SHB50121 Diploma of Beauty Therapy

VU course code: SHB50121 | CRICOS: 113243H | Level of study: TAFE

Duration

1 year full time or longer for part time

Delivery mode

Face to Face with eLearning

Fees

Tuition: per semester AU$13,805

Location

City Campus

All start dates

Well presented woman, standing by a space-age looking space treatment with the cityscape in the background

Overview

Gain high-level skills and become a trusted beauty expert with a Diploma of Beauty Therapy SHB50121 at Victoria University TAFE.

This beauty-therapy course will advance your beauty-treatment skills and prepare you for management positions in salons and spas.

Develop your knowledge of the theory and science behind beauty treatments and techniques, and gain extensive hands-on experience. You will complete a practical placement in a salon of your choice, as well as learning in our beauty salon and the classroom.

This course provides training in basic and advanced beauty therapy techniques and services including:

facial treatments
lash and brow treatments
manicures and pedicures
make-up
waxing
body massage and treatments
spa treatments
advice on and selling of retail skin care and cosmetic products.

You will also learn valuable and transferable business and management skills for running a beauty salon.

: This qualification reflects the role of individuals employed as beauty therapists to provide a broad range of beauty therapy treatments and services including facial treatments, body massage and treatments, hair removal, lash and brow treatments, nail and make-up services. This includes consultation with clients to provide beauty advice, recommend beauty treatments and services, and sell retail skincare and cosmetic products.

These individuals work relatively autonomously and are accountable for personal outputs. Their work involves the self-directed application of knowledge and skills with substantial depth in some areas where judgement is required in planning and selecting appropriate equipment, services and techniques.
: Everything you learn at Victoria University has direct links to the real world. You’ll develop practical skills through hands-on learning so you’re job-ready when you graduate.
In addition to your practical placement, you’ll get real-life work experience at Aura at VU, our City Campus student-run hair, beauty and massage salon.
This salon provides the ideal training environment, where you can practise your skills while providing a wide range of beauty services to the public. You’ll also gain valuable experience arranging bookings and greeting clients.
You’ll learn from expert trainers and work under their guidance.
: The Diploma of Beauty Therapy is offered at the VU City Campus, in the brand-new, sustainably-built, 32-level VU City Tower in the heart of the city.
Melbourne’s latest educational landmark showcases VU’s unique approach to learning: a single entrance opens the doors to opportunities across a range of emerging professional areas.
On the 19th floor, the student beauticians practise their skills, fully supervised in our clinic that is open to staff, students and the general public.

This course is nationally recognised training.

Entry requirements

When assessing your application, we consider your education, work experience, current skills and personal attributes (where relevant).

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below.

If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a different course. We call this a ‘pathway’.

You may also be eligible for ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’, which lets you finish your course more quickly when you have gained some of the skills required from past study or work experience.

Entry criteria

Credit & Entry pathways into this course

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Course structure

To be awarded the SHB50121 Diploma of Beauty Therapy, 29 units must be completed consisting of:

20 core units
9 elective units, of which:

* 1 unit from Group A: Infection control * all units from any one of Group B, C, or D: - Group B: Electrolysis/Diathermy - Group C: Relaxation Massage - Group D: Spa Treatments * remaining units from the list below, elsewhere in the SHB Training Package, or any other current training package or accredited course.

Victoria University (VU) offers the following specialisations: All units from Group D electives must be selected for the award of the Diploma of Beauty Therapy (Spa Treatments).

Students who do not successfully complete the qualification will receive a Statement of Attainment for units successfully completed.

Units

Fees & scholarships

As an international student at Victoria University (VU), you will be required to pay your tuition fees up front each semester.

There may also be additional materials fees throughout your studies, depending on your chosen course, as well as an administrative fee as part of your course.

Victoria University is proud to support our international scholarship recipients and sponsored students.

Fees

Scholarships

Careers

The beauty, massage and make-up industry is growing. The Diploma of Beauty Therapy SHB50121 is the highest level of qualification in the beauty industry. Job prospects are good, with employment for beauty therapists expected to grow.

As a qualified beauty therapist, you could find employment in spas and salons here or overseas. This qualification prepares you to manage your own beauty salon and employ staff. You could also work from home as a freelance beauty consultant.

Potential 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 a cruise ship
beauty consultant for international cosmetic companies
freelance therapist or beauty consultant
cosmetic or beauty equipment sales representative
beauty editor or journalist
beauty educator.

FURTHER STUDIES (PATHWAYS)

Please note: There may be a limit on how many students can access pathways to the Bachelor of Dermal Sciences due to high demand. If you are eligible for a pathway but unsuccessful in securing a place, please contact VUHQ (student service centre) on +61 3 9919 6100 for advice.

Start dates

TAFE coursework

On campus – Melbourne City Campus

Course starts 27 January 2027

Course starts 12 July 2027

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information on this page, please note that dates are subject to change. Some courses may close early due to an earlier start date or there being limited places available.

VU stories

The beauty of teaching

Team Leader, Beauty

"Teaching is inspiring students by building knowledge and skill, so it is very rewarding. VU students and teachers are well-supported. I have been fortunate to be able to teach beauty therapy for work."

Andrea's story