Nail Services - Level 2
Summary
Develop practical skills for a career in the nails industry. If you’re artistic, creative and keen to start work in this fast-paced industry then this one-year course is for you. Over the year, you will develop competence in nail preparation, gel nails, nail art, manicures and pedicures, tanning and eye treatments while also developing your customer service skills.
We aim to support you to become a confident nail technician, capable of expertly delivering the latest techniques and trends to clients. The Nail Technology Diploma equips you to start work in a variety of salon settings or even set up on your own.
Entry Requirements
GCSE Grade 3-1 (or equivalent) in English and maths/ successful completion of Level 1 in similar subject
Plus
- Good communication and dexterity skills
- Keen desire to work with the general public
- A successful discussion with a tutor
- A genuine interest in the subject
- Hardworking approach towards the industry
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
The Nail Technology Diploma is designed to support career progression as a nail technician in any of the following settings:
- Commercial salons
- Destination / Day spas
- Nail bars
- Cruise liners
Some students choose to go into retail and/or training, while others go on to start up their own business. This qualification is recognised internationally so there are also exciting opportunities to work abroad.
Other study options
Another benefit of this qualification is that it makes you eligible to become a member of recognised professional bodies such as the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) or the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT). This could further support your career progression.
If you are keen to develop your skills (and career potential) further, why not consider progressing to a level 3 qualification and maybe even a higher-level qualification.
Career Options and Progression
The Nail Technology Diploma is designed to support career progression as a nail technician in any of the following settings:
- commercial salons
- destination/day spas
- nail bars
- cruise liners
Some students choose to go into retail and/or training, while others go on to start up their own business. This qualification is recognised internationally so there are also exciting opportunities to work abroad.
Another benefit of this qualification is that it makes you eligible to become a member of recognised professional bodies such as the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) or the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT). This could further support your career progression.
If you are keen to develop your skills (and career potential) further, why not consider progressing to a level 3 qualification and maybe even a higher-level qualification.
Key information
Qualification obtained
NVQ Diploma in Nail ServicesFees and funding
Courses for learners who are 16-18 years old at the start of their course and resident in the UK are fully funded. You may also be entitled to further financial help to support your studies depending on your personal circumstances. For more details of these, please visit our page on Finance Support for School Leavers.
If you are not a UK resident, we will confirm whether funding is available when we process your application. If not, you may be liable for course fees.
Extra costs and equipment
For 16-18 year olds all equipment, including a tunic, is provided by the college. Full, flat, black, leather or durable shoes (no trainers or fabric) must be purchased and worn at all times with the uniform along with smart, plain black trousers. For 19+ students a uniform, at a cost of £25, must be purchased (order forms are provided by the College),
All students will be expected to provide their own stationery, to include: pens, notepad and an A4 folder.
All students will also require a bun ring as hair must be up in a bun at all times whilst in College. Replacement ID badges will be at a cost of £3 or £8 if incorporated with a bus pass. The purchase of a fob watch is optional.
For photocopying, students are provided with the first 80 black and white free of charge. Any additional copies for black and white are charged at 4p per copy.
Regulation and Accreditation
Accrediting Institution: N/A
Awarding Body: Vocational Training Charitable Trust
Regulatory Body: Ofsted
Terms and conditions
Read our full terms and conditions.
What will I learn?
You will learn how to apply the following techniques:
- Providing Manicure Services
- Providing Manicure Services
- Carrying out Nail Art
- Applying and Maintaining Nail Enhancements
- Developing and Maintaining Effectiveness at Work
- Promoting Additional Products and Services
- Ensuring Health and Safety
- Fulfilling Salon Reception Duties
- Tanning Treatments
- Eye Treatments
Essential skills: English and Maths
All school leavers at B&FC are encouraged to continue developing their English and maths skills as higher ability in both these subjects is linked to long-term career success and increased earning potential - irrespective of how well you performed at GCSE. If, however, you achieve a GCSE Grade 3 or less in either subject, you will also have the opportunity to work towards re-sitting these to enhance your paper-based qualifications. This won’t delay your career journey because you will be undertaking this programme of study at the same time as your chosen subject.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
Work placement is a compulsory element of the study programme for all 16-18 year olds, students will spend one day per week in a work placement.
For 19+ students work placement is encouraged and dates set on an individual basis.
Please note it is the responsibility of each student to find their placement.
How will I learn?
Our expert tutors understand that everyone learns in different ways so they use a range of teaching methods to enable everyone to achieve their potential. A key method used is demonstration, which allows you to observe the practical application of nail technology skills before having a go yourself.
The course combines group work, presentations and practical salon sessions.
You will be required to model for your peers as well so you can experience the therapies first hand. You will also have an opportunity to practise your skills on ‘nail trainers’ and later apply these to real clients in our working salons.
Also included in your course are dedicated self-study periods, which need to be supported by your own study outside of College, using online development platforms such as Canvas, our virtual learning environment. You tutor will advise you about independent study once you start the course.
Online learning is a key element of all our courses and we also use a range of on-line apps to support, enhance and motivate learning.
Throughout the course we will emphasise the link between knowledge and application. Your tutors will support you with these technologies and also in preparing for exams.
If you are aged 16 to 18, your course is timetabled over 12 hours a week, with additional time required for maths and English depending on your qualifications: 3.8 hours for each GCSE or 1.5 hours for each functional skill. We will calculate and confirm this to you at enrolment.
If you are 19 or over, your timetable will total up to 16 hours each week.
Expert tutors
All staff involved in the delivery of adult education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is continuous and both formative (allowing you to regularly reflect on and improve your performance) and summative (carried out at the end of a learning period).
Throughout your programme you will need to be set up and maintain an online portfolio of evidence, which you will be able to download on completion.
Assessment Methods
Providing Manicure Services
Providing Manicure Services
Carrying out Nail Art
Applying and Maintaining Nail Enhancements
Developing and Maintaining Effectiveness at Work
Promoting Additional Products and Services
Ensuring Health and Safety
Fulfilling Salon Reception Duties
Tanning Treatments
Eye Treatments
Assessment is continuous and both formative (allowing you to regularly reflect on and improve your performance) and summative (carried out at the end of a learning period).
Throughout your programme you will need to be set up and maintain an online portfolio of evidence, which you will be able to download on completion.
Qualification Obtained
NVQ Diploma in Nail Services
Terms and Conditions
Read our full terms and conditions.