In addition to the academic pathways, the Foundation Degree will also offer access to a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) route, strengthening links between education and industry.
Employer partnerships are already in place with leading organisations including Thérapie Clinic, offering Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) opportunities across its Omagh, Belfast, Newry and Derry/Londonderry salons, as well as the Killyhevlin Hotel Enniskillen.
These partnerships provide students with an excellent opportunity to gain valuable industry experience and progress directly into employment with leading employers in the hair and beauty sector.
The college believes this provision represents a distinctive opportunity within Northern Ireland’s education landscape.
“These new pathways are an important step forward for learners and for the wider hair, beauty and barbering industry in Northern Ireland,” said Tanya Purvis, Curriculum Manager at South West College. “We are proud to provide learners with the opportunity to develop advanced technical and leadership skills, while also building direct links with employers through Higher Level Apprenticeships and industry partnerships.”
The BA (Hons) programme will be delivered in Dungannon, while the Foundation Degree and HLA pathway will primarily operate from Omagh. South West College is currently the only provider in Northern Ireland offering this unique combination of Foundation Degree, HLA pathway and BA (Hons) progression opportunities within the hair, beauty and barbering industry.
The programmes are designed to support a wide range of learners, including school leavers, current industry professionals and those looking to progress into leadership, teaching, education, specialist practice or business development roles within the sector.