Nail Technology Diploma Level 3

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LOCATION & START DATE
Cornwall College St Austell - 8 September 2025
LEVEL
Level 3 Levels Explained
DURATION
1 Year
LEARNING AREA
Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy Find out more
ATTENDANCE
Full-time

Course information

A progression route for Level 2 Nail Technicians or Level 2 Beauty Therapists. This course provides a higher level of skills necessary for employment in specialist nail bars and beauty salons. If you are already qualified to a level 2 standard and you are looking to upgrade your qualification, this course will help you to progress in your career as an advanced Nail Technician. Not only do you develop your existing skills, but you will also train in nail art, acrylic, gel and e-filing. It is a suitable qualification for those looking to set up their own business or offer additional services within their salon.

You will be expected to attend College for three days a week and will be required to work to high professional standards. You will train in one of our industry standard nail bar, work in a realistic environment and use the latest equipment, machinery and products within the industry. When you are confident enough and have practiced the techniques to a level 3 standard, you will be able to provide services to paying customers.

You are also required to complete research and a work placement in your own time towards completion of this qualification.

You will need to complete external work experience for one day a week.

Students on this course also get to develop their work based skills; recognising the importance of professional practice. This is a highly creative course, designed to develop your artistic flair. You will be training in a fully operational nail bar and retail environment, providing the very latest nail treatments to paying clients.

• Monitor procedures to safely control work operations
• Enhance and maintain nails using UV gel
• Enhance and maintain nails using liquid and powder
• Enhance and maintain nails using wraps
• Plan and create nail art designs
• Develop a range of creative nail images
• Prepare and finish nail overlays using electric files
• Contribute to the planning and implementation of promotional activities

Our tutors are industry professionals and they will demonstrate the practical techniques as well as best practice so that you can be sure that you are equipped with the skills and know-how to perform these services independently.

Entry requirements for external applicants and school leavers
• Four or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and/or Maths, or successful completion of a relevant Level 2 qualification.
• Functional Skills Level 2 in English and/or Maths will be considered as alternatives to GCSE, but a GCSE resit may be required depending on grade.

Entry requirements for existing learners with the Cornwall College Group
• Successful completion of previous course and maths and/or English at GCSE Grade 4 or Functional Skills Level 2.

You will need a Level 2 nail services or Level 2 beauty therapy qualification and a real interest in the nail industry including attention to detail and a passion for the industry in which you will work. You should be enthusiastic to learn a variety of advanced practical skills and the associated knowledge, which will develop your employment opportunities within the nail industry. As with all beauty professions, you will need to create the right impression with your clients and must therefore be professional, courteous and discreet. Excellent communication skills are essential.

A minimum of GCSE Grae 4 in English and maths.

This is an intensive, knowledge-based course and we do look for enthusiasm and motivation to succeed on the course.

Alongside the training, you are expected to find an external industrial work placement to enrich your programme of study and gain employability skills.

Theory is delivered for each unit and exams are set. Paying clients are to be used for practical assessment.

Alongside the theory you will produce a portfolio of your work which will be verified and should include assessment evidence, projects, and theoretical work

Afterwards, you may wish to progress on to a salon management qualification or use your new qualification to gain employment in industry. After this course, you may wish to use your newly acquired skills to offer nail services within a salon or provide services as a freelance nail technician.

Cornwall College St Austell

Cornwall College St Austell

Set at the top of St Austell, with incredible views over the bay, our campus boasts ground-breaking facilities and exceptional student spaces. The Keay Theatre area plays host to our famous Altitude Dance Academy and performing arts, while our award-winning student restaurant Cloisters is recognised as one of the best in the country. Brand new electric vehicle training labs set within our modern construction and engineering buildings showcase just some of the incredible opportunities for people in St Austell and beyond.


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Course type 16-19 Adult
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16-18 Tuition fees: £0
If you’re aged 16-18 when you begin your course, you will usually be eligible for free tuition. Detailed information can be found in our Financial Support section.
Financial support for School Leavers
Tuition Fees: £2583.00
If you are aged 19+, the cost of the course will depend on your circumstances. Detailed information can be found in our Financial Support Section.
Financial support for ages 19+
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Course Code 10431-STA-25

Courses listed on this website are indicative of the subject, nature and level of study. The College reserves the right to alter specific qualifications titles, awarding bodies and levels of qualification, which can change in year. Any cost may also vary, based on personal funding eligibility. The Cornwall College Group reserves the right to withdraw any course listed at any time.

Nail Technology Diploma Level 3 Level 3 Cornwall College St Austell https://www.cornwall.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/nail-technology-stac3.jpg Nails, NailTechician, NailServices