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1 Year
On campus, including practical placement in a salon of your choice and hands-on learning at Aura at VU student-run salon
Part Time (Evening)
13 July 2026
Course Overview
Where You Can Study
VU City Campus, VU City Tower, Melbourne VIC
Victoria University City Campus, 364-378 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Eligibility
Career & Study Pathways
Quality & Recognition
Academic Regulator
VRQA / ASQA
Professional Body
Massage & Myotherapy Australia / Relevant Industry Body
Accreditation Status
AccreditedSkills Assessor
TRA / VETASSESS
Course Content
Maintain health and wellbeing in a personal services setting
Promote healthy nutritional options in a beauty therapy context
Conduct salon financial transactions
Provide salon services to clients
Comply with organisational requirements within a personal services environment
Apply safe hygiene, health and work practices
Maintain ethical and professional standards when using social media and online platforms
Sell to the retail customer
Maintain infection control standards
Group A: Infection Control elective
Work in a spa therapies framework
Group D: Spa Treatments elective
Provide spa therapies
Group D: Spa Treatments elective
Provide stone therapy massages
Group D: Spa Treatments elective
Provide aromatherapy massages
Group D: Spa Treatments elective
Prepare personalised aromatic plant oil blends for beauty treatments
Group E: General Elective
Interpret the chemical composition and physical effects of cosmetic products
Group E: General Elective
Provide micro-dermabrasion treatments
Group E: General Elective
Provide Indian head massages for relaxation
Group E: General Elective
Research and develop business plans
Alternate elective for continuing students only (commenced prior to 2025)
Apply eyelash extensions
Imported elective unit
Provide body massages
Core unit
Advise on beauty products and services
Core unit
Provide lash and brow services
Core unit
Provide facial treatments and skin care recommendations
Core unit
Provide specialised facial treatments
Core unit
Provide waxing services
Core unit
Design and apply make-up
Core unit
Provide manicure and pedicare services
Core unit
Use electric file equipment for nail services
Core unit
Research and apply beauty industry information
Core unit
Incorporate knowledge of skin structure and functions into beauty therapy
Core unit
Incorporate knowledge of body structures and functions into beauty therapy
Core unit
Common Questions
The Diploma of Beauty Therapy is offered at the VU City Campus, located in the brand-new, sustainably-built, 32-level VU City Tower in the heart of Melbourne. On the 19th floor, student beauticians practise their skills in a fully supervised clinic open to staff, students, and the general public. Students also gain real-life work experience at Aura at VU, a student-run hair, beauty and massage salon at City Campus.
For 2025, the Skills First subsidised tuition fee is $13,822.50, with materials up to $3,249.60 and SSAF up to $256. The full (unsubsidised) fee is $24,007.50. For 2026, the Skills First subsidised tuition is $14,550, with materials up to $3,249.60 and SSAF up to $261. The full fee remains $24,007.50. Fees are subject to change based on individual circumstances.
To be awarded the SHB50121 Diploma of Beauty Therapy, 29 units must be completed: 20 core units and 9 elective units. The elective units must include 1 unit from Group A (Infection Control), all units from one of Group B (Electrolysis/Diathermy), Group C (Relaxation Massage), or Group D (Spa Treatments), and remaining units from the general elective list. VU offers a specialisation in Spa Treatments by selecting all Group D electives.
After completing the Diploma of Beauty Therapy, students are guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Dermal Sciences at Victoria University, receiving 96 credit points towards the degree. Please note there may be a limit on how many students can access this pathway due to high demand, and students are advised to contact VUHQ if unsuccessful.
The Diploma of Beauty Therapy SHB50121 is the highest level of qualification in the beauty industry and prepares graduates for a wide range of careers. Potential roles include salon beauty therapist, salon manager or owner, department store or pharmacy cosmetic consultant, spa therapist, health spa or resort manager, spa therapist on a cruise ship, beauty consultant for international cosmetic companies, freelance therapist or beauty consultant, cosmetic or beauty equipment sales representative, beauty editor or journalist, and beauty educator.
Application
Three simple steps to get enrolled
Step 01
Enquire
Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.
Step 02
Submit Documents
Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.
Step 03
Get Enrolled
Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!
Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.
Honestly I was lost when I first started looking at Australian colleges. There are just too many options and every agent gives you different info. A friend told me about FindTheCourses and within a week I had shortlisted 3 programs that actually matched my budget and visa situation. My advisor Sanjay was super helpful — never felt like I was being pushed into anything.
Priya Sharma
India
Master of Nursing · Griffith University
