Entry Year
Location
Duration
Course Code
Qualifications
VTCT Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Nail Services (500/8840/3)
Overview
The VTCT Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Nail Services is a substantial vocational qualification for learners seeking a career as an employed and/or self-employed nail technician.
This qualification is based on the nail services National Occupational Standards (NOS) and is recognised by the UK's leading professional bodies (The British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) and the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)) as being fit for purpose for preparing learners for a career as a junior nail technician.
This qualification is for learners seeking to work in and develop their skills in a commercial nail.
This course aims to ensure learners develop the wider workplace skills required by employers. It combines an accredited project-based qualification, practical work experience and critical skills development, giving learners the opportunity to practice and develop their practical skills working in a live commercial salon environment on real clients throughout the duration of the course.
You will further develop your skills through demonstrations, practical workshops, lectures, tutorials, competition work, master classes and industry speakers.
You will be taught by highly experienced staff in our fully equipped beauty salons. You will develop new skills and learn client procedures in a friendly, professional, and supportive environment. Within this course you will study a range of interesting subjects including:
- Manicure
- Pedicure
- Nail Enhancements (Gel and Acrylic systems)
- Nail Art
To complement these subjects, you will also study areas of Salon business and health and safety.
This programme of study is likely to include additional enrichment activities/module(s) which are included to enhance your employability.
Please read our Terms and Conditions before applying for or enrolling on any of our courses.
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Academic course entry requirements
You must hold a minimum of a Level 1 qualification, defined as four GCSEs at grades D to G including Maths grade D and English grade D or equivalent.
Non-academic course entry requirements
Important: All applicants must also meet the following conditions:
- be 16 years old by 1 July 2026.
- provide proof of:
§ Right to Study in the UK. For courses with work placement, proof of your right to work in the UK is also required.
§ Photographic proof of identity
- Provide translated copies of and/or demonstrate equivalency of non-UK qualifications.
Further information on non-academic course entry requirements can be found at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/full-time/further-education/entry-criteria-further-education
Proof of qualifications MUST be provided when you enrol e.g. exam certificates.
Achieved and pending qualifications can be recorded on your online application account.
All courses within Belfast Met are delivered and assessed in English, with the exception of language specific courses. Your competence in English must be verified prior to enrolling on your chosen course.
Visit our Student Funding page to find out how to fund your studies
All fees are set in accordance with DfE regulations.
This course tuition fee is fully funded by the Department for the Economy.
Students are required to supply their own kit, costing approximately £ 240.00 and a uniform costing approximately £90.00.
Assessment will be carried out in the form of building a portfolio of evidence. This will include practical observations via a commercial clinic throughout the year and online exams.
Careers
Career opportunities exist in a variety of contexts as a junior nail technician, including:
· Commercial nail salon
· Retail concession 'nail bar'
· Independent/self-employed/mobile/home-based settings
You may also advance to Level 3 Media Makeup or level 2 hairdressing to compliment your skill set.
Interests
This course is perfect for you if you are interested in:
- Artistic Flare
- Good communication
- People Skills
- Business
- Entrepreneurship
- Willingness and manual dexterity to work within a close contact services environment
Contact us
Email: BBSInfo@belfastmet.ac.uk
Enquiries: 028 9026 5127
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