Edinburgh College Banner

Hair and Beauty

Nail Services, Gel Application and Gel Enhancements

Campus Granton Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 5

Study mode Part time

Start date Jan 2026

Course enquiry form

Note your interest for this course.
Enter your full name
Enter your email address
This form collects your name and email address so we can contact you with pre-application information on future courses including application deadlines, campus open days and course information. Read our privacy notice to find out how we collect, store and use your data (and for information on withdrawing your consent).

Course overview

This new and exciting 18-week evening course will provide you with the knowledge, understanding, and skills to work competently and perform manicures, nail art, gel polish application and gel enhancements.

The course is designed for individuals with no prior experience in the beauty industry but a strong desire and interest in nail aesthetics.

There is an opportunity for additional training for E-Filing, which will be offered for an additional cost at the end of the course.

On completion of this course, you will be fully qualified to carry out these skills in the Beauty Industry and/or further your studies with our Beauty courses.

This course is VTCT and ABT Accredited 

Please Note:

  • The cost of the course is £600, which includes the price of the Kit
  • Payment must be made before the course begins
  • To guarantee a place, course fees should be paid as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. (NB: course fees are non-refundable once the course has started)
  • Some theory will be delivered online - you will be required to have access to IT to enable you to complete this part of the course, e.g., a laptop, Pc, iPhone, Android phone

We also ask all students to adhere to the dress code for the department as follows:

  • Black Trousers
  • Black T-Shirt
  • Black Shoes

Edinburgh College is the first flagship Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT) College in Scotland. Training at Edinburgh College will enhance your employability prospects with our exceptional standard of facilities and highly qualified lecturers.

You will work in our salons and studios, providing a realistic industry environment. This training will provide you with valuable practical experience and serve as a stepping stone towards a fulfilling career as a nail technician. You will gain valuable work experience in our evening salons. 

If you are interested in being a model for our students or would like to try out our facilities before starting your course, you can book in for a treatment.

Hair Salons, Beauty Salons and Barbershop | Edinburgh College

What you will learn
  • Basic Manicure - Filing, shaping, buffing, cuticle work and nail polish application on the hands and fingernails.
  • Nail Art - Range of freehand nail art designs and products.
  • Gel Nail Application – Application and removal.
  • Gel Nail Extensions – Tip application and overlay.

Placement information

  • There is no work placement required for this course.

How the course is assessed

  • All practical assessments are carried out on paying clients within our salons.  
  • The theoretical aspects of the course will be covered under exam conditions.
  • Completing open-book and closed-book assessments.

Number of days per week

  • 1 evening per week for 18 weeks, 6 PM until 8.30 PM on a Tuesday.  
  • Plus 6 hours of self-directed study.

Entry requirements

  • All applicants must be at least 18 years of age before the course begins and have paid the full course fee.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

  • There is no formal interview process; however, all applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the course start date and have paid the course fee in full.

Hair and Beauty Applicant Privacy Notice

English Proficiency Requirements

IELTS 5.5

Progression and Articulation Routes

  • On completion of this course, you will be fully qualified to carry out Nail Services in the industry or progress to further your studies as a Nail Technician with our E-File course.

or

  • With our Full-Time Beauty, Spa, Complementary Therapies and/or other short courses 

Career options

  • Employment within the Beauty Industry.
  • Self-employed to carry out Nail Services treatments.
  • Further your studies with our Full-Time Beauty, Spa, Complementary Therapies and/or other short courses.

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date
Granton Campus Part time 22/01/26

You may also be interested in these courses

Hair and Beauty

Micro Needling Award Level 4

The VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 Award in Skin Needling is an advanced therapy qualification for Level 3 qualified practitioners ...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Part time

Hair and Beauty

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy MassageRelated Anatomy & Physiology......

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Part time

Hair and Beauty

Preparation to Beauty Care NC6

This exciting 18-week course covers the essential skills to prepare you for progression to SCQF Level 6 Beauty CareThe c...

Read more and apply

Campus
Granton Campus

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Full time