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Certificate in Barbering (MADE): C&G (Level 5) (January Start)

A smiling student in a black cap presenting a mannequin head with a fresh haircut inside a barbering academy.
Qualification Qualifications Explained
C&G
Study Mode
Full Time, Short Course
Duration

18 weeks - 4 Days p/w
Start date
Jan 2027
Campus
Springburn
Apply now

Course overview

Start the year strong and master your craft with MADE: The Academy for Modern Barbering @ Kelvin.

This fast-track January-start course delivers intensive, hands-on barbering training designed to prepare you for work in the professional barbering industry. You’ll train alongside experienced industry barbers and Glasgow Kelvin College lecturers, developing the cutting, styling and client-care skills needed to become salon-ready.

MADE @ Kelvin is a recognised training brand with a proven record of producing confident, skilled barbers. Delivered in our commercial barbershop at the Springburn Campus, this course combines practical learning with theory and client-based sessions to help you build both technical ability and professional discipline.

Across the 18-week course you’ll train intensively over four days per week, working towards a respected City & Guilds qualification that’s valued across the industry. You’ll also develop your personal brand, learning how to promote your skills and attract clients through social media.

This course is ideal for:

  • Individuals ready to commit to a focused, hands-on training environment.
  • Learners who thrive on creativity, precision and client interaction.
  • Self-motivated individuals prepared to practise and study at home alongside salon work.

You will be provided with an essentials barbering kit that suits this level of learning.

What you will learn

You’ll gain professional, industry-relevant skills and knowledge through a mix of theory and live salon practice, including:

  • Working in the Industry – communication, customer service and teamwork.
  • Health & Safety – safe and hygienic practice standards.
  • Tools, Products & Equipment – learning to use and maintain your barber kit (included).
  • Consultation Skills – understanding client needs and building rapport.
  • Shampooing & Conditioning – techniques and scalp massage.
  • Cutting Men’s Hair – precision cutting, fading and blending.
  • Facial Hair Design – shaping, trimming and styling beards and moustaches.
  • Styling & Finishing – product use and presentation skills.
  • Social Media & Profile Building – creating an online presence and client base.
  • Employability Skills – professionalism, time-keeping and workplace readiness.

Training takes place in our commercial barbershop, combining model work with guided salon experience to build your confidence and speed.

A barbering student in a black hoodie discussing skin fades and short back and sides in a training facility.

Thinking About a Career in Barbering? 💈✨

Students from our MADE Fast Track Barbering course share their advice and insight for anyone considering studying Barbering at Made in Kelvin.

No previous barbering experience is required — just an interest in the craft and enthusiasm for the industry.

Skills. Confidence. Qualification.

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View on YouTube

Entry requirements

✅ No prior barbering experience required

✅ A strong interest and enthusiasm for the barbering industry

✅ Self-motivation and commitment to home study and practice essential

✅ A strong personal statement will support your application and help ensure the right course placement

ℹ️ Due to Health & Safety, Awarding Bodies stipulations or Legislation set by Governing Bodies - you must be 16 years old at the start of this course.

ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language

  • If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment  here at the College.

Successful trainees will complete the course with a City & Guilds qualification and be invited to graduate with Glasgow Kelvin College.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from this course can pursue careers such as:

💈 Barber or Junior Barber

✂️ Freelance or Mobile Barber 

 

Future prospects

After completion, you’ll gain a City & Guilds qualification and be invited to graduate with Glasgow Kelvin College.

You can progress to Level 3 City & Guilds Barbering training at another establishment, or move directly into employment within a professional barbershop. 

Other Courses You Might Consider

A female barbering student in a black hoodie carefully cutting the hair on a mannequin head inside a training facility.

Certificate in Barbering and Personal Development (MADE): C&G

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A male instructor in a light green sweatshirt assisting a female student with a mannequin head in a barbering classroom.

Certificate in Barbering (MADE): C&G (Level 5) - Fast Track

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Find out about our Hair and Beauty Department

Read What Our Students Said

Video Transcript – Marcus & Sharon: Certificate in Barbering

Marcus: Hi, I'm Marcus. I'm doing the 18-week fast track course. We've learned all different types of haircut. We've started doing long hair and then moved into shorter hair. Now we're learning how to fade.

Just give it your all. The written bit's definitely the more harder than the practical, but just study lots, work hard and go smash it. 

Sharon: My name's Sharon Murphy. I'm doing the Made Barbering course and I've went from being able to just do a buzz cut to being able to do like skin fades, short backs and sides and stuff like that.

Anybody that's thinking about doing it, I would say do it, take the leap. It's a challenge but it's worth it.

Unnamed: The course is very creative and I've always kind of leaned that way as a person. So actually being able to be creative every day and create new cuts and textures and ideas that people want is actually really important. I've learned what it's like to actually see the structure of hair on the head and how to cut that into sections.

My advice for anyone who wants to do the course is go for it. If you feel you have any passion or you just enjoy styling your hair or you're just a creative person, go for it because what you learn will blow you away. It's so interesting.

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