New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Salon Support) (Level 3)
This programme is the equivalent to the first year of a hairdressing apprenticeship. You’ll learn a wide range of techniques from experienced hairdressers in a real salon setting. This programme is ideal for those wanting to learn foundational skills in a low-pressure environment and gain confidence.
Domestic
July
About the programme
Hairdressing is an exciting and creative career that allows you to express yourself!
Hairdressing skills are highly transferable and always needed, so you can get a job anywhere in the world.
Our passionate tutors have a rapport with the industry and this connection and involvement with local businesses has resulted in students gaining employment and apprenticeships.
Our training salon is set up to represent a real-world working salon. This will enable you to gain hands-on experience with clients and to build your skills and knowledge in a supportive and realistic environment. This will be further added to during your off-site work experience.
We have regular visits from industry professionals ensuring you are up-to-date with current information about hairdressing technologies, trends and products. These visits also give an insight into the qualities and skills that potential employers are seeking.
This Certificate aligns with the NZQA framework and is equivalent to the first year of a hairdressing apprenticeship.
International
July
About the programme
Hairdressing is an exciting and creative career that allows you to express yourself!
Hairdressing skills are highly transferable and always needed, so you can get a job anywhere in the world.
Our passionate tutors have a rapport with the industry and this connection and involvement with local businesses has resulted in students gaining employment and apprenticeships.
Our training salon is set up to represent a real-world working salon. This will enable you to gain hands-on experience with clients and to build your skills and knowledge in a supportive and realistic environment. This will be further added to during your off-site work experience.
We have regular visits from industry professionals ensuring you are up-to-date with current information about hairdressing technologies, trends and products. These visits also give an insight into the qualities and skills that potential employers are seeking.
This Certificate aligns with the NZQA framework and is equivalent to the first year of a hairdressing apprenticeship.
What You Study
Topics
- Introduction to:
- Salon operations
- Salon knowledge and skills
- Hair and scalp treatments
- Basic styling
- Salon systems and processes
- Professional salon support practice
- Basic hair cutting and colouring skills
- Wet to dry styling
Further study options
- New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy (Level 4)
- Hairdressing apprenticeship (HITO)
Workload
Your workload
- Course workload for this programme will require approximately 20 hours directed study in the form of salon and classroom sessions per week.
- Contact hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9.00am-3.00pm
- It is also expected that you will spend approximately 15 hours per week of your own time in self-directed learning, and a minimum of 50 hours of work experience within the year, in order to successfully complete the programme
Entry
Entry requirements
Applicants under 20 years
- At least 8 NCEA Level 1 literacy credits showing basic literacy and 8 NCEA Level 1 numeracy credits OR equivalent.
Applicants 20 years or older
- No formal qualifications needed.
English Language requirements
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.0 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Special entry
- In exceptional circumstances, entry may be granted to those who don't have these requirements but who can show their ability to succeed in the programme.
Other requirements
- You'll need to have an interview.
- You'll need to have the physical fitness to withstand the demands of the hairdressing industry.
Please note: this programme is subject to minimum numbers.
Selection process
You might be asked to have an interview with the Programme Coordinator. This interview may be a phone call, a meeting or attendance at an information night.
All applicants who fulfil the entry requirements will be accepted onto the programme until maximum learner numbers are reached.
In cases where there are more successful applicants than places on the programme, applicants with the following attributes will be given preference:
- a genuine interest in the hairdressing industry
- enthusiasm in their interpersonal communication
- a commitment to their field of endeavour
- personal appearance that meet the requirements of industry
- an openness to different ideas, approaches, lifestyle and cultures.
Pathways to this programme
- New Zealand Certificate in Salon Skills (Level 2)
- New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2)
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
Additional costs
- Name badge
- Personal stationery
- Highly recommended textbooks
- Ongoing access to a computer, camera, and internet
- Clothing and footwear similar to what would be worn in the hairdressing industry
- Costings towards photoshoots (costume, make-up, accessories)
- Optional costings towards extending your hairdressing kit (see below).
Please note: We supply all hairdressing equipment and tools to support your practical training. You will also receive a hairdressing kit inclusive of your fees for your student-managed learning.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink. Some support may be available for domestic part-time students. Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people. The great news is that this enables us to share skills and knowledge across a network of passionate education providers, to better help you succeed. Enrolling in programmes that start in 2023, means that you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative ONLY. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.
