Skin science with a practical focus
Lots of my teachers work in the industry, and they're really good about letting everybody know if there are any opportunities or jobs that we might be interested in.
Daphne Ng
Bachelor of Dermal Sciences
Daphne Ng is turning her passion for skincare into a rewarding career, with the knowledge, skills and clinical experience she’s gaining at Victoria University (VU).
“I'm from Brunei and I'm in my final year of the Bachelor of Dermal Sciences at VU.
“I chose my degree at VU because I'm passionate about skin. VU stood out as it was one of the first universities that offered skin science at a bachelor degree level, and it had a really big focus on practical skills.”
A welcoming community
“Starting university can be daunting, but I felt really welcome straight away, and I found it really easy to make friends. The people here are really friendly and there's a large international student base, so I've never felt out of place.
“What was really surprising was that at VU the classes are quite small.
Because of the small class sizes, I feel like I'm really able to connect and make friends with my peers, as well as really have a relationship with my teachers.
“I'm never scared to reach out or ask for help from them, and I also feel that we're never rushing through any of the content.”
Building skin science knowledge, one subject at a time
“When I first heard about the VU Block Model®, it made complete sense to me, and honestly I don’t know why more universities don’t run this model.
“I find it really useful to be able to focus on one unit for a four-week period, and I find that I'm able to retain and recall information a lot better than if I were to focus on several different subjects at one time
“The course is up-to-date and covers the latest industry methods. Additionally, it gives you a really good comprehensive understanding of light and laser.
“Although the degree has a big focus on skin science, there are many different units that extend beyond this. In particular, I like the units focusing on burns, scars and different diseases, which has really inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare in the future.”
Practical skills and clinical experience
“The teaching clinic at City Campus where we do our classes and clinical placements is really spacious. It's got all of the latest up-to-date technologies, and not to mention it's got an amazing view of the city.
The great thing about this course is that work experience is built into it. We spend class time practising on each other as models, but we also have people who come in from the general public.
“Our patients come with their own queries and concerns, which we have to apply our skills and critical thinking to. It's a really good opportunity to see different skin types and skin conditions that you'll be studying in your units.”
Preparing to launch a rewarding career
“There are many opportunities to work in the skincare industry. However, the minimum standards are rising, so I have found it very beneficial to be able to go into interviews having been backed up by my bachelor degree.
"Lots of my classmates and teachers already work in the industry, and they're really good about letting everybody know if there are any opportunities or jobs that we might be interested in."
“I'm in the last six months of my degree and I plan to spend a year working in either a surgery or a dermatology practice when I graduate.
“I would definitely recommend VU. They have a wide range of courses, an excellent teaching environment and extensive facilities. My degree has set me up to be industry-ready, and what’s really made it special is that I've made lifelong connections and friendships.”