Australian residents
International students
ATAR:
Not required*
*Offers made in 2022. More about ATAR
Duration: 
4 years full time or longer for part time
Location: 
City Campus
Delivery mode: 
In person
Start dates:
20 January 2025
24 February 2025
28 April 2025
Application due dates:
View How to apply
Apply

Overview

Equip yourself for an exciting career performing evidence-based skin treatments with a Bachelor of Dermal Sciences at Victoria University. 

Get qualified for a rewarding career in the rapidly-growing dermal therapies industry. With a dermal sciences degree, you’ll be empowered to better the lives of others by improving skin health and healing for a range of conditions.

Studying at VU means you’ll get practical, hands-on experience in our brand new state-of-the-art Dermal Clinic at our City Campus in the heart of Melbourne. Using the latest high-quality equipment and under the guidance of expert dermal clinicians, you’ll learn how to safely and efficiently perform:

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

Designed in collaboration with industry and the Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians, VU’s Bachelor of Dermal Sciences is the only one of its kind in the country and will equip you with comprehensive knowledge in all areas of dermal science.

As a VU student, you’ll get hands-on experience working under the supervision of qualified dermal clinicians with real patients in our Dermal Clinic at VU’s City Campus. Gain confidence and an industry edge by using some of the most advanced, evidenced-based technologies available.

On top of this, you’ll also get external placement opportunities as part of your dermal sciences course, so you’ll graduate with a wealth of workplace experience behind you.

Discover the Dermal Clinic

Your dermal sciences degree will give you the knowledge to assist clients with treatments for a range of conditions such as:

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

In this course, you’ll also learn how to provide pre- and post-operative care for clients who have undergone plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. If you’re interested in performing injectable treatments, browse our nursing courses.

A Bachelor of Dermal Sciences is an ideal way to progress your career after qualifying in beauty therapy.

If you’re coming from VU’s TAFE courses in beauty therapy, you’ll enjoy a seamless transition into higher education.

Enhance your employability by developing skills in advanced dermal therapy treatments, and get the essential training in clinical skin treatments to prepare you for jobs in this exciting and growing industry. 

Achieve your full potential with our Learning Hubs, which help you develop your confidence, academic ability, and study skills.

Benefit from in-person mentoring and study sessions, along with a range of digital learning modules that you can access anytime.

Get help from our online, 24/7 support service to polish your assignments before you submit, and receive guidance on writing, referencing, maths and more.

Read more about Learning Hubs

Need some advice?

Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.

Request a call back

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

You’ll be in high demand as a qualified dermal clinician, as Australia’s population ages and cosmetic treatments continue to increase in popularity.

A Bachelor of Dermal Sciences qualifies you to work independently or collaboratively with reconstructive and aesthetic surgeons, dermatologists, skin cancer practitioners, nurses, allied health professionals and general practitioners in clinics, medical practices, advanced beauty and cosmetic settings.

You could work in:

  • plastic, cosmetic and dermatology medical practices
  • dermal therapies clinics, performing aesthetic medical treatments, such as laser, on clients
  • healthcare, along with allied health professionals to enhance aesthetic outcomes in areas such as cosmetic, plastic and re-constructive surgery, and in the prevention and early identification of skin cancers
  • the vocational-education sector as an educator conducting training for medical aesthetic companies.
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.

Course structure

To attain the Bachelor of Dermal Sciences, students are required to complete

-
96 credit points of Core First Year College units
-
288 credit points of Core Dermal Science units.

Course structure for continuing students who have completed all first and second year units prior to 2024.

Year One

Year Two

Year Three

Year Four

Course structure for commencing students 2024 and students who have completed all first year units prior to 2024.

Year One

Year Two

Year Three

Year Four

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. Exhibit advanced interpersonal communication skills and devise appropriate skin assessment techniques to extrapolate, evaluate and manage the physical, psychological and social needs of clients undergoing dermal assessment and treatment;  
  2. Formulate, implement and evaluate evidence-based and patient-centred care plans for dermal practice;  
  3. Exemplify dermal skills and techniques within dermal protocols and exhibit knowledge of dermal science necessary for identifying, preventing and managing risk to provide safe skin health services;  
  4. Interpret the health needs of clients and members of the community within a holistic framework and apply an ethical and integrated approach to dermal practice;  
  5. Exemplify safe and appropriate skin health services in compliance with regulatory requirements, as an independent and self-reflective practitioner, and as a member of a health care team in a dermal environment;  
  6. Predict and respond effectively to relevant issues relating to diverse communities when providing dermal services; and  
  7. Critically review current research and developments in dermal practice and evaluate their implications for dermal clinicians 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.

Fees & scholarships

Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

Fee type definitions

The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.

Students who enrol in a:

In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).

Scholarships & assistance

Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.

We can help with fee assistance and advice.

Additional materials fees (Year 3)

HBD3004 Dermal Skills 2 - Small Wound Management Kit, $60

HBD3103 Chemistry for Dermal Sciences - Chemistry Kit, $165

Note: These kits are not included in your tuition fees, and must be purchased separately. Find out where.

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.

Admission criteria

The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.

Inherent Requirements

'Inherent requirements' are the abilities, attributes, skills and behaviours needed to meet the learning outcomes of a course. These should be met while preserving the academic integrity of the university’s learning, assessment and accreditation processes.

You need to be able to demonstrate that you hold, or can acquire, the inherent requirements for this degree.

We may be able to make reasonable adjustments to help you manage circumstances that impact your studies – provided these don't fundamentally change the academic integrity of the degree.

Read more about inherent requirements.

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)

  • Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
  • an Australian or overseas equivalent or
  • an International Baccalaureate (IB).

Importance of ATAR for this course

ATAR+

We consider both ATAR and other criteria

NA

ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria

Admission criteria

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.

Why is ATAR not applicable?

You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study

This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Applicants with higher education study

This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.

Admission criteria

Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of a single unit of Higher Education studies.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Applicants with work & life experience

This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.

Admission criteria

Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Health Sciences or similar.
OR:
Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

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. Students are required to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B and Influenza prior to undertaking clinical practice. Some health service placements will require students to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Selection criteria assistance

Let us know which qualifications you have studied and we will help you find the admission information that most applies to you.

Which of the following qualifications have you studied, or are currently studying?

Still not sure? Make an enquiry and one of our advisors can assist.

Student profile

Take a look at a student profile to get an overview of students who have previously enrolled in this course.

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 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

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.

Credit Calculator

Find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

CALCULATE YOUR CREDIT

How to apply

Available start dates:
  • 20 January 2025
  • 24 February 2025
  • 28 April 2025

Before you apply

Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:

  • Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
  • Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.

Find out more about applying for our courses.

Apply through VTAC

Apply through VTAC if any of the following apply to you:

  • you are applying for more than one course
  • you are completing Year 12 in 2023
  • you have an existing VTAC application to study in 2024

VTAC course code: 4300241151

VTAC very late applications are due 14 January 2025.

Apply via VTAC

Special Entry Access Scheme

You can apply for consideration of your life circumstances during the application process by submitting a VTAC Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) application.

Apply direct to VU

Apply directly to VU if any of the following apply to you:

  • you are a current VU student
  • you are only applying for this course and are not completing Year 12 in 2023

Direct applications are due on 12 January 2025 for our next intake which starts on 20 January 2025.

Apply direct to VU

Already a VU student?

If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.

After you apply

  • It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
  • Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered

Enquire now

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Get help

At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.