The Undergraduate Certificate in Dermal Science and Nutrition is designed to provide the precise knowledge of human biology and nutrition required to professionally advise clients on how their diet affects their dermal health. Students will learn about skin biology, essential bodily systems, and how they relate to nutrition, and is the first step towards a Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Clinical Aesthetics).
The current intake for the Undergraduate Certificate in Dermal Science and Nutrition closes November 3rd, 2025.
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
Studying with ACHW ensures your dermal science certificate is nationally accredited and guided by leading educators in aesthetics and wellness. The course is delivered entirely online, making it accessible across Australia while maintaining higher education standards.
You graduate with a dermal science qualification that blends theoretical knowledge with practical relevance, preparing you for roles in allied health and cosmetic environments or for progression into advanced study such as the Associate Degree or Bachelor Degree.
The dermal science certificate is designed for individuals who want to understand how biology and nutrition influence skin health.
It suits school leavers, career changers, and practitioners looking to add a recognised dermal science qualification to their professional profile. By completing this program, you gain the foundations needed to advise on skin health in retail, clinic, or allied health settings, while keeping pathways open for further study.
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 introduces students to the wonders of the structure and function of the human body, including an overall introduction of the major body systems, the fundamentals of biochemistry that govern how body components, the structure and function of the communication systems such as the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system, endocrine system and the immune system, and an overview of the reproductive system.
This subject considers the maintenance of body homeostasis through an investigation of the cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems. An investigation into the electrical and mechanical functions of the heart, its interaction with the blood vessels, the hormones and the autonomic nervous system that control heart function. Also explored is the role of the renal system in the control of the chemical composition of the body, water balance and body fluid volume, and an overview of the respiratory and gastrointestinal system control of homeostasis.
In this subject, students explore the importance of correct dietary intake in order to maintain a healthy skin and body. Students will focus on how bodily functions are directly related to biochemical interactions and nutrition. In addition, this subject will cover nutritional requirements of the body, nutritional make-up of the modern diet/foods and clinical manifestations of nutritional deficiencies.
CLO 1.: Describe the functions of the integumentary system, including the cellular turnover and major anatomical components
CLO 2: Describe the histology, physiology and anatomy of the skin, hair and nails, including the function of the associated glands and proteins
CLO 3: Describe homeostasis and the role of the homeostatic mechanism in maintaining the body’s function
CLO 4: Identify cellular and tissue structure and function, and the various strategies the body employs against pathogenic invasion
CLO 5: Identify the macro and micronutrients necessary for daily bodily functioning and describe and discuss their role in skin health
CLO 6: Discuss the nutritional requirements of skin and core elements of nutritional healing
To satisfy the academic admissions requirements for the Undergraduate Certificate in Dermal Science and Nutrition, 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.
Completing the Undergraduate Certificate in Dermal Science and Nutrition will prepare you for work in such areas as:
This is a great introductory course if you are wanting to get into the skin or health industry. This course is for people that have an interest in skin and nutrition, and how the human body functions.
Completing a dermal science certificate helps you formalise your interest into a recognised qualification. The program introduces both biological sciences and nutrition, giving you a clearer understanding of how body systems and diet affect skin health.
Graduates often find this course useful as a bridge to further study, since credits can be carried into advanced programs such as the Undergraduate Certificates suite or the Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Clinical Aesthetics).
The Undergraduate Certificate can be completed in 6 months of full-time study. There are 2 units per semester for 2 semesters.
Students who prefer part-time study may extend the duration, making the certificate more manageable alongside work or family commitments.
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 ensures accessibility for a wide range of learners, from recent school graduates to professionals seeking a career change.
A short course consisting of 6 topics designed to build academic skills such as writing and researching. It can be completed within a week if you have the time to work through the topics.
It is particularly helpful for students who have been out of formal education and want extra preparation before beginning their certificate.
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.
Because this dermal science qualification is delivered fully online, you can organise study time around work and family. Students often report that steady, consistent engagement with the material makes assessment tasks easier to manage.
The mix of short lectures, interactive tasks, and assignments is structured to keep you actively learning rather than passively reading.
You could get a job in a salon, spa, health care reception, call centre or health and wellness clinic.
Employers value candidates who hold a dermal science certificate because it shows a solid grounding in anatomy, physiology, and nutrition.
Even in roles that are not directly treatment-based, such as clinic administration or advisory positions, this qualification demonstrates a professional understanding of the science behind skincare and wellness.
No, units are theory and delivered online.
No, HBS101 is a pre-requisite to HBS102 and therefore needs to be completed first.
A laptop or computer with internet access and a working webcam.
We have 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 progression is one of the major advantages of enrolling in a dermal science qualification. Instead of starting over, you can use the credits gained in this certificate toward larger programs.
This pathway gives you flexibility while ensuring that every subject you complete counts toward your long-term career goals.
Generally, part-time is two units per semester. However, in some cases, students may study one unit at a time.