Course description
If you like working with people, have excellent communication skills and love beauty (and a bit of science), becoming a beauty therapist could be your calling.
The course can help you gain employment in the beauty industry. Through hands-on training, develop fundamental skills within our salon, The Studio, learning a range of beauty treatments, including Massage, facials, spray tanning, waxing, make-up, lash application and nail services.
Information sessions
5:30pm
Auditorium (H1.03)
Geelong City
Work placement/industry experience
Work experience is not required in this course but is recommended, with an option to undertake 80 hours of placement organised by the student. *If undertaken, please note that you may be required to travel outside your usual training location to attend work experience. This may include other regional areas or suburbs of Melbourne.
Possible career outcomes
- Beauty therapist
- Make-up artist
- Specialist waxing therapist
- Nail Technician
Applications & attendance
How to apply
- Follow our instructions for how to apply for a course.
- Apply online by selecting an intake from the Applications & attendance table below.
If you need help, visit Customer Service or request application support via email.
Submission of an application does not guarantee a place in the course.
Apprenticeship and traineeship applicants
To become an apprentice or trainee, you will first need to find an employer willing to employ you. An Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Provider can assist you with this and will also start your application and enrolment process. Find a local provider here
| Intake | Applications | Attendance | Classes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 February Geelong City Campus |
Open: 1 Aug 2024 Close: 1 Feb 2025 |
Class Day | Full Time Mon, Tues & Thurs 9am to 4pm | Apply |
| 2025 Full Year Geelong City Campus |
Open: 1 Aug 2024 Close: 15 Dec 2025 |
Class Day | Part Time Trainee-Timetable supplied once admitted |
Class times are indicative and may change before the course starts. Students may need to complete some self-paced learning and assessments outside class, varying by course and skill level, or may be required to attend classes both on campus and online.
Follow the link for more information on attendance mode definitions and offer timing.
An application doesn't guarantee a place in the course.
Many courses have limited spots and may fill quickly, so apply early and ensure your application is fully completed, as only successful applicants will receive offers, issued as soon as possible. If numbers are low, intakes or courses may be cancelled.
Entrance requirements
- Applicants must be 16 years and over at the time of course commencement.
- Applicants are expected to have literacy and numeracy skills at Year 11 or Year 12 or Australian Core Skills Framework Level 3.
- Any student under the age of 17 must provide an Exemption from School form prior to undertaking the course.
- You must reside in Victoria to access Victorian Government Subsidised Fees and any incentive such as Free TAFE. Full fees apply to all non-Victorian residents.
Apprenticeship and traineeship requirements
Apprenticeship and traineeship applicants must be currently employed under a training contract and referred by their employer.
Personal Learning Requirements
There are personal learning requirements for each qualification at The Gordon. These are essential personal capabilities and skills required to successfully complete the course and be ready to work in the industry.
Please review the requirements here and consider any challenges you may have in meeting them. When applying for your course, please let us know what support you may need.
Pre-training review
Each student must complete a pre-training review as part of their application. The outcome of your pre-training review assists our teachers and trainers to better understand your capabilities prior to training and enables you to be matched to the right program. Your literacy and numeracy skills will be evaluated and you may be required to undertake a separate assessment. Follow this link for more information about literacy and numeracy skills.
Units & assessments
| Core Units | Code | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Apply cosmetic tanning products | SHBBBOS007 | 20 |
| Apply safe hygiene, health and work practices | SHBXWHS003 | 40 |
| Comply with organisational requirements within a personal services environment | SHBXIND003 | 45 |
| Conduct salon financial transactions | SHBXCCS007 | 25 |
| Design and apply make-up | SHBBMUP009 | 45 |
| Incorporate knowledge of body structures and functions into beauty therapy | SHBBSSC002 | 60 |
| Incorporate knowledge of skin structure and functions into beauty therapy | SHBBSSC001 | 60 |
| Maintain ethical and professional standards when using social media and online platforms | SIRXOSM002 | 50 |
| Promote healthy nutritional options in a beauty therapy context | SHBXCCS006 | 40 |
| Provide body massages | SHBBBOS008 | 100 |
| Provide facial treatments and skin care recommendations | SHBBFAS005 | 100 |
| Provide lash and brow services | SHBBFAS004 | 30 |
| Provide manicure and pedicare services | SHBBNLS007 | 60 |
| Provide salon services to clients | SHBXCCS008 | 30 |
| Provide waxing services | SHBBHRS010 | 100 |
| Research and apply beauty industry information | SHBBRES003 | 20 |
| Sell to the retail customer | SIRXSLS001 | 20 |
| Use electric file equipment for nail services | SHBBNLS011 | 30 |
| Elective Units | Code | Hours |
| Apply eyelash extensions | SHBBMUP008 | 40 |
| Design and apply make-up for photography | SHBBMUP010 | 30 |
| Maintain infection control standards | SHBBINF002 | 75 |
| Provide specialised facial treatments | SHBBFAS006 | 100 |
| Research and develop business plans | BSBESB401 | 50 |
Please note that the listed electives are delivered by The Gordon but you may not need to complete all of these units to successfully complete this qualification. If you have previously completed any of the units of competency relevant to this course, you may be eligible for Credit Transfer (CT). Any previous relevant experience may qualify you for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Find out more about CT or RPL here.
- Hands-on work
- Written assignments
- Team Projects
- Industry placement
- Salon assessments at The Studio
Assessment is based on:
Fees
| Fees | Rate | Unit | Indicative Course Hours | Indicative Tuition | Indicative Gov Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concession Tuition | AUD $0.98 | per hour | 1170 | AUD $1,147.00 | AUD $7,898.00 |
| Standard Tuition | AUD $4.89 | per hour | 1170 | AUD $5,721.00 | AUD $7,898.00 |
| Full Fee Tuition | AUD $11.02 | per hour | 1170 | AUD $12,893.00 |
| Add the costs below to your relevant tuition fee | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resources | AUD $805.00 | Charged at enrolment | |||
| Education Levy | AUD $175.50 | Charged at enrolment | |||
| Materials | AUD $2,410.00 | Once | charged at enrolment | ||
| Additional Cost | AUD $660.00 | Once | required purchase | ||
All fees and charges are correct at time of publication but may change without notice. The student tuition fees are indicative only. Additional fees may apply. Where GST is applicable to any courses or materials, the fee displayed is inclusive of the GST.
Which fee will I pay?
Your fees will be charged according to your eligibility for government funding. For more information, visit our Fees & Payments pages.
Fee help
Payment plans may be available for eligible students who need assistance to manage their fee payments.
Further study options
- SHB50121 Diploma of Beauty Therapy
Many Gordon courses offer pathways to higher qualifications within The Gordon and in some cases, to university degrees. Your Gordon course may provide credit points which could reduce further study time. Follow the link to find more information about pathways, or contact Customer Service.