Victoria University
1 year full time or longer for part time
Become a qualified beauty therapist with advanced skills in facial treatments, body massage, nail services, and salon management. This nationally recognised diploma prepares you for employment in spas, salons, or to manage your own beauty business, with hands-on training at Victoria University's student-run salon.
Applicants must complete a Pre-training Review (PTR) and literacy and numeracy assessment to determine suitability for the course. While meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee entry, the university considers your education, work experience, current skills and personal attributes. If you don't meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry through a pathway course. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available if you have gained relevant skills from past study or work experience. Special admission programs are available for students from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds, and VU Early Entry is available for Year 11 and 12 students.
The Diploma comprises 29 units: 20 core units and 9 elective units. Core units include: Provide body massages, Advise on beauty products and services, Provide lash and brow services, Provide facial treatments and skin care recommendations, Provide specialised facial treatments, Provide waxing services, Design and apply make-up, Provide manicure and pedicare services, Use electric file equipment for nail services, Research and apply beauty industry information, Incorporate knowledge of skin structure and functions, Incorporate knowledge of body structures and functions, Maintain health and wellbeing in a personal services setting, Promote healthy nutritional options, Conduct salon financial transactions, Provide salon services to clients, Comply with organisational requirements, Apply safe hygiene and work practices, Maintain ethical and professional standards on social media, and Sell to the retail customer. Elective units include specialisations in Infection Control, Relaxation Massage, and Spa Treatments (stone therapy massages, aromatherapy massages, Indian head massages), plus general electives in aromatic plant oil blends, cosmetic product composition, micro-dermabrasion treatments, and eyelash extensions.
Victoria University is a top 3% university worldwide and ranked #1 for skills development (QILT). The Diploma of Beauty Therapy is delivered at the brand-new VU City Tower, a sustainably-built 32-level landmark in Melbourne's heart. Students gain hands-on experience at Aura at VU, the university's student-run hair, beauty and massage salon on the 19th floor, providing real-world training while serving staff, students and the public. Expert trainers provide guidance and supervision, ensuring job-ready graduates with practical skills directly linked to industry needs.
As a qualified beauty therapist, you can find employment in spas and salons locally or overseas. The beauty, massage and make-up industry is growing with good employment prospects. Career options include salon beauty therapist, salon manager or owner, department store or pharmacy cosmetic consultant, spa therapist, health spa or resort manager, spa therapist on cruise ships, beauty consultant for international cosmetic companies, freelance therapist or beauty consultant, cosmetic or beauty equipment sales representative, beauty editor or journalist, and beauty educator. This qualification also prepares you to manage your own beauty salon and employ staff, or work from home as a freelance beauty consultant. Pathways to further study include the Bachelor of Dermal Sciences with 96 credit points.
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