Program Overview

Bachelor of Dermal Sciences

The Bachelor of Dermal Sciences is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of dermal sciences. This program is offered by Victoria University and is the only one of its kind in the country.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Dermal Sciences is a four-year full-time program that provides students with a thorough understanding of dermal science and its applications. The program is designed to meet the growing demand for qualified dermal clinicians in the healthcare industry. Students will gain practical experience in the university's state-of-the-art Dermal Clinic, where they will work with real patients under the supervision of qualified dermal clinicians.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Exhibit advanced interpersonal communication skills and devise appropriate skin assessment techniques
• Formulate, implement, and evaluate evidence-based and patient-centered 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
• 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
• Predict and respond effectively to relevant issues relating to diverse communities when providing dermal services
• Critically review current research and developments in dermal practice and evaluate their implications for dermal clinicians and the profession

Entry Requirements

Applicants for this program 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).

• 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
• Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent)
• IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score of 6.0 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking)
• Completion of a Foundation course or equivalent

Course Structure

To attain the Bachelor of Dermal Sciences, students are required to complete 96 credit points of Core First Year College units and 288 credit points of Core Dermal Science units. The program is divided into four years, with each year comprising multiple units.

Year One

• Indigenous Health and Wellbeing
• Introduction to Dermal Sciences
• Communication and Dermal Services
• Anatomy and Physiology 1
• Anatomy and Physiology 2
• Introduction to Public Health and Wellness
• Introduction to Human Nutrition and Food
• Evidence and Research

Year Two

• Dermal Studies and Philosophy
• Dermal Sciences 1
• Occupational Health and Safety in Dermal Practice
• Cognition in the Dermal Workplace
• Dermal Research Methods
• Dermal Sciences 2
• Laser Principles and Safety
• Legal and Ethical Dermal Practice

Year Three

• Dermal Skills 1
• Dermal Clinic 1
• Skin Management 1
• Dermal Skills 2
• Dermal Clinic 2
• Chemistry for Dermal Sciences
• Dermal Sciences 3
• Dermal Sciences 4

Year Four

• Skin Management 2
• Dermal Skills 3
• Dermal Clinic 3
• Skin Management 3
• Dermal Skills 4
• Dermal Clinic 4
• Independent Project and Group Research 1
• Independent Project and Group Research 2

Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fees for international students are AU$19,100 per 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 offers various scholarships to support international students, including the VU Block Model International Scholarship, which offers up to 30% off tuition fees for the entire first year of study.

Careers

Graduates of the Bachelor of Dermal Sciences program will be in high demand as qualified dermal clinicians. They can 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. They can also work in the vocational-education sector as educators conducting training for medical aesthetic companies.

Industry Recognition

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for full membership of the Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians. The program is officially recognized by the Radiological Council (Government of Western Australia) and meets the prerequisites for a license to perform hair removal and superficial cosmetic procedures (pigment and vascular treatments).