Literacy)

• GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above (or Essential Skills Level 2 Numeracy)

Vocational Background

Applicants must demonstrate evidence of prior technical and professional experience appropriate to study at Level 6. This is normally satisfied through the vocational content of the Level 5 Foundation Degree, which includes:

• Advanced technical modules

• Industry‑specific pathway modules

• Work‑based learning components

This ensures adequate preparation for the innovation, sustainability, leadership and enterprise focus of the Level 6 programme.

Age Requirement

Applicants must normally be 18 years old at the time of admission.

Assessment is coursework-based and designed to be authentic and industry aligned. Methods typically include critical analytical reports, case study evaluations, innovation audits/strategic reviews, business plans with market research and financial forecasting, professional presentations/pitches, reflective analyses/portfolios and a substantial independent Research Project (including research design, ethics, analysis and a written report).

Graduates of this BA (Hons) degree will have the opportunity to develop advanced industry knowledge and professional skills and translate new ideas into real‑world practice relevant to the evolving Hair, Beauty and Barbering sector. The course encourages exploration of current and emerging industry trends, technologies and professional practices.

You will also develop transferable skills in communication, training, digital capability, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, research and project management, which may support progression into specialist roles, leadership responsibilities, self-employment or further study.

2026/27 fees:

Part Time £350 per 20 credit module and £700 for 40-credit Work Based Learning Module.

Course duration is 15 months.

Skills Focus funding may be available towards programme fees for eligible employers to up skill staff or for self-employed students. Please ask for further details.

You may also need to purchase course textbooks, uniform or attend optional trips during your studies and should budget for additional costs such as printing, photocopying and binding. These additional study costs are estimated to be approximately £100 per year.

Skills Focus funding may be available towards programme fees for eligible employers to upskill staff or for self-employed students. Please ask for further details.

Students are required to:

• Comply with College policies and procedures, rules and regulations (available in your Higher Education Student Handbook, on-line via the College website: Policies, Reports and Strategies | South West College and on the College Virtual Learning Environment - VLE).

• Submit all coursework and assessments by specified dates. Coursework submitted without consent after the deadline shall not normally be accepted.

Course content, delivery and assessment may be updated in line with validation requirements, quality assurance processes and industry developments. Places are subject to meeting entry requirements and successful application. Work placement is compulsory (see Entry Requirements). Operational details (fees, campus, timetable) will be confirmed by the College.

South West College is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to Open University validated awards.

The Open University regulations can be found at https://swc.ac.uk/assets/files/OU-Programme-Specifications/Regulations-for-Validated-Awards-of-the-OU-2025-26.pdf

OU Student's Guide https://www5.open.ac.uk/validation-partnerships/about-ou-validation/ou-students-guide