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Key details
Duration
This course can typically be completed within 6 months to 3 years.
* The actual duration may vary depending on where and how you study, the units you choose, and the time needed to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
Availability:Applications for 2027 are now open.
Online Application: This course is available for online application.
Apprenticeships/Traineeships: This course can be undertaken as a traineeship. Visit TAFE Apprenticeships and Traineeships for more information.
This qualification reflects the role of individuals employed as beauty therapists to provide a broad range of beauty therapy treatments and services including facial treatments, body massage and treatments, hair removal, lash and brow treatments, nail and make-up services. This includes consultation with clients to provide beauty advice, recommend beauty treatments and services, and sell retail skin-care and cosmetic products.
These individuals work relatively autonomously and are accountable for personal outputs. Their work involves the self-directed application of knowledge and skills with substantial depth in some areas where judgement is required in planning and selecting appropriate equipment, services, and techniques.
Work is typically conducted in beauty salons and spas.
The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
| Delivery Details | |
| Location | Alice Springs Palmerston |
| Duration | Alice Springs Trainees _______ Palmerston Trainees * Course duration may vary depending on the time required to achieve the required competencies. |
| Study Mode | Alice Springs Palmerston * Information about study modes are available in the 2027 TAFE Student Guide. |
| Start Date | Alice Springs Palmerston * Students must enrol in the course prior to the commencement date. |
| Attendance | Alice Springs Trainees ______ Palmerston Trainees |
Career opportunities
After completing this course, you may be able to work in roles such as:
- Beauty Therapist
- Beautician
- Salon Manager
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) recognises skills and knowledge gained through previous study, work experience, volunteering, or life experience. If your existing skills and knowledge meet the requirements of a unit of competency, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your qualification. If you would like to apply for RPL, please indicate this when completing your enrolment form. For more information, please contact CDU TAFE Student Services on 08 8946 7111, or email TAFE@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
If you have completed the same, or an equivalent, unit through another Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you may be eligible for a credit transfer. To apply, submit a completed Application for Credit Transfer Form and supporting documentation. Applications are encouraged at the time of enrolment. There is no fee for credit transfer applications.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
If you completed a VET qualification at Certificate IV level or above and later enrol in a Bachelor degree in the same field, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your degree.
The table below shows the maximum credit available based on your completed qualification.
Completed Qualification | HE | VET | Bachelor Degree | Maximum Credit Available |
Certificate IV | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 40 credit points | |
Certificate IV | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 40 credit points | |
Diploma | * | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 80 credit points |
Diploma | * | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 80 credit points |
Advanced Diploma | * | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points |
Advanced Diploma | * | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points |
Associate Degree | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points | |
Associate Degree | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points | |
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline. | ||||
Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to further study, including a vocational Graduate Certificate in Intense Pulsed Light and Laser Hair Reduction, a vocational Graduate Certificate in Dermal Therapies, or a Bachelor of Health Science (Dermal Therapies). | ||||
Professional Recognition |
Course Structure To achieve SHB50121 Diploma of Beauty Therapy, a total of 29 units of competency must be completed comprising 20 core and 9 elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses. Alice Springs Course Structure (see further below for the Palmerston Course Structure) The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 1409
* Indicates unit has pre-requisite requirements. Please refer to the flyer for more information. __________________________ Palmerston Course Structure (see above for the Alice Springs Course Structure) The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 1424
* Indicates unit has pre-requisite requirements. Please refer to the flyer for more information. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Employability Skills |
2027 Fees
Eligible domestic students who are NT residents may be able to study this course with Northern Territory Government support. Places are limited, so apply early. Read the eligibility requirements to check if you-re eligible. |
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type. For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments. | |
| Fee Exemptions | Exemptions apply to TAFE tuition fees for NTG supported courses only. At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:
Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment. If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG's Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption. |
| VET Student Loans | Eligible students may access a VET Student Loan to pay for their course fees (up to capped amounts). 2026 VET Student Loan schedule |
General Description Availability:Applications for 2027 are now open. This qualification reflects the role of individuals employed as beauty therapists to provide a broad range of beauty therapy treatments and services including facial treatments, body massage and treatments, hair removal, lash and brow treatments, nail and make-up services. This includes consultation with clients to provide beauty advice, recommend beauty treatments and services, and sell retail skin-care and cosmetic products. These individuals work relatively autonomously and are accountable for personal outputs. Their work involves the self-directed application of knowledge and skills with substantial depth in some areas where judgement is required in planning and selecting appropriate equipment, services, and techniques. Work is typically conducted in beauty salons and spas. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
| ||||||||||||
Course Information Flyer(s) SHB50121 Diploma of Beauty Therapy - Alice Springs - 2027 | ||||||||||||
Accreditation This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the SHB Hairdressing and Beauty Services Training Package. | ||||||||||||
Locations and Study Mode
| ||||||||||||
Entry Requirements Domestic | To ensure you have the skills and support needed to study this course, all applicants are required to complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation. To gain entry into SHB50121 Diploma of Beauty Therapy, candidates require:
Required Resources Computer and internet access is required to source information and complete assessments. It is recommended that students bring a laptop with them to class so they can access online resources. Students can access assessments and learning resources at any time through CDU's online learning platform, Learnline. Before getting started, make sure your computer meets the required system requirements. Students are required to purchase Skin Deep Learning Resources from the CDU Beauty Salon for the units mentioned below in program content - the cost of each manual is approximately $28. These will be available to purchase during your orientation session on course commencement. Uniforms
This must be worn with either black trousers or a knee length skirt with closed shoes. Alice Springs
This must be worn with black trousers or a knee length skirt with closed-in shoes. Beauty Kits
It is recommended that you also purchase a make-up brush set. Information where to purchase these kits will be provided on enrolment. Alice Springs | |||||||||||
Duration Estimated completion time: 1 year/s | |
This course can typically be completed within 6 months to 3 years. * The actual duration may vary depending on where and how you study, the units you choose, and the time needed to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge. | |
Career Opportunities After completing this course, you may be able to work in roles such as:
|
Marketing Professional Recognition |
Marketing Course Description |
Marketing Career Opportunities |
- ABN 54 093 513 649
- Privacy Statement
- Copyright and Disclaimer
- CRICOS Provider No: 00300K (NT/VIC) | 03286A (NSW)
- RTO Provider No: 0373
Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to further study, including a vocational Graduate Certificate in Intense Pulsed Light and Laser Hair Reduction, a vocational Graduate Certificate in Dermal Therapies, or a Bachelor of Health Science (Dermal Therapies).
Fees
2027 Fees
| Fee Type | 2027 Course Fees |
| NT Government supported* | $5,624.80 - $5,565.55 |
| Full Fee | $22,171.68 - $21,938.13 |
Eligible domestic students who are NT residents may be able to study this course with Northern Territory Government support. Places are limited, so apply early.
Read the eligibility requirements to check if you-re eligible.
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.
For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.
Fee exemptions
Exemptions apply to TAFE tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.
At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:
- Hold a current Centrelink Concession or Healthcare card
- Hold a Veteran's Healthcare card
- Enrolled Secondary Students
- Hold a permanent resident visa with Refugee or Humanitarian status
Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment.
If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG's Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption.
Delivery allowance for VET funded programs
VET student loans
Eligible students may access a VET Student Loan to pay for their course fees (up to capped amounts).
Determine your eligibility using the VET Student Loan Eligibility Tool on the Your Career website.
2026 VET Student Loan schedule
2027 VET Student Loan schedule
International VET Package
Course information flyer(s)
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
What will I study?
To achieve SHB50121 Diploma of Beauty Therapy, a total of 29 units of competency must be completed comprising 20 core and 9 elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses.
Course structure
Alice Springs Course Structure (see further below for the Palmerston Course Structure)
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 1409
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| Core units of competency | ||
| SHBBBOS008* | Provide body massages | 100 |
| SHBBCCS005 | Advise on beauty products and services | 30 |
| SHBBFAS004 | Provide lash and brown services | 30 |
| SHBBFAS005* | Provide facial treatments and skin care recommendations | 100 |
| SHBBFAS006* | Provide specialised facial treatments | 100 |
| SHBBHRS010 | Provide waxing services | 100 |
| SHBBMUP009 | Design and apply make-up | 45 |
| SHBBNLS007* | Provide manicure and pedicare services | 60 |
| SHBBNLS011 | Use electric file equipment for nail services | 30 |
| SHBBRES003 | Research and apply beauty industry information | 20 |
| SHBBSSC001 | Incorporate knowledge of skin structure and functions into beauty therapy | 60 |
| SHBBSSC002 | Incorporate knowledge of body structures and functions into beauty therapy | 60 |
| SHBXCCS005 | Maintain health and wellbeing in a personal services setting | 40 |
| SHBXCCS006 | Promote healthy nutritional options in a beauty therapy context | 40 |
| SHBXCCS007 | Conduct salon financial transactions | 25 |
| SHBXCCS008 | Provide salon services to clients | 30 |
| SHBXIND003 | Comply with organisational requirements within a personal services environment | 45 |
| SHBXWHS003 | Apply safe hygiene, health and work practices | 40 |
| SIRXOSM002 | Maintain ethical and professional standards when using social media and online platforms | 50 |
| SIRXSLS001 | Sell to the retail customer | 20 |
| Total nominal hours for core units | 1025 | |
| Elective units of competency (Complete all 9 units) | ||
| Group A Elective: Infection Control | ||
| SHBBINF002 | Maintain infection control standards | 75 |
| Group C Electives: Relaxation Massage | ||
| SHBBBOS009* | Provide aromatherapy massages | 80 |
| SHBBBOS010* | Use reflexology relaxation techniques in beauty treatments | 30 |
| SHBBSPA007* | Provide stone therapy massages | 45 |
| Group E General Electives | ||
| SHBBCCS006* | Prepare personalised aromatic plant oil blends for beauty treatments | 35 |
| SHBBHRS011* | Provide female intimate waxing services | 24 |
| SHBBMUP010 | Design and apply make-up for photography | 30 |
| SHBBSKS009* | Provide micro-dermabrasion treatments | 40 |
| SHBBSPA008 | Provide Indian head massages for relaxation | 25 |
| Total nominal hours for elective units | 384 | |
| Total nominal hours for the qualification | 1409 | |
* Indicates unit has pre-requisite requirements. Please refer to the flyer for more information.
__________________________
Palmerston Course Structure (see above for the Alice Springs Course Structure)
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 1424
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| Core units of competency | ||
| SHBBBOS008* | Provide body massages | 100 |
| SHBBCCS005 | Advise on beauty products and services | 30 |
| SHBBFAS004 | Provide lash and brown services | 30 |
| SHBBFAS005* | Provide facial treatments and skin care recommendations | 100 |
| SHBBFAS006* | Provide specialised facial treatments | 100 |
| SHBBHRS010 | Provide waxing services | 100 |
| SHBBMUP009 | Design and apply make-up | 45 |
| SHBBNLS007* | Provide manicure and pedicare services | 60 |
| SHBBNLS011 | Use electric file equipment for nail services | 30 |
| SHBBRES003 | Research and apply beauty industry information | 20 |
| SHBBSSC001 | Incorporate knowledge of skin structure and functions into beauty therapy | 60 |
| SHBBSSC002 | Incorporate knowledge of body structures and functions into beauty therapy | 60 |
| SHBXCCS005 | Maintain health and wellbeing in a personal services setting | 40 |
| SHBXCCS006 | Promote healthy nutritional options in a beauty therapy context | 40 |
| SHBXCCS007 | Conduct salon financial transactions | 25 |
| SHBXCCS008 | Provide salon services to clients | 30 |
| SHBXIND003 | Comply with organisational requirements within a personal services environment | 45 |
| SHBXWHS003 | Apply safe hygiene, health and work practices | 40 |
| SIRXOSM002 | Maintain ethical and professional standards when using social media and online platforms | 50 |
| SIRXSLS001 | Sell to the retail customer | 20 |
| Total nominal hours for core units | 1025 | |
| Elective units of competency (Complete all 9 units) | ||
| Group A Elective: Infection Control | ||
| SHBBINF002 | Maintain infection control standards | 75 |
| Group C Electives: Relaxation Massage | ||
| SHBBBOS009* | Provide aromatherapy massages | 80 |
| SHBBBOS010* | Use reflexology relaxation techniques in beauty treatments | 30 |
| SHBBSPA007* | Provide stone therapy massages | 45 |
| Group E General Electives | ||
| SHBBCCS006* | Prepare personalised aromatic plant oil blends for beauty treatments | 35 |
| SHBBHRS011* | Provide female intimate waxing services | 24 |
| SHBBMUP010 | Design and apply make-up for photography | 30 |
| SHBBSKS009* | Provide micro-dermabrasion treatments | 40 |
| Unnamed Electives | ||
| SHBBMUP008 | Apply eyelash extensions | 40 |
| Total nominal hours for elective units | 399 | |
| Total nominal hours for the qualification | 1424 | |
* Indicates unit has pre-requisite requirements. Please refer to the flyer for more information.
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To ensure you have the skills and support needed to study this course, all applicants are required to complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation.
To gain entry into SHB50121 Diploma of Beauty Therapy, candidates require:
- A completed year 12 or equivalent education and have completed SHB30115 Certificate III in Beauty Services
- Successful completion of a pre-enrolment Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (LLN) assessment and interview is essential for success in this program
Required Resources
Computer and internet access is required to source information and complete assessments. It is recommended that students bring a laptop with them to class so they can access online resources.
Students can access assessments and learning resources at any time through CDU's online learning platform, Learnline. Before getting started, make sure your computer meets the required system requirements.
Students are required to purchase Skin Deep Learning Resources from the CDU Beauty Salon for the units mentioned below in program content - the cost of each manual is approximately $28. These will be available to purchase during your orientation session on course commencement.
Uniforms
Palmerston
Students are required to purchase:
- A CDU t-shirt - YOU MAKE CDU WOMENS POLO from the CDU Bookshop at the Casuarina Campus $35.
- Spa uniform from figs.com.au or Dermalogica (details to be provided during the information session).
This must be worn with either black trousers or a knee length skirt with closed shoes.
Alice Springs
Students are required to purchase:
- A Spa Tunic Style No: H630L in Black for approximately $60.00, available from Hip Pocket, 10 Fogarty Street, Alice Springs, NT, phone number: 0402 531 105, OR
- WO's basic Tee - Black style: ASC-4051-BK with heat Press-300mmx210mm-1-19 "CDU Beaty (Hot Pink) approximately $40.00
This must be worn with black trousers or a knee length skirt with closed-in shoes.
Beauty Kits
Palmerston
Students who have not previously completed SHB30121 Certificate III in Beauty Services are required to purchase a lash lift kit and eyelash extension kit.
- The lash lift kit can be purchased from Elleebana and costs approximately $206.55 - $251.55.
- The eyelash extension kit can be purchased from Graft a Lash and costs approximately $215.00.
It is recommended that you also purchase a make-up brush set. Information where to purchase these kits will be provided on enrolment.
Alice Springs
It is recommended that you also purchase a make-up brush set. Information where to purchase these kits will be provided on enrolment.
All the lessons included theory and practical. We got to train with real clients in a busy environment and I got so much out of that.
Loan
CDU student
Hands-on practical lessons, experienced instructors, and all the resources that CDU provides will absolutely bring your skills and knowledge up to scratch–you won’t believe how much you’ll learn during the process.
Pat
CDU student
All the lessons included theory and practical. We got to train with real clients in a busy environment and I got so much out of that.
Loan
CDU student
Hands-on practical lessons, experienced instructors, and all the resources that CDU provides will absolutely bring your skills and knowledge up to scratch–you won’t believe how much you’ll learn during the process.
Pat
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the SHB Hairdressing and Beauty Services Training Package.
Location and study mode
Locations:Alice Springs, Palmerston
Study Mode: On campus, online, both
Note:
Delivery at individual locations is subject to demand. Additional locations and/or study modes may become available pending sufficient demand.
Additional information
Contact details
Tourism, Recreation and Beauty Services |
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
How to apply for CDU TAFE
Admission requirements
Domestic or international student?
How to apply for international students
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.
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