Program Overview

New Zealand Diploma in Beauty Therapy

Overview

Expand your skills and expertise to become a leader in beauty therapy. This programme will enable you to become a highly qualified beauty therapist by building on your existing foundation of knowledge and skills. It will equip you to work in a variety of settings and take on greater responsibilities. You'll also become capable of managing or owning your own beauty clinic.

What will I study

Specifically, you'll learn about a range of treatments that will extend your capabilities in advanced skincare, nutrition, microdermabrasion, electrology hair removal, hot stone massage, body wraps and exfoliations, dermal needling and LED light therapy. You'll extend your ability to take on advanced responsibilities and implement professional standards in the areas of health, safety and hygiene - skills that are valued in the industry and will enhance employment opportunities.

Pathway

To meet Health and Safety requirements, applicants must be physically able to undertake the practical components of the programme in an industry emulated environment.

Details

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $6,950 - $7,860 per year
• International Fee: $26,000 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year
• Valid To: December 31, 2025

Academic Requirements

• New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy (Level 4) or equivalent skills and knowledge, experience, and/or qualifications.

Alternative Requirements

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

• If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
• Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.

English Requirements

What if English is not my first Language?

• Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
  • English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
• If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
• If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
• IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
• What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
  • You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic

• 5.0 Listening
• 5.0 Reading
• 5.0 Writing
• 5.0 Speaking

Funding assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Core courses

• Anatomy and Physiology with Nutrition (DBTA525, 20 credits)
• Advanced Beauty Services 1 (DBTB512, 15 credits)
• Advanced Beauty Services 2 (DBTB522, 20 credits)
• Beauty Sector Clinic (DBTC526, 10 credits)
• Electrology 1 (DBTE514, 10 credits)
• Electrology 2 (DBTE524, 15 credits)
• Professional Business Standards (DBTP511, 15 credits)
• Advanced Body Therapies (DBTS523, 15 credits)

Career opportunities

Upon successful completion of this programme you'll be equipped to work as a fully qualified beauty therapist with advanced skin and body care skills. Opportunities include working as a product trainer, providing beauty treatments in a commercial salon or spa environment or even working on luxury cruise ships. With experience, you can progress to owning or operating a salon or spa.

Study pathways

By complementing your beauty therapy skills with a business qualification you can prepare to become a successful small business operator. Options for this include the New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management), the New Zealand Diploma in Business and the Bachelor of Applied Management.

Recommended school subjects

• English
• Maths
• Science

Programme details

• Type: Diploma
• Code: NZ3445
• May be available for Study Visa?: Yes
• International application close date: Received all year
• Credits: 120
• Level: 5
• Additional Equipment/Fees: Advised on enrolment
• May be eligible for Studylink?: Yes
• May be eligible for Fees Free?: Yes
• Reference: NZ3445-STRU

COVID-19 vaccination information

Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this programme. You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid vaccination status to apply for or to study this programme but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated for Covid before allowing you to complete work at their organisation. The number of organisations at which your placement or workplace assignment can be completed may be impacted, depending on your vaccination status.

Credit Recognition

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.