Hair & Beauty

Curriculum Intent

The VTCT Level 1/2 Technical Award in the Study of Hair and Beauty is a Technical Award that has been designed in line with educational developments, including the reform of vocational education, and meets the Department for Education’s (DfE’s) characteristics for high-quality and rigorous Key Stage 4 (KS4) qualifications.

This qualification uses a grading model of:
NYA – Not Yet Achieved, 
Level 1 Pass, 
Level 1 Merit, 
Level 1 Distinction, 
Level 2 Pass, 
Level 2 Merit, 
Level 2 Distinction and 
Level 2 Distinction* 

(NYA, L1P, L1M, L1D, L2P, L2M, L2D, L2D*) which will improve student motivation and provide challenge, distinguish more widely between levels of learner achievement and ensure sufficient rigour in assessments.

It is a vocational qualification equivalent to GCSE grades 9-1.

The overall qualification grade is calculated using a rigorous synoptic assessment method. This consists of an externally set and marked assessment by examination (external written exam) and an externally set, internally marked non-exam assessment (synoptic assignment). This will help to ensure the qualification offers a comparable level of challenge to academic qualifications.

Synoptic assessment is at the heart of this qualification. The assessment method will assist learners to make connections between the units, use subject knowledge to support the technical terms that are encouraged in written assignments in order to achieve the highest grade possible for individuals.  Increase the level of learner engagement and provide centre staff with the opportunity to adopt a holistic approach to delivering the units. Learners are required on an ongoing basis to apply effectively and integrate appropriate knowledge and understanding from across the breadth of the qualification.

Learners who successfully complete this qualification will be prepared for further post-16 studies.

Who is this qualification for?

The VTCT Level 1/2 Technical Award in the Study of Hair and Beauty is aimed at learners aged 14-16 who have an interest in developing a broad understanding of the hairdressing and beauty therapy sector and related industries, including retail, leisure, manufacturing and other personal care services.

What will learners’ study as part of this qualification?

This qualification is designed to use the context of hairdressing and beauty therapy as a vehicle to support learners to develop broad and comprehensive understanding of the sector and related industries but, more importantly, of core academic knowledge and study skills that will support progression into post-16 and higher education. Specifically, the qualification will prepare learners to progress onto qualifications related to the hair and beauty sector, such as:
NVQ Levels 2 & 3 in either Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy or both at KS5. Learners may also progress onto broader areas of study. It is a vocational qualification equivalent to GCSE grades 9-1.

The content of the qualification is designed to engage learners through the context of hair and beauty due to its popularity and aspirational career pathways.

This qualification has been developed collaboratively with:
Schools, 
Colleges, 
Employers 
and other associations to ensure it has the appropriate content and is fit for purpose for learners aged 14-16, to enable progression into the world of work.

This qualification consists of three mandatory units.

UCO90 – Business and entrepreneurship in the hair and beauty sector
UCO91 – Anatomy, physiology and cosmetic science
UCO92 – Design in the hair and beauty sector 

The diagram below gives a high-level overview of the structure of the approach to synoptic assessment for this qualification. The mandatory units are assessed in the assessment by examination and/or the non-exam assessment. The points achieved from each assessment component will then be aggregated together to determine the overall grade of the qualification.

What knowledge and skills will learners develop as part of this qualification and how might these be of use and value in further studies?

Throughout the delivery of the qualification, learners will develop the following skills and knowledge;

  • A broad and comprehensive understanding of the hair and beauty sector
  • A significant knowledge core which spans the vocational sector and related industries
  • Academic and study skills that will support progression within the hair and beauty sector and more broadly.

The qualification content will provide learners with an understanding of the chemistry of hair, beauty and nail products, as well as the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system. They will explore design
skills and techniques that can be used within the hair and beauty sector, giving learners the opportunity to develop their skills in planning, carrying out research and presenting design brief ideas. Learners will too
explore the business aspects of the hair and beauty sector, the broadly related industries and understand the aspirational career opportunities available. Learners will have the opportunity to explore the principles of
marketing and how entrepreneurship supports the hair and beauty sector, including how to select and design appropriate promotional activities and materials.

Throughout the delivery of the qualification, the following core areas and transferable skills should be evident:

  • Personal development and critical reflection
  • The ability to interpret, analyze and apply knowledge
  • Organization, planning and research skills
  • Innovation and creativity
  • Reasoning skills
  • Problem solving

The knowledge and skills gained will provide a secure foundation for careers in the hair and beauty sector and related industries.

Which subjects will complement this course?

The following GCSE subject areas will complement this qualification by further broadening application of skills in the context of hair and beauty:

  • Science
  • Business
  • Design Technology
  • Art and Design
  • History
  • Media Studies

Appropriate content

The content of the VTCT Skills Technical Award focuses on the applied study of the hair and beauty sector to ensure alignment with the DfE's technical requirements for Technical Awards. The content is designed to offer breadth and depth of study and ensure learners are prepared for post-16 education.
The three mandatory units incorporate significant knowledge and theoretical content, comparable to the challenge and rigor of GCSEs.

UCO90 – Business and entrepreneurship in the hair and beauty sector

This unit will enable learners to develop knowledge and understanding of business principles, types of businesses, marketing and entrepreneurship and different business opportunities within the hair and
beauty sector.

UCO91 – Anatomy, physiology and cosmetic science

This unit will enable learners to develop knowledge and understanding of cosmetic chemistry, the role of the integumentary system and the development of hair and beauty products.

UCO92 – Design in the hair and beauty sector

This unit will enable learners to develop knowledge and understanding of the purpose, principles and development of design briefs for the hair and beauty sector, including how to present and communicate
design brief ideas and concepts to a range of audiences and develop analytical, reflective and evaluative skills.
For clarity, the qualification does not contain any optional units or components.