New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Stylist) (Level 4)
Course details
About the course
About the programme
Graduate as a fully qualified hairdresser with this one-year, hands-on programme.
Ideal for those who have studied Level 3 hairdressing or who have prior hairstyling experience, you’ll learn in our on-campus professional training salon.
You’ll get to work with real clients – both in our training salon, and while on industry placement – which will develop your client service skills, as well as your professional salon and hairdressing skills.
Topics include customer care from entry to exit; diverse hair types; layering; perming; chemical reformation; advanced cutting; colouring; combination cuts; sculpting; building a client base; and salon profitability.
Our experienced staff are there to support you throughout your study and with a range of guest speakers, you’ll graduate as a confident and work-ready professional.
Career opportunities include qualified Hairdresser, Salon Trainer, Salon Owner/Operator, Hairdressing Technician, Hairdressing Representative or hairdressing education.
Entry requirements
Entry
Entry requirements
- New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3) or equivalent qualification.
- If you’re 20 years old or above and do not meet the entry requirements, you are eligible for special admission. We’ll work with you to ensure you are prepared for this programme.
- If you’re under 20 and do not meet the entry requirements, you may be eligible for discretionary admission. We’ll work with you to check that you're prepared for this programme.
English Language requirements
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in onetest completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for internationally recognised proficiency tests and proficiency outcomes for international students).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Selection criteria
If the number of applicants exceeds the available places, a waitlist will be used to ensure preference is given to applicants in order of application.
Pathway to this programme
- New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3) - offered on campus in Dunedin, starts February
About the provider
If you want to get a job and build a great career, Otago Polytechnic is a smart choice.
We’re known for offering the highest quality, hands-on training that helps students succeed. Our graduates are confident, skilled, and ready to work from day one. And, employers love that.
We’ve earned the highest ratings from the New Zealand Government for our teaching and support. Our flexible study options make it easier for you to learn in a way that suits your life.
At Otago Polytechnic, you’ll gain practical skills, real-world experience, and the confidence to make a real impact - in your career and in your community.