Program Overview

---

Bachelor of Dermal Sciences

The Bachelor of Dermal Sciences is a four-year undergraduate degree that equips students with the knowledge and skills to perform evidence-based skin treatments. The program is designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge in all areas of dermal science, including laser and light-based treatments, resurfacing procedures, lymphatic procedures, and more.

Overview

The Bachelor of Dermal Sciences is the only one of its kind in the country and is designed in collaboration with industry and the Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians. The program provides students with practical, hands-on experience in a brand-new state-of-the-art Dermal Clinic at the City Campus in Melbourne. Using the latest high-quality equipment and under the guidance of expert dermal clinicians, students learn how to safely and efficiently perform various dermal treatments.

Learning Outcomes

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
• Critically review current research and developments in dermal practice and evaluate their implications for dermal clinicians and the profession

Entry Requirements

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you dont 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 (or equivalent)
• 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

Special Entry Programs

If you are from a disadvantaged or underrepresented social, economic, or cultural background, you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. These programs are designed to help you access education more easily.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent requirements are the abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours needed to meet the learning outcomes of the course. You should carefully consider the inherent requirement statement as a guide for your learning during the course and as a way to identify challenges you may have in studying this course.

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.

Units

The course structure includes the following 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

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.

• Fee type: International
• Fees for full-time international student (2026): AU$19,100 per semester
• The VU Block Model International Scholarship offers eligible international students up to 30% off tuition fees for their entire first year of study

Careers

Youll be in high demand as a qualified dermal clinician, as Australias 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.

• Plastic, cosmetic, and dermatology medical practices
• Dermal therapies clinics, performing aesthetic medical treatments
• Healthcare, along with allied health professionals to enhance aesthetic outcomes
• 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).