The Undergraduate Certificate in Dermal Interventions examines the most in-demand dermal intervention modalities, providing you with the theoretical knowledge and practical expertise to succeed in the dermal therapy industry. You will gain a thorough understanding of skin biology and how specific techniques like laser technology and micro-needling can be used to meet advanced dermal therapy goals and it is the first step towards a Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Clinical Aesthetics).
The current intake for the Undergraduate Certificate in Dermal Interventions closes November 3rd, 2025.
Course Overview
Course
Duration:
Up to 26 weeks
Course
Delivery:
Blended delivery with online learning and practical workshops
Total
Subjects:
4 subjects (worth 10 credit points each)
Payment
Options:
FEE-Help and Upfront
Choosing ACHW for your Undergraduate Certificate in Dermal Interventions means learning with Australia’s only higher education provider dedicated to dermal and aesthetics education.
Our accredited programs are built on scientific foundations and delivered by experienced educators, ensuring your qualification meets industry expectations.
With a balance of online theory and supervised clinic workshops, you graduate with the skills, confidence, and recognition needed to take on advanced roles or continue to higher-level study.
The Undergraduate Certificate in Dermal Interventions is designed for practitioners who want to expand their scope of practice and formalise skills with a recognised higher-education award.
It suits beauty therapists aiming to move into advanced dermal treatments, as well as professionals seeking a pathway toward further study in clinical aesthetics.
If you want to strengthen your expertise in evidence-based skin therapies, this certificate provides the ideal entry point.
Over the course of this qualification, you will:
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.
This subject provides an opportunity for students to participate in a clinical learning environment that seeks to provide both theoretical understanding and practical application of chemical peeling and microdermabrasion. Students will develop critical thinking from evidence-based knowledge in reviewing patient history and presentation and formulation of appropriate chemical peeling and/or microdermabrasion treatments for predictable outcomes in clinical practice. Additionally, students will be exposed to the safe operating process in the use of laser equipment.
This subject provides an ongoing opportunity for students to participate in aclinical learning environment that seeks to provide both theoretical understanding and practical application of the light therapies used in aclinical aesthetic practice. Students will learn the appropriate and safe use of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), while studying the physical theory behind the use of lasers.
This subject provides an opportunity for students to participate in a clinical learning environment that seeks to provide both theoretical understanding and practical application of RF, operation of laser equipment and Micro-needling. Students will develop critical thinking from evidence-based knowledge in reviewing patient history and presentation and delivery of appropriate treatment protocols for predictable outcomes in clinical practice.
In the practical clinics of the Undergraduate Certificate in Dermal Interventions, you will gain hands-on experience with the following treatments, technologies, and modalities:
On completion of the course, the students will be able to:
CLO 1: Design and apply appropriate patient history taking and record keeping strategies for consultations and develop interpersonal skills
CLO 2: Describe the functions of the integumentary system, including the cellular turnover and major anatomical components
CLO 3: Describe the histology, physiology and anatomy of the skin, hair and nails, including the function of the associated glands and proteins
CLO 4: Develop the ability to combine safety and utilisation of laser and light, as well as a variety of other modalities, the pre and post treatment protocols and various outcomes
CLO 5: Demonstrate understanding of the theory and contra-indications underpinning various technologies and treatment options
CLO 6: Classify the fundamental types of lesions and develop treatment options for them
To satisfy the academic admissions requirements for the Undergraduate Certificate in Dermal Interventions, applicants must:
A. Meet one of the following entry requirements:
a. Successful completion of a Beauty Therapy Diploma or
b. Successful completion of the Undergraduate Certificate in Laser and Dermal Therapy Essentials.
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.
For more information on entry criteria please visit the ACHW How to Apply page.
Completing the Undergraduate Certificate in Dermal Interventions will prepare you for work in such areas as:
Anyone wanting to get into the laser and skin industry. Start learning the most popular intensive skin treatments currently performed within the industry.
Completing the Undergraduate Certificate in Dermal Interventions allows you to move beyond entry-level skills and gain recognition for advanced treatments that are in high demand across Australia.
The Undergraduate Certificate can be completed in approximately 6 months of full-time study.
You may also choose to study part-time, spreading the workload over two semesters. This flexible approach allows you to balance education with employment or family commitments.
Regardless of your pace, the course remains structured to ensure you complete the sequence of subjects in the correct order.
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, Higher School Certificate or equivalent, or entry through our Academic Study Skills Unit.
This accessibility makes the Undergraduate Certificate in Dermal Interventions suitable for career changers and newcomers.
Even without prior beauty industry experience, the course equips you with the knowledge and confidence to work safely and effectively with clients.
A short course consisting of 6 topics designed to build academic skills such as writing and researching. Can be completed within a week if you have the time to work through the topics.
This support unit ensures you are comfortable with assessment formats, referencing, and academic writing standards before tackling the main certificate units.
It is especially helpful if you have been away from study or want additional preparation to succeed in higher education.
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.
The certificate contains the most popular treatments currently performed in industry. There is a high demand of jobs in skin and laser clinics.
Employers value graduates of the Undergraduate Certificate in Dermal Interventions because it signals you have both academic and hands-on training. Roles can include dermal assistant, clinic support, or treatment technician in salons, spas, and cosmetic medical centres.
All theory content of the units is delivered online including exams. CAP102 has two 3 day practical blocks, CAP201 has a 5 day practical block, CAP202 has a 5 day practical block. There are 16 practical days in total.
Clinics are held in NSW, VIC and QLD. Dates are released for each state at the commencement of the semester and are based around student numbers.
As this is a practical based certificate it is important to be able to attend the practical blocks, all theory components are online however, practical blocks are compulsory to learn the treatments.
Microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser and IPL hair reduction, laser and IPL for pigmentation and vascular removal, laser tattoo removal, skin needling, plasma pen technology.
These treatments reflect the most in-demand services in the aesthetics industry. Gaining exposure to these modalities through an Undergraduate Certificate in Dermal Interventions provides you with a competitive edge, as employers are seeking staff with proven skills in these areas.
NSW – The Rocks, Sydney or Alexandria
QLD – Gold Coast
VIC – Melbourne CBD
Laser safety is covered in detail in the course however, the laser safety certificate recognised by QLD Health is not included in this course. This is a separate online course.
A laptop or computer with a working webcam for final exams.
A reliable internet connection is also recommended, as lectures, readings, and assessments are delivered online.
We have a lot of support resources and an academic learning advisor that can provide coaching and also review draft assessments before submitted to provide extra guidance.
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.
You must complete all assessment tasks and get an overall mark of 50% for the units to pass.
You can upgrade to either our Associate Degree or Bachelor degree after successful completion.
This pathway is one of the major advantages of the Undergraduate Certificate in Dermal Interventions. The credits you earn reduce the time and cost of higher qualifications, creating a clear route to more advanced study in dermal therapy and clinical aesthetics.
Generally, part-time study is two units per semester. However, in some cases, students may study one unit at a time.