Australian residents
International students
Intakes: 

2023: February, May

Duration: 
4 years
Location: 
City Campus
Fees: 

2023: A$17,600*
* fee per semester

Application due dates:
We are currently accepting applications for this course.
Apply

Overview

Enter a new and exciting industry with a dermal sciences degree at Victoria University. Graduates provide competent, efficient and compassionate clinical care in the dermal profession.

This dermal sciences course helps you develop comprehensive knowledge in all areas of dermal science. You will learn how to perform safe and effective dermal treatments.

Dermal procedures covered in the course include:

  • laser and light-based treatments
  • resurfacing procedures
  • lymphatic procedures.

You will also learn how to provide pre- and post-operative care for clients who have undergone plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.

During the course you will undertake clinical training in a variety of settings. You will learn to identify, evaluate and manage the physical, psychological and social needs of clients undergoing dermal assessment and treatment for conditions such as:

  • wound healing
  • scarring
  • pre/post-operative skin care
  • fluid retention
  • inflammatory conditions
  • skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and rosacea
  • uneven skin tone and pigmentation
  • ageing or sun damaged skin
  • removal of excess hair, tattoos, skin tags and leg veins.

The dermal sciences degree also provides a seamless transition from Vocational Education (TAFE) into the Higher Education qualification. It gives qualified beauty therapists the opportunity to establish and develop knowledge and skills in advanced dermal therapy treatments, and receive additional training such as para-medical dermal care.

An important component of this course is clinical practice in a wide variety of dermal treatments at our Dermal Clinic. You will gain hands-on experience using some of the most advanced, evidenced based technologies available to give you confidence and an industry edge.

You will practice these under supervision and will also be given external placement opportunities.

VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.

Our students can attend Learning Hubs at one of five VU campuses.

We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice and can show you effective ways to study and manage your time.

Our programs include:

  • workshops
  • drop-in sessions
  • peer mentoring
  • maths and writing resources
  • resume and career guidance.

We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available to all students.

The Bachelor of Dermal Sciences is offered at the VU City Campus, in the brand-new, sustainably-built, 32-level VU City Tower in the heart of the city.

Melbourne’s latest educational landmark showcases VU’s unique approach to learning: a single entrance opens the doors to opportunities across a range of emerging professional areas.

On the 19th floor, the student dermal clinicians in their third and fourth year of the Bachelor of Dermal Science practise their skills, fully supervised on campus by an experienced, qualified dermal clinician.

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Industry recognition

Graduates of this course are eligible to apply for full membership of the Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians.

This course is officially recognised by the Radiological Council (Government of Western Australia). It meets the prerequisites for a licence to perform hair removal and superficial cosmetic procedures (pigment and vascular treatments).

Research projects

Dermal research is conducted by fourth-year students.

Careers in dermal sciences

The dermal therapies industry is growing rapidly as consumer demand increases. In response, our course is designed in collaboration with industry and the Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians to include the latest technological developments, theory and hands-on experience to ensure you’re work ready.

Job titles

  • dermal therapist
  • dermal clinician.

Organisations employing dermal therapy graduates

Dermal Therapists can work independently or hand-in-hand with reconstructive and aesthetic surgeons, dermatologists and general practitioners in clinics, medical practices, advanced beauty and cosmetic settings.

Potential career opportunities include:

  • working in plastic, cosmetic and dermatology medical practices
  • working in dermal therapies clinics, performing aesthetic medical treatments, such as laser, on clients
  • work together with plastic and cosmetic surgeons as well as other healthcare and allied health professionals to enhance aesthetic outcomes in areas like cosmetic, plastic and re-constructive surgery
  • work in the vocational education sector as beauty educators
  • conducting training for medical aesthetic companies.

Employment rates

You will be in high demand with this qualification, with an ageing population and increasing popularity of cosmetic treatments in Australia.

Helena's going deep into skin

Helena's going deep into skin

Bachelor of Dermal Sciences student Helena Jingwi shares how a hands-on course has helped her realise her future goals.

assets/arrow-long Created with Sketch.

Improving quality of life

In addition to elective cosmetic treatments, dermal therapists also help treat people with conditions such as acne, dermatitis, pigmentation issues, scars and skin grafts, and pre and post-surgical care.

Course structure

To attain the Bachelor of Dermal Sciences, students are required to complete 384 credit points consisting of:

  • 96 credit points of First Year Core units;

  • 288 credit points of Core Professional Dermal Science studies.

First Year Core units

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.

Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.

You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.

Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.

Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.

Find out more about the VU Block Model.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Identify, evaluate and manage the physical, psychological and social needs of clients and members of the community undergoing dermal assessment and treatment, and apply problem solving skills when planning and implementing out-of-clinic care;  
  2. Perform dermal skills and techniques within dermal protocols and exhibit knowledge of dermal science necessary for safe, efficient and effective practice within dermal clinic environments;  
  3. Interpret the dermal needs of clients and members of the community within a holistic framework and apply an integrated holistic approach in dermal practice;  
  4. Manage themselves effectively and safely as an independent practitioner and as a member of a health care team in a dermal environment;  
  5. Predict and respond effectively to relevant issues relating to socially and culturally diverse communities when providing dermal services;  
  6. Critically review current research and developments in dermal practice and evaluate their implications for dermal therapists and the profession.  

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Credits

Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.

Admissions

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.

Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Entry requirements

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
PLUS:
IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score or 6.0 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking).
OR:
Completion of a Foundation course or equivalent.

Find out if you meet the entry requirements, including English language and academic requirements.

Additional information

Police check: Students must complete a National Police Records check prior to undertaking clinical practice & placements.

Working with Children Check: Students must complete a working with children check prior to undertaking clinical practice & placements.

Health Status: Students must be prepared to declare their health and immunisation status prior to undertaking clinical practice & placements.

Pathways & credits

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.

Diploma of Beauty Therapy SHB50121

You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.

Foundations at VU JYAC

You will be guaranteed entry only.

International Foundations at VU (Extended) JQAH

You will be guaranteed entry only.

International Foundations at VU JQAG

You will be guaranteed entry only.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.

Diploma of Beauty Therapy

Australian Academy of Beauty Dermal and Laser, Australia

You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.

Diploma of Beauty Therapy

Bendigo Kangan Institute, Australia

You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.

Diploma of Beauty Therapy

Ella Bache, Australia

You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.

Diploma of Beauty Therapy

Elly Lukas Beauty Therapy College, Australia

You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.

Diploma of Beauty Therapy

The Gordon, Australia

You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.

Diploma of Beauty Therapy

TAFE NSW, Australia

You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.

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How to apply

We are currently accepting international applications, and we welcome you to apply for this course.

Click 'apply' to begin, and we will guide you through the application process.

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If you have questions, please get in touch:

Information and fees listed above are for non-resident students. Fees are accurate at the time of viewing and will be subject to annual increases. Some courses require students to purchase equipment or clothing that they will need in the course. These equipment or clothing costs are not included in the course fees listed above – check your Letter of Offer for an estimate on non-tuition-fee-related expenses.

VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.