Diploma of Beauty & Spa Practice

What is a Diploma of Beauty and Spa Practice?

The Diploma of Beauty and Spa Practice delivers a solid foundational knowledge of beauty therapy treatments and techniques and the skills to implement them. It develops you into a fully trained beauty professional, teaching how to incorporate new technologies and innovations into your practice to make clients look and feel their best.

This course gives you a thorough understanding of beauty and spa technologies, treatments and practices and lets you gain hands-on experience in our student-run clinic, The Practice Wellbeing Centre under the supervision of practising aestheticians. A collaborative learning environment encourages engagement, allowing you to confidently begin working in the beauty industry as soon as you finish your beauty therapy diploma.

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Learning outcomes

Understand the scientific concepts that underpin beauty and spa treatments.
Develop the judgement to prescribe treatments based on clients needs and expectations.
Learn how to safely apply beauty and spa-related technology, ensuring comfortable and effective treatments.
Strengthen professional communication skills to increase both customer confidence and sales.

Download course guide Start online application

Study mode

Online, On campus

Campus locations*

Brisbane, Online

Student

Domestic

International

Course duration

1 year full time, part-time options available

Start date

20 Feb 2023

05 Jun 2023

View all key dates

Fees

View Fees

This is an AQF Level 5 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd.

*For more details on international student study options.

Tap into our knowledge

Our heritage with Australian National College of Beauty ensures you’re learning from years of specialised experience.

Learn from specialists in their field

Our academics understand where the industry is heading and will guide you on your learning journey.

The highest level of practical experience

Develop clinical skills, access the latest technology and improve client wellbeing at external work placements.

Hear from student Charlotte Ralph, who is currently studying our Bachelor of Health Science (Aesthetics).

Career opportunities

Upon completing the Diploma of Beauty and Spa Practice, you are equipped to begin providing beauty treatments across a range of settings such as day spas and, beauty clinics or continue your studies at bachelor's level.

Potential career paths

Beauty Therapist
Average salary: $54,000 - $70,000
Salon Manager
Average salary: $54,000 - $70,000
Industry Trainer
Average salary: $90,000 - $90,000

Learn more about careers in Health

Subjects and units

Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 hours of facilitated study and 7 hours self-directed study.

Requirements

These seven core subjects must be completed.

Core subjects

Foundations of Aesthetics | FAS102

The subject focuses on the foundations of professional ethics of the Aesthetic professional, including the concept, history, importance and principles of the profession. It focuses on the professional avenues in which the Beauty/Aesthetic professional works and highlights professional communication and integration with the other areas of health and wellness. This subject examines the professional career, and the history of Beauty/Spa and Aesthetics education, and discusses their role in society. It also discusses the professional associations and regulatory bodies relevant to the Beauty/Spa and Aesthetics industry.

This subject also focuses on Salon and Business Fundamentals relevant to the professional workplace in the Beauty/Spa and Aesthetics industry. In addition, this subject addresses the basic fundamentals in a practical treatment scenario including Occupational Workplace Health & Safety, organisation of the work station, client consultation, treatment planning and professional conduct when addressing client concerns.
Beauty and Spa Practice I | BPT103

This subject focuses on establishing a combination of salon based practical skill sets including waxing, tinting, make-up, manicures and pedicures, in addition to the underpinning foundation knowledge associated with these treatments. This subject addresses both the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to perform a range of treatments that are commonly performed in a salon environment, and in high demand.
Students will be able to consult with clients, select suitable products/equipment and make treatment variations based on individual clients and their needs. This subject introduces students to the practical workplace environment and allows students to apply knowledge to a ‘real world’ scenario. This subject also introduces basic concepts of anatomy and physiology, skin biology, cosmetic chemistry, histology and nutrition as it relates to the treatments being performed.
Professional Clinic Practice I | PCP206

This subject places the future Beauty/Spa professional into a clinical work environment (practical clinic or work placement). Students experience the day-to-day practice of Beauty/Spa environments in clinics, salons, spas and/or other healthcare institutions, with emphasis on beauty/spa treatments for the face and body.
Aesthetic Practice with Technology I | APT107

This subject addresses the basic skills of aesthetic facial techniques. It addresses the use of equipment, basic technology and cosmetic preparations associated with electro-aesthetic facial treatments. It enables facial procedures to be conducted which include cleansing the skin, skin analysis, treatment of skin disorders such as acne and application of products based on identified skin conditions and type. This subject is a pre-requisite to Aesthetics Practice with Technology II (included in the Bachelor of Health Science (Aesthetics).
Aesthetic Electrotherapy I | AET108

This subject addresses the basic theoretical concepts related to the physical and fundamental aspects of electrical, mechanical, sound and thermal equipment used in aesthetics procedures for the face and body. This subject provides foundational knowledge that allows the learner to understand the physiological effects of each related body system, created through electrical and mechanical aesthetic treatments. This subject is a pre-requisite to Aesthetic Electrotherapy II.
Manual Aesthetic Techniques | MAT106

This subject addresses the foundation and development of manual aesthetic techniques in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary forms. It develops the practical skills associated with the application of aesthetics treatments of lymphatic drainage of the face and body, and addresses the technical knowledge surrounding client consultation and assessment, contraindications, treatment protocols and planning based on individual client characteristics and variables.
Beauty and Spa Practice II | BPT108

This subject addresses both the theoretical knowledge and demonstrates practical skills related to a range of therapeutic treatments including spa therapies, aromatherapy massage and blending, hot stone therapies and Indian head massage. This subject also focuses on the skills and knowledge required to establish and clarify client priorities, synthesize knowledge of anatomy and physiology, skin biology, cosmetic chemistry, histology and nutrition as it relates to the treatments being performed. Service contraindications, WHS requirements and lifestyle factors that may impact the provision of treatments are also addressed.

International students must not enrol in more than one-third (33%) of online subjects over their course, and must study at least one face-to-face subject each study period. Please note that due to COVID-19, authorities have provided exceptions to the usual face-to-face learning requirements. For more information, visit Study in Australia.

International students on a student visa are required to study full time (i.e. must complete a minimum of 1.0 EFTSL of study per year). For the latest information on study locations, please check the entry requirements flyer.

Industry partners and work placements

Work-Integrated Learning programs provide a valuable resource for you to develop hands-on practical experience to ensure you graduate confident and job-ready.

Work-Integrated Learning hours

You’ll be able to gain 75 hours of Clinical Practicum Experience at The Practice Wellbeing Centre and 65 hours of work experience at an approved external organisation of your choice.

Entry details

Domestic
International

Fees

Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.

FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.

Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP

Scholarships

If you are truly passionate about health, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of health scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the health industry:

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Year 12 (Australian secondary school certificate) or equivalent.

Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above

OR

Successful completion of a Higher Education qualification.

The below is an alternative option.
Work and life experience that demonstrates skills and knowledge gained through paid or unpaid employment, formal learning and/or non-formal learning (presented on a current resume with attached cover letter).

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Fees

Check the international course fee schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.

Fee payment

Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.

Scholarships

We want you to have the best possible chance to succeed, which is why we offer a range of financial scholarships to support our international students during their study journey.

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as a international student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Australian Year 12 or equivalent; AND

Academic IELTS 5.5 (no band less than 5.5) or equivalent.

OR alternative entry requirement may be available. Contact the International Admissions team for more information.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for a course?

Domestic students:
Check the entry requirements for the course you’re interested in and submit your initial application form online to begin your journey at Torrens University Australia.

If you have any difficulty, please contact our Future Student Advisors, who can talk you through the process.

ALL SA/SACE and Victorian high school students must apply through SATAC and/or VTAC. Search for Torrens University Australia, Billy Blue College of Design or Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School.

International students:
If you are an international student hoping to begin your studies in Australia, study online, or transfer from another university, you may choose to do so through our Education Agents. Our agents are located throughout the world and will make sure the enrolment process runs smoothly. View the full list of International Education Agents. You can also apply online. For anything else, please contact our International team.
Can I get course credit for previous experience?

Yes, course credit is available for most courses upon application and academic approval (excluding Higher Degree by Research programs). 

If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Review our Course Credits page or chat to our Future Student Advisors.
What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?

Recognition of Prior Learning is an assessment process that recognises experience, previous study and qualifications, and other forms of informal and non-formal learning, to determine if you meet course requirements.

If you have relevant qualifications or experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course and a reduction in tuition costs.

Please speak to our Future Student Advisors to discuss your prior learning experiences.

For more information, please visit Course credits.
How do I apply for a scholarship?

Torrens University has a wide range of scholarship options to support new, returning, international and Australian students. They all include a reduction in tuition fees, and some scholarships include a mentoring component with our industry partners.

Domestic students

When you speak to our Future Student Advisors, let them know you wish to be considered for a scholarship in your application form. They will show you how to apply for a scholarship.

International students

Please contact your Education Agent for further information. Alternatively, you can call us on 1300 575 803 or by email.

For more details, explore our range of scholarships.

What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?

Torrens University Australia no longer considers ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) as our primary entry requirement. We have removed ATAR as the key admissions criteria for applicants aiming to study at Torrens University Australia. We strongly believed an alternative to the ATAR system should be found, which more broadly assesses students, especially when soft skills are emerging as important employability attributes. So, students with a recent secondary school education are now considered for admission if they have a Year 12 (Australian secondary school) certificate. Exceptions may apply to some courses.
What if  I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?

Torrens University Australia has a range of application pathways to help you gain entry into our degrees based on different criteria.

To find out more, visit Study Pathways or contact our Future Student Advisors.
Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
If you are a domestic student attending university or an approved higher education provider, you can get a FEE-HELP loan to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

You are eligible for FEE-HELP assistance for a unit of study (i.e. subject) if you:

Undertake study with an approved provider.

Meet the citizenship and residency requirements:

An Australian citizen or a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets the long-term residency criteria and who will undertake, in Australia, at least one unit of study contributing to your course; OR

A permanent humanitarian visa holder who will be a resident in Australia for the duration of your unit; OR

Are a permanent visa holder who is undertaking bridging study for overseas-trained professionals, and will be a resident in Australia for the duration of the study.

Enrolled in an eligible unit of study by the census date for the unit.

Have not exceeded the FEE-HELP limit.

For full details, visit the Australian Government website Study Assist.

If you are still unsure, please contact our Future Student Advisors who can talk you through the information.

View all FAQs

Diploma of Beauty and Spa Practice