Certificate in Barbering Techniques

NFQ Level 4

This course teaches the essential barbering techniques, tools, and styles to create professional men’s hairstyles: hands-on training and expert guidance. Gain workplace-ready skills for barbering.

Available Locations:

Letterkenny

(Ref: 527974)

Starts: 08/09/2026

28 Weeks

Apply Now

Letterkenny

(Ref: 527974)

Online applicants will be redirected to fetchcourses.ie to complete the application process.

What You'll Learn

You will have the opportunity to learn and undertake:

Health & Safety in Hairdressing: Apply essential procedures to maintain a safe salon environment.
Salon Tools & Equipment: Develop skills to effectively use professional hairdressing tools and equipment.
Men’s Hair Cutting Techniques: Master a variety of cutting methods for stylish and precise men’s hairstyles.
Beard Shaping & Grooming: Learn to shape and trim beards to enhance facial features.

On successful completion of this course, you will receive the City and Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Hair Techniques-Barbering Techniques, which is comparable to a Level 4 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)

Please note: Students must source their own models, use of models will be discussed in more detail with you with your tutor when you are on the course.

Timetable & Modules

Timetable:

This course will run two evenings a week, Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm to 10pm.

Module	Title
3002-201	Working in the Hair Industry
3002-202	Follow Health and Safety Practice in the Salon
3002-204	Shampoo and Condition the Hair and Scalp
3002-210	C&G – Cut Men’s Hair
3002-211	C&G – Cut Facial Hair
3002-104	C&G – Styling men’s hair
3002-211	C&G – Cut Facial Hair

Progression / Career

Graduates will get the practical skills and industry knowledge needed to pursue a career in barbering and men’s grooming.

You will be qualified to work in professional barbershops, salons, or establish your own business.

The course builds confidence in cutting techniques, beard shaping, and salon equipment use, ensuring readiness for employment in the barbering industry.

Students may also progress to related certifications – for example the City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing – expanding career opportunities in this growing sector.

Entry Requirements

Students need to have level 3 skills and knowledge from the National Qualifications Framework (NFQ) to succeed in this course. You can show this through relevant life and work experience as no formal qualifications are required for entry to this course.
No previous experience in Barbering or Hairdressing is required.
Students must have good manual dexterity, a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to gain the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL), non-native English speakers need a B2 level in writing, reading, listening, and speaking.

Eligibility

Non-EU/EEA applicants need permission to work in Ireland. For more details, see our eligibility section.

Cost / Fees

Cost: €400

You may be eligible for reduced course fees or a fee waiver (no cost).

We will talk to you about the possible low/no cost fees options during your application process.

Share This Course:

Real Students, Real Results!

While the focus for most of us on the course was achieving the D licence, there were lots of extras like First Aid, Tourism Visitor Care and Gluais training which I found very useful when I went looking for a job as I had more than just the D licence to offer to an employer.

Dylan Robinson

Qualified Tour Bus Driver, Driving With Tourism Graduate,

“I couldn’t recommend further education and training with Donegal College enough as it provides a great way back into education, to further education or to get a job.”

Shannon Shelby Driscoll

Qualified Teacher and Early Childhood Care and Education Graduate

“I thought there was never a chance for me to go and do nursing. I left school early because I became a mum at a young age and I didn’t have a Leaving Certificate. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone.”

Elaine Tinney

Tertiary Degree Access Route into General Nursing (B.Sc. Hons) Recent Graduate

“The support started from the reception, when you come to Donegal College it is a special atmosphere.”

Yuliia Vaniukova

ACCA Graduate

“With a small class we were able to get comfortable around each other and we were never afraid to ask a question.”

Miranda Darnell

Animal Care Graduate

“It has brought me on so much to believe that any of us are capable of something in the right environment and with people supporting you.”

Lisa Doherty

Pathway to Special Needs Assisting and Early Learning Studies, Graduate

Need Help Applying For a Course at Donegal College?

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Courses FAQ's

Who can apply for Donegal College courses?

Our courses are open to school leavers, lifelong learners, job seekers, employees, and employers looking to upskill or reskill.

How do I apply for a course?

You can make your applications for full-time and part-time courses online; you can start the process here on the Donegal College website. Click ‘APPLY‘ on the course of your choice; this redirects you to Fetchcourses.ie, where your application will be processed using the FETCH Courses website and system.

If you haven’t signed up for a FETCH account, you’ll be required to do so first; this is a one-time setup.

Are the Donegal College courses accredited?

Yes. Many of our courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), typically Levels 4–6, as well as awards from ILM, City & Guilds, and other industry-recognised bodies.

Where do the courses take place?

Courses are delivered across Donegal at one of our 19 Donegal College campuses, certain courses are delivered in community venues in your local area, various courses are delivered online or through blended learning, and training can be offered on-site at your business, depending on the course.

Can I apply for an Apprenticeship?

The first step is to secure a job with an approved apprentice employer. An Apprenticeship is a three-way contract of employment between you, your employer and SOLAS, with on-the-job and off-the-job training delivered in phases. Full details are available on: www.apprenticeship.ie

To find out more about becoming an apprentice or an approved apprentice employer please contact our Apprenticeship Services Team: Tel: 074 9120500 or Email: apprenticeship@donegaletb.ie