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
08 Sep 2025	Bispham Campus	1 Year	Apply now
08 Sep 2026	Bispham Campus	1 Year	Apply now

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 Studies

Fees and funding

Check out our tuition fees section for more information.

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

If you achieve a grade 3 in GCSE Maths or English you will have to work towards re-sitting these subjects as part of your main study programme.

At B&FC, this won’t delay your career journey because you’re working towards these subjects 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%