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.
Get hands-on practice at VU’s Dermal Clinic
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.
Assist clients with a wide range of skin conditions
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.
Take the next step from beauty therapy
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.
Get learning advice 24/7
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.
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.
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 and units
Course structure for continuing students who have completed all first and second year units prior to 2024.
Year One
-
- Unit code
- AEK1203
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD1201
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD1202
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBM1001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBM1202
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HHB1104
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HPC1000
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HRE1000
- Credits
- 12
Year Two
-
- Unit code
- HBD2101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD2102
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD2103
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD2104
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD2201
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD2202
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD2203
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD2204
- Credits
- 12
Year Three
-
- Unit code
- HBD3001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD3002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD3003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD3004
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD3005
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD3103
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD3104
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD3204
- Credits
- 12
Year Four
-
- Unit code
- HBD4001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD4002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD4003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD4004
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD4005
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD4006
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD4104
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD4204
- Credits
- 12
Course structure for commencing students 2024 and students who have completed all first year units prior to 2024.
Year One
-
- Unit code
- AEK1203
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD1201
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD1202
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBM1001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBM1202
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HHB1104
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HPC1000
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HRE1000
- Credits
- 12
Year Two
-
- Unit code
- HBD2101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD2102
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD2103
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD2001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD2002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD2202
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD2203
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD2204
- Credits
- 12
Year Three
-
- Unit code
- HBD3006
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD3002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD3007
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD3009
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD3005
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD3008
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD3104
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD3204
- Credits
- 12
Year Four
-
- Unit code
- HBD4007
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD4008
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD4003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD4009
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD4010
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD4006
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD4104
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HBD4204
- Credits
- 12
Achieve more with the VU Block Model
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.
Learning outcomes
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
Pathways from VU courses
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.
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Pathways from other institutions
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.
Australian Academy of Beauty Dermal and Laser, Australia
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
Australian Academy of Beauty Dermal and Laser, Australia
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
Bendigo Kangan Institute, Australia
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
Ella Bache, Australia
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
Elly Lukas Beauty Therapy College, Australia
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
The Gordon, Australia
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
TAFE NSW, Australia
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
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.
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.
If you have questions, please get in touch:
- Phone: +61 3 9919 1164
- Online: enquiry form
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.
