Belfast Metropolitan College – NVQ Diploma in Barbering

Belfast Met is a public further education college and delivers the qualification that actually counts in Northern Ireland: VTCT NVQ Diplomas in Barbering at Levels 2 and 3, taught at the Titanic Quarter campus.

The Level 3 Diploma runs one year full time from September. The critical detail is the cost: **tuition is fully funded by the Department for the Economy**, so students pay only around 45 pounds for uniform and 180 for a kit. Against private academy fees running into the thousands, that is not a close comparison, and it produces a regulated NVQ rather than an in-house certificate.

Entry to Level 3 requires a minimum of a Level 2 Barbering qualification, being 16 by the start of July, and proof of UK residency or right to work plus photographic identification; a Level 2 route is available for those starting out. Content covers advanced barbering theory and practice, creative cutting, facial hair design, client consultation and competition-level creative work, taught through practical workshops, lectures and industry visits, with Essential Skills in literacy and numeracy included for those without grade C equivalents. Assessment is by practical, written and portfolio work. This listing previously pointed at the college homepage; the course page is the link here.