City of Glasgow College – NQ Barbering

City of Glasgow College runs the NQ in Barbering at SCQF Level 5, awarded by the SQA, as a one-year full-time course at its City Campus. It is one of the more established public routes into the trade in Scotland, with course instances running back several years.

Teaching is practical and salon-based, working on live models throughout. Units cover basic barbering technique, facial hair shaping, hair detailing and men’s hair finishing. Entry requires two National 5 qualifications at grade C or above, and applicants must be 16 by the end of September in the year of entry. Fees are not stated on the course page and are handled through the college’s student funding routes, which for a full-time non-advanced course will often mean no tuition cost for eligible Scottish students, check your position with the college. Demand is high: the current intake is full and operating a waiting list, so apply early for the next cycle.