Enhance your skills and knowledge in dermal science, and be able to diversify and expand your current clinical practice.

The Graduate Certificate in Dermal Science is a postgraduate entry coursework degree specifically designed for existing health professionals with a Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Health Sciences or Health related Bachelor Degree.

Victoria University is the only university to offer Bachelor and Post Graduate Degrees designed specially for the dermal therapy industry.  Our programs are highly regarded nationally and internationally, and have enjoyed growth and expansion with the popularity of cosmetic/aesthetic surgical procedures as well as non-surgical dermal therapy and cosmetic procedures.

At Victoria University, Learning in the workplace is an integral component of our program as part of your clinical training.

• Location:
  City Queen
• Other locations:
  The Graduate Certificate of Dermal Science will require attendance either at face to face lectures/tutorials which will be held mainly at the Queen Street Campus in Melbourne or alternatively online through the University internet class room. The course will also require compulsory attendance at practical workshops and supervised clinical placements at the King Street campus in Melbourne
• College:
  College of Health and Biomedicine
• Study mode:
  Part Time
• Delivery mode:
  Burst Mode, On campus and On-line
• Course code:
  HCDS
• Duration:
  1 year
• This information is for Australian residents.
  Click here to search for courses available to non-residents

How to apply

• clinical or tertiary education
• private practice and consulting
• positions in patient management teams within healthcare including, plastic surgery, wound care and dermatology

Learn more about your career options on the Australian government's Career Information and Resources website.

The graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Dermal Science will be able to: 1.Demonstrate ability to problem solve utilizing knowledge and experience applied to new clinical situations and complex problems in the areas of advanced dermal practice, wound care or dermal sciences. 2.Demonstrate consolidation of new theoretical concepts, specialised knowledge and application of advanced skills in chosen speciality stream. 3. Apply specialised knowledge and cultural competence through analysing evaluating and creating new solutions to improve r own current practice and client outcomes. 4.Communicate in a number of ways with a variety of audiences including clinical clients, workplace colleagues, university peers, community members, and professional associates. 5. Transfer knowledge through leadership and mentorship in the workplace and in the education of colleagues and clients.6.Perform complex and advanced practical techniques with a high level of skill and proficiency, individually as well as a member of a team. 7. Demonstrate a high level of accountability in all facets of client management and interaction. 8. Employ evaluative and reflective practice techniques in regard to clinical practice and professional progress

The course is structured of three (3) different specialty streams: Advanced Practice, Wound Care and Dermal Research. Each of these streams require the completion of four (4) units of 12 credit points (48 credit points total) There are some common units between streams however all streams have core units that must be completed.

The Graduate Certificate in Dermal Science (Advanced Practice) requires the completion of HHD5111 Advanced Dermal Science 1 AND HHD5112 Biology of Lymph and Adipose. These are the only units offered in 2013

• Advanced Dermal Science 1

  Unit code

  HHD5111

  Credits

  12

• Biology of Lymph and Adipose

  Unit code

  HHD5112

  Credits

  12

The Graduate Certificate in Dermal Science (Wound Care) requires the completion of HHD5111 Advanced Dermal Science 1 for applicants without the Bachelor of Health Science Dermal Therapies OR/ HHD5118 Interdisciplinary Wound Care for those with the Bachelor of Health Science Dermal Therapies AND/
HHD5119 Impediments to Wound Repair
These units are not offered until 2014

• Advanced Dermal Science 1

  Unit code

  HHD5111

  Credits

  12

The Graduate Certificate in Dermal Science (Dermal Research) requires the completion of HHD5121 Craniofacial Anatomy and Physiology 1 AND HHD5122 Dermal Biochemistry. These units are not offered until 2015

The Graduate Certificate in Dermal Science (Advanced Practice) requires the completion of HHD5211 Fundamentals in Laser and Light AND HHD5212 Dermal Techniques. These are the only units to be offered in 2013

• Fundamentals in Laser and Light

  Unit code

  HHD5211

  Credits

  12

• Dermal Techniques

  Unit code

  HHD5212

  Credits

  12

The Graduate Certificate in Dermal Science (Wound Care) requires the completion of HHD5220 Wound Care Fundamental Techniques AND HHD5221 Managing Acute Wounds. These units are not offered until 2014

The Graduate Certificate in Dermal Science (Dermal Research) requires completion of the following units HHD5222 Dermal Immunology AND HHD5223 Dermal Histology. These units are not offered until 2015

• International: Undergraduate qualification in Health Science, Science, or Biomedical Science and at least 12 months relevant clinical experience or equivalent as recognised to practice in Australia.
• Mature: Undergraduate qualification in Health Science, Science, or Biomedical Science and at least 12 months relevant clinical experience.