For the February 2025 Intake ACHW is not currently accepting applications for enrolment into the Undergraduate Certificate for Cosmetic Advisors. Please note that all previously issued Undergraduate Certificates will continue to be recognised as accredited qualifications. If you have any questions about this or want advice on alternative courses to undertake, please contact admissions@achw.edu.au

About this Qualification

The Undergraduate Certificate for Cosmetic Advisors is designed to increase the science-based knowledge and professional communication skills of those providing skincare advice at the customer-facing point, specifically around cosmetic chemistry. You will learn a solid foundation in cosmetic formulation and use, enabling you for work in the dermal therapy industry, and is the first step towards a Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Clinical Aesthetics).

Course Overview

Course
Duration:

Up to 26 weeks

Course
Delivery:

Online learning

Total
Subjects:

4 subjects (worth 10 credit points each)

Payment
Options:

FEE-Help and Upfront

Why Study with ACHW

The Australasian College of Health & Wellness offers offers eight accredited degrees and undergraduate certificates in Applied Health Science to help recognise you as an expert in the dynamic, rapidly changing field of Aesthetics.

Flexible and
Efficient

Achieve your Undergraduate Certificate for Cosmetic Advisors in 3-6 months of study, giving you a relevant and modern qualification. This means you can leverage your new knowledge and skills faster to take advantage of a rapidly growing industry.

Higher Education from a
Leading Provider

Few qualifications in Australia will set you apart like a higher education degree from ACHW. The recognition you will receive through studying with ACHW will not just increase your employment options, it will give you the confidence of knowing you are an expert in your field.

World Class
Faculty

ACHW’s faculty is made up of qualified and respected experts in Health, Wellness, Science, Education, Aesthetics, Business Administration, and Digital Marketing. This ensures that our students gain a truly comprehensive learning experience.

Course Content

Over the course of this qualification, you will:

Learn about skin, hair and nail anatomy and physiology, and all their functions
Understand product formulation and ingredients in skin care
Learn how to customise cosmetic ingredients for client characteristics for both clinic treatments and home care
Gain business and personal communication skills within a professional environment
Explore marketing and branding strategies that relate specifically to professional practice within the industry

Units in this Course

AHS101: Integumentary System

This subject introduces students to the complexity of the ‘integumentary system’, the skin and related appendages including nails, hair, glands, and proteins and the variety of mechanical, thermal and environmental impacts that affect the ageing process and general health and functioning of the skin.

Find out more about this unit

HCM101: Introduction to Professional Practice

The subject is focuses on the socio-cultural, legal and ethical implications of professional therapeutic practice in the aesthetics industry. This subject introduces students to different practice modalities prior to tackling issues of sustainability, reflectiveness and ethics in practice, and also covers the theoretical and philosophical foundations influencing the decision-making processes of the aesthetic practitioner.

Find out more about this unit

HCM102: Professional Communications

The subject is designed to equip students with the oral and written communication skills they require to operate effectively in the workplace and to interact with a diverse clientele and professional medical network. This is achieved through an exploration of both the theoretical and practical dimensions of modern communications, with an emphasis on developing the skills needed to deal with a wide variety of different clinical communications environments.

Find out more about this unit

AHS202: Cosmetic Chemistry

This subject considers the theories and practices associated with the cosmetic ingredients used in aesthetic practice via the scientific field of cosmetic chemistry, while contrasting this against the marketing ‘hype’ and language often used to promote cosmetic and related products and services. Students will be exposed to the classifications of raw state ingredients and their use in finished products.

Find out more about this unit

Course Learning Outcomes

CO1 Understand, compare, and evaluate different theoretical and practical possibilities of care relevant to individual client characteristics

CO2 Present ideas and concepts to individuals or groups and leading and managing discussion points

CO3 Effectively utilise professional business and personal communication skills within a professional environment for effective knowledge transfer

CO4 Differentiate and effectively use the vernacular of the therapeutic health environment

CO5 Clearly articulate the function of various cosmetic ingredient classifications and how this imparts effect on the skin

CO6 Demonstrate an understanding of capabilities, qualities, and product differences for the purpose of marketing different cosmetic products

CO7 Determine and distinguish anatomical features of the integumentary system and how these are affected by various skincare products

CO8 Demonstrate understanding of the necessary ageing process of the skin and measures used in cosmetic chemistry to slow or prevent such outcomes

Admission Requirements

To satisfy the academic admissions requirements for the Undergraduate Certificate for Cosmetic Advisors, applicants must:

A. Meet one of the following entry requirements:

a. Successful completion of the relevant State’s higher school certificate (or equivalent); or
b. Successful completion of a tertiary qualification of Certificate IV or above.

B. And must meet all below requirements:

c. participate in an interview (if required);
d. be at least 18 years of age; and
e. where English is not the first language, evidence of English Proficiency at IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5, or equivalent to be provided.
‍
ACHW will also consider any other documentation which demonstrates an applicant’s academic and time management skills including from formal studies, workplace activities or research. If an applicant is unable to demonstrate their academic study skills, they may be required to complete and pass an Academic Study Skills Test.

For more information on entry criteria please visit the ACHW How to Apply page.

FAQ

Why would I do this course?

This is a great introductory course if you are wanting to get into the skin industry and learn about skin care and gain business skills to work within a professional clinic environment.

How long will it take?

The Undergraduate Certificate can be completed in 6 months of full-time study.

Do I need to have a health or beauty background to qualify for entry?

No, you do not need a beauty qualification or industry experience. Entry requirements is a Certificate IV in any field within the last 5 years, or Higher School Certificate or equivalent, or entry through our Academic Study Skills Unit.

What is the Academic Study Skills Unit?

A short course consisting of 6 topics designed to build academic skills such as writing and researching.

How much study do I need to do?

For each unit there is a one-hour weekly lecture to listen to and additional readings, with additional activities such as quizzes, discussions, assignments, and online exams. Each unit has 3-4 assessment tasks with due dates throughout the semester required to be completed.

It is recommended to spend a few hours each week per unit to listen to the lecture and review all the reading, then additional time for self-study and preparation and completion of assessment tasks.

Will I be able to get a job?

You could get a job in a salon, at a spa, or work in skin care retail.

Is there face-to-face?

No, units are theory and delivered online.

Can I do all units in one semester?

No, HCM101 Introduction to Professional Practice is a pre-requisite for beginning HCM102 Professional Communications. Therefore, you must study over two semesters.

What do I need to be able study?

A laptop or computer with internet access and a working webcam.

Are there any live lectures?

Lectures are recorded and therefore not needed to attend live. However, most units have interactive sessions every few weeks that are live with the facilitator to go over any areas students would like more help with. These are scheduled at the commencement of the semester and are recorded if you are not able to attend.

What do I need to do to pass?

You must complete all assessment tasks and get an overall mark of 50% for the units to pass.

What could I do after if I wanted further study?

You can upgrade to either our Associate Degree or Bachelor Degree after successful completion.

Undergraduate Certificate for
Cosmetic Advisors

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About this Qualification

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Contact ACHW

About

Higher Education Degrees

Undergraduate Certificates

Contact Us

Corporate Head Office