Bachelor of Dermal Sciences

Name: Bachelor of Dermal Sciences
Price: <p>Tuition: per semester AU$18,200</p> AUD

VU course code: HBDS | CRICOS: 092158E | Level of study: Undergraduate

Duration

4 years

Delivery mode

In person

Fees

Tuition: per semester AU$18,200

Location

City Campus

Next start date

24 February 2025

View all start dates

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.

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

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;

Formulate, implement and evaluate evidence-based and patient-centred care plans for dermal practice;

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;

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;

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;

Predict and respond effectively to relevant issues relating to diverse communities when providing dermal services; and

Critically review current research and developments in dermal practice and evaluate their implications for dermal clinicians and the profession.
: 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 The Learning Hub, 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 The Learning Hub

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a related course or unit(s). We call this a ‘pathway’.

If you've completed a qualification where English was the primary language of instruction, you may be eligible for an exemption of English-language requirements.

In some cases, there may be additional entry requirements.

Learn more about entry requirements for international students.

Entry criteria

Credit & Entry pathways into this course

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for this course, there may be an alternative study ‘pathway’ to achieving your goal. In some cases, you may receive credit for your previous study or work experience, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.

You’ll find information about any pathways to higher qualifications that may be available to you after completing this course under the ‘careers’ section of this page.

Find out more about pathways at VU.

: If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course.

Diploma of Beauty Therapy

96 credit points

Foundations at VU

Guaranteed entry only

International Foundations at VU

Guaranteed entry only
: 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 | 96 credit points

Diploma of Beauty Therapy

Bendigo Kangan Institute, Australia | 96 credit points

Diploma of Beauty Therapy

Ella Bache, Australia | 96 credit points

Diploma of Beauty Therapy

Elly Lukas Beauty Therapy College, Australia | 96 credit points

Diploma of Beauty Therapy

The Gordon, Australia | 96 credit points

Diploma of Beauty Therapy

TAFE NSW, Australia | 96 credit points
: If you have completed study with another university or institution you may be eligible to receive credit for skills and past study.

Use our credit calculator to find out what credit you may be eligible for based on your previous studies.

Note that if your previous study can’t be found through the credit calculator, you may still be eligible for credit.

Units can be credited if they are part of the course structure for the course you are applying for. Please note that credits relating to prior VU subjects are automatically granted and no further action is required.

calculate your credit

Please note: There may be a limit on how many students can access pathways to the Bachelor of Dermal Sciences due to high demand. If you are eligible for a pathway but unsuccessful in securing a place, please contact VUHQ (student service centre) on +61 3 9919 6100 for advice.

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

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.

Units

Fees & scholarships

As an international student at Victoria University, you will be required to pay your tuition fees up front each semester.

There may be additional materials fees throughout your studies, depending on your chosen course, as well as an administrative fee as part of your course.

Victoria University is proud to support our international scholarship recipients and sponsored students.

Fees

Scholarships

Additional materials fees (Year 3)

HBD3004 Dermal Skills 2 - Small Wound Management Kit

HBD3103 Chemistry for Dermal Sciences - Chemistry Kit

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

Careers

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.

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).

Professional accreditation/Industry recognition

Radiological Council (Government of Western Australia)

Accreditation with no conditions.

VU stories

Beyond the surface

Bachelor of Dermal Sciences

"I love how VU feels more like a collaborative space, not just a lecture where you're getting spoken at. We do a lot of group work, so you don't feel like you're by yourself doing your degree."

Ashlie's story