Bachelor of Dermal Sciences

This course helps you develop a comprehensive foundation knowledge in all areas of dermal science.

You will learn the skills to perform safe and effective dermal treatments.

Dermal procedures covered 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.

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.

Course structure and units

First Year Core units

Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Unit code AEK1203 Credits12
Introduction to Dermal Sciences Unit code HBD1201 Credits12
Communication and Dermal Services Unit code HBD1202 Credits12
Anatomy and Physiology 1 Unit code HBM1001 Credits12
Anatomy and Physiology 2 Unit code HBM1202 Credits12
Introduction to Public Health and Wellness Unit code HHB1104 Credits12
Introduction to Human Nutrition and Food Unit code HPC1000 Credits12
Evidence and Research Unit code HRE1000 Credits12

Year 2

Dermal Studies and Philosophy Unit code HBD2101 Credits12
Dermal Sciences 1 Unit code HBD2102 Credits12
Occupational Health and Safety in Dermal Practice Unit code HBD2103 Credits12
Cognition in the Dermal Workplace Unit code HBD2104 Credits12
Dermal Research Methods Unit code HBD2201 Credits12
Dermal Sciences 2 Unit code HBD2202 Credits12
Laser Principles and Safety Unit code HBD2203 Credits12
Legal and Ethical Dermal Practice Unit code HBD2204 Credits12

Year 3

Dermal Skills 1 Unit code HBD3001 Credits12
Dermal Clinic 1 Unit code HBD3002 Credits12
Skin Management 1 Unit code HBD3003 Credits12
Dermal Skills 2 Unit code HBD3004 Credits12
Dermal Clinic 2 Unit code HBD3005 Credits12
Chemistry for Dermal Sciences Unit code HBD3103 Credits12
Dermal Sciences 3 Unit code HBD3104 Credits12
Dermal Sciences 4 Unit code HBD3204 Credits12

Year 4

Skin Management 2 Unit code HBD4001 Credits12
Dermal Skills 3 Unit code HBD4002 Credits12
Dermal Clinic 3 Unit code HBD4003 Credits12
Skin Management 3 Unit code HBD4004 Credits12
Dermal Skills 4 Unit code HBD4005 Credits12
Dermal Clinic 4 Unit code HBD4006 Credits12
Independent Project and Group Research 1 Unit code HBD4104 Credits12
Independent Project and Group Research 2 Unit code HBD4204 Credits12

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.

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:

Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
Special consideration for direct applicants.

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:

Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
Special consideration for direct applicants.

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:

Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
Special consideration for direct applicants.

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:

Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
Special consideration for direct applicants.

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.

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.