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University & Professional Development

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Quick facts

Qualification type City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate
Duration 1 year
Study times

You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:15 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. 

Entry requirements

At least two GCSE passes at grade 4 including English and Maths is required to gain entry onto this course. However, this course does offer flexibility on the outcome of a personal interview and selection process with the curriculum staff. You may progress to this course from L1 or L2 Beauty Therapy. High grades in creative subjects are desirable. Current WSC students wishing to progress to level 2 or 3 programmes, must have excellent attendance and have raised their achievement levels in year to progress on to higher level courses. This expectation also applies to Maths and English courses.

Campus

The Academy of Hair and Beauty, West Suffolk College sixth form campus, Bury St Edmunds

Work placements Yes

Is it for me?

Working in the nail industry attracts passionate, artistic and hardworking individuals, this is a demanding industry where maximum job satisfaction is guaranteed for the right person. If you are looking for a long-term, varied career that motivates and inspires your creativity, attention to detail and passion then this is the course for you. 

 

This one-year course is an introduction to the nail industry and is aimed at students with no prior experience. This is a great starting point for those who have an interest in nail treatments and wish to build and develop your skills. You will learn hands on practical techniques and build knowledge from theory-based topics. 

 

To compliment this fantastic course, we are also incredibly proud to be the Flagship college for Lecenté, an award-winning UK company using cruelty free products. Students are given the opportunity to work with experienced and qualified staff and collaborate with Theresa Foddering, the founder of Nail dresser and lead trainer for Lecenté. Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to take part in local and national competitions, visit exhibitions and employer talks to further your knowledge of the industry. 

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What you'll learn

  • Introduction to working in the nail industry 

  • Anatomy and physiology for hands and feet 

  • Nail enhancements (clear) hard gel and acrylic 

  • Nail art services 

  • Manicure and pedicure services 

  • Light cured gel polish 

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Equipment required for the course

Upon enrolment to the course, learners will receive order forms for a nail kit and uniform, this kit will include all the relevant tools and equipment required to complete the course. 

Uniform costs: approx. £25 

Kit costs: approx. £450 

Work experience placements

Learners will be required to complete work experience within the industry for one or two days a week, to enrich their programme of study and gain employability skills. 

Assessment

This course has an end point practical assessment, similar to a trade test, this covers practical skills and behaviours of the professional nail artist. There will also be a written exam, this covers theory taught across all units of make-up artistry. You will be graded Pass/Merit/Distinction/Distinction*. 

Further study

  • Media Make-up and Hair Artistry Advanced Technical Diploma Level 3 

  • Beauty and Spa Therapy Advanced Technical Diploma Level 3 

  • Nail Professional Advanced Technical Diploma Level 3 

  • Apprenticeship

Example careers

  • Nail Salon owner
  • Nail Technician
  • Salon Manager

Days & times

Starting September 2025


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