Nail Technology Studies - Level 3
Summary
Gain advanced nail skills to ensure your success in this fast-paced industry. Co-created with employers, the Level 3 Nail Technologies Diploma delivers the skills needed for a rewarding career in a range of salon and spa settings. The focus is on developing excellent practical skills supported by the relevant theory to allow you to offer your clients the latest techniques and trends.
You will hone your creative abilities in gel, liquid and powder, nail art and airbrush design. You will also develop your customer service skills. This internationally-recognised qualification supports progression to employment, higher level study and membership of professional bodies.
The VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Nail Technology Studies is a qualification that has been specifically designed to develop your practical skills in applying and maintaining nail enhancements using either liquid and powder or UV gel nail systems.
You will also learn practical skills in the application of airbrush designs for nails, using electrical files, and design nail art.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
02 Sep 2026
|
Bispham Campus
|
1 Year
|
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
A major benefit of this qualification is that it leads to membership of recognised professional bodies such as the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) and the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT).
Other study options
Some students choose to develop their skills, knowledge and career potential even further by progressing to a level 4 qualification.
Employment Opportunities
This qualification leads to employment as a nail technician in a commercial salon/spa setting or to careers in education, training and retail. Since it has international recognition, there is also the option to work overseas and/or on cruise ships. Others set up their own business.
Key information
Entry Requirements
You will require a Level 2 relevant qualification, along with the following:
- Good communication and dexterity skills
- Keen desire to work with the general public
- Attend an interview
- Hardworking approach towards the industry
Qualification obtained
Diploma in Nail Technology StudiesFees 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.
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 for more information.
What will I learn?
This course consists of the following units of study:
- Nail Enhancements Using Light Cured Gel
- Nail Enhancements Using Liquid and Powder
- Electrical Filing for Nails
- Cosmetic Science for Nail Enhancements
- Designing and Applying Nail Art
- Anatomy and Physiology for Nail Services
- Airbrush Nail Art
- Gel Polish
- Promoting and Selling Products and Services
- Client Care and Consultation
- Health and Safety in the Salon
- Managing a Commercial Column
- Planning and Implementing Promotional Activities
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.
How will I learn?
Our expert tutors understand that everyone learns in different ways so they use a range of teaching methods over the year to enable everyone to achieve their potential.
A key method used is demonstration, which allows you to observe the practical application of nail skills before having a go yourself. You will also be expected to model for your peers (so you can experience the therapies first-hand) as well as apply your skills to real clients.
Along with practical salon sessions, the course consists of group work, presentations and dedicated self-study periods. These need to be supported by your own study outside of College, using online development platforms such as Moodle, our virtual learning environment.
E-learning is a key element of all our courses and we also use a range of online apps to support, enhance and motivate learning. Your tutors will support you with these technologies and also in preparing for exams.
Timetabled sessions depend on your age and prior qualifications and take place in our nail studio, beauty salons, computer suites and theory workrooms.
If you’re aged 16 to 18 your main programme is 14.5 hours a week, including 1.5 hours spent with your progress tutor. You will also have an additional 3.8 hours a week for GCSE Maths and 3.8 hours for GCSE English OR 1.5 hours for each functional skill. We will calculate and confirm these amounts at enrolment.
If you’re aged 19 or over you will spend up to 13 hours a week in College, which includes 1.5 hours with your progress tutor.
All students are expected to spend the same amount of time as their main programme on independent research and study as well as a minimum of 30 hours on work placement.
Expert tutors
All staff involved in the delivery of further 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?
There are two externally set and marked examinations. We will assess your practical skills on an ongoing basis throughout the course and you will need to build a treatment portfolio.
There is a final graded assessment for each practical unit and a final overall assessment, when you will need to demonstrate a variety of practical services you have learnt over the year.
All these grades will then be combined into an overall fail, pass, merit, distinction or distinction star grade.
The assessment weighting is as follows:
- External exam - 30%
- Practical assessments - 50%
- Overall assessment - 20%