Beauty, Nails & Hairdressing - LEVEL 2

U-Skills Academy Hair, Beauty & Retail

Discover if the hairdressing and beauty industry is the right career pathway for you and study while still in secondary school.


Quick Facts

Locations
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Whanganui, UCOL Wairarapa in Masterton
Dates

Starting: Week of 09 Feb 2026

Finishing: Week ending 25 Sep 2026

Delivery days:

Palmerston North - Fridays

Whanganui - Thursdays

Masterton - Fridays


View Timetable
Duration

1 day per week


See Course Hours & Duration for details
Domestic Fees
Fees-free

Application Forms

Overview

This programme introduces you to the hairdressing and beauty industry where you'll have the opportunity to gain hands-on learning experience at our campus training salons and an overview of the working environment.

You will learn about:

  • Customer service skills

  • Relevant computing skills

  • Hair design

  • Fashion trends

  • Beauty

  • Anatomy and physiology

How to apply

If you're interested in applying for this programme, talk to your careers advisor at school. Application is arranged in partnership with your parents/caregivers and your school. Once you've talked to everyone required, you can fill out the application form at the top of the page to apply.

Course Hours

Delivered from 9am - 3pm in each location.

Palmerston North - Mondays or Fridays

Whanganui - Thursdays

Masterton - Fridays

Levin - Fridays

Course Information

This programme comprises 24 Credits.

Unit Standard 21939 (Level 1) (Version 3) (3 Credits)

Demonstrate knowledge of fashion trends in relation to hairstyling.

Unit Standard 24997 (Level 2) (Version 4) (5 Credits)

Demonstrate knowledge of theft and fraud in a retail or distribution environment.

Unit Standard 25439 (Level 2) (Version 2 (2 Credits)

Demonstrate knowledge of sustainability concepts for a salon.

Unit Standard 27640 (Level 2) (Version 2) (3 Credits)

Demonstrate knowledge of current fashion trends and history related to beauty therapy.

Unit Standard 27641 (Level 2) (Version 2) (3 Credits)

Describe the relevance of anatomy and physiology knowledge to beauty therapy practice.

Unit Standard 28026 (Level 2) (Version 1) (3 Credits)

Present a personal fashion image for work in a hairdressing salon environment.

Unit Standard 28295 (Level 2) (Version 3) (5 Credits)

Demonstrate knowledge of serving customers in a retail environment.

Learning Facilities

Professional hair and beauty salons.

Domestic Entry Requirements

For year 11 - 13 secondary school learners (NZ Citizens, permanent residents or learners with an applicable visa allowing them to be enrolled in a secondary school).

Applications are to be received from participating schools.

Recommended school subjects include:

  • Maths

  • Chemistry

  • Physics

  • Physical Education

  • Biology

  • English

International Entry Requirements

Not applicable.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of the UCOL Academy Hair, Beauty & Retail Programme is the first step in a journey. Equipped with new skills and a taste for the industry, you will know what you need to do to pursue a career in beauty or hairdressing.

If this is for you, you can undertake further tertiary studies in:

To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries for Hair Dressers and Beauty Therapists, visit tahatu.govt.nz

Advice And Guidance

This programme is part of a suite of Academy programmes offered by UCOL to secondary learners seeking to explore their career options while still in school. Gain practical experience and NCEA Credits.

How to apply

If you're interested in applying for the UCOL Academy Hair, Beauty & Retail Programme, talk to your careers advisor at school. Application is arranged in partnership with your parents/caregivers and your school.

Cost

Fees-free when criteria are met.

Transport

Transport assistance is available if you meet the criteria.

Attendance expectations

Learners must maintain appropriate attendance at both secondary school and Academy to remain enrolled in the Academy Programme.

Additional Costs

There are no additional costs associated with this programme. Simply, bring a pen, paper and your lunch each week.