Expressions of Interest for the:
Vocational Graduate Certificate in Cosmeceutical Design and Development
Have you ever wanted to design and develop your own cosmeceutical range?
The Australasian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal Science (AACDS) in conjunction with the Institute of Personal Care Science (IPCS) are now taking expressions of interest for a new postgraduate qualification (pending government-accreditation) in cosmeceutical design and development.
Course overview
The proposed postgraduate course is developed for qualified Dermal Therapists or Cosmetic Nurses. The course curriculum covers the key competencies required to develop highly specialised skin care products designed specifically for the cosmetic medical or advanced beauty practice. The course outcome provides graduates with a qualification to effectively and safely develop cosmeceuticals supported by the underpinning skills and knowledge of dermal therapies and cosmetic medicine.
Employment opportunities
- Design, develop and promote your own range of cosmeceuticals
- Dermal Therapist / Cosmeceutical Developer within a cosmetic medical practice
- Dermal Therapist / Cosmeceutical Developer within a non-medical skin clinic
- Freelance cosmeceutical developer and consultant
- Cosmeceutical company representative/trainer
- Research and development for a cosmeceutical manufacturer/distributor
Admission requirements
- Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science or
- Vocational Graduate Certificate in Cosmetic Nursing
- Medical Doctors (MBBS) working within the cosmetic medical profession
Course duration and commitment
Full-time > 20 hours per week over 16 weeks
Part-time > 10 hours per week over 32 weeks
Study mode
The Voc. Graduate Certificate in Cosmeceutical Design and Development will be a theory only course delivered via correspondence. As a postgraduate course, this allows students to easily work in industry whilst enhancing their current position and increasing their employability skills.
Further learning pathways
On completion of the Voc. Graduate Certificate in Cosmeceutical Development, graduates may choose to continue their studies for a further 15 units in order to achieve the Diploma of Personal Care Formulation through the Institute of Personal Care Science. This government-accredited qualification provides graduates with the knowledge and practical skills to commence hands-on formulation of cosmeceuticals and all personal care products.
Course structure
The Voc. Graduate Certificate in Cosmeceutical Development is developed and delivered in partnership with the Institute of Personal Care Science.
| Code | Unit/Cluster Title |
|---|---|
| AACDS2.4 (Module) | Cosmeceutical Science |
| PCSPDP401A | Evaluate the functions of ingredients in cosmeceutical products |
| PCSPDP503A | Apply compliance requirements in the promotion of cosmeceutical products (cosmeceuticals) |
| PCSPCF503A | Apply compliance requirements to ingredient selection |
| PCSPDP402A | Evaluate the safety of a product formulation |
| PCSPDP501A | Design evaluations of cosmeceutical performance |
| PCSPDP502A | Create a product development rief |
| BSBMKG408B | Conduct market research |
Unit descriptors
Cosmeceutical Science
Cosmeceutical science will significantly enhance the therapist’s or nurse’s knowledge of over-the-counter cosmeceuticals and prescription pharmaceuticals used in dermatology. This knowledge is beneficial in order to effectively treat common skin concerns and complement cosmetic surgery and/or dermal therapy procedures. This unit provides an evidence-based approach to specific cosmeceutical ingredients as opposed to branded formulas.
Evaluate the safety of a cosmeceutical formulation
This unit covers the responsibility of organisations pertaining to, and regulations governing the safety of, personal care products. It also covers the irritant and allergen reactions experienced by consumers; how safety of a personal care product can be evaluated; and how to identify and reduce the irritancy and allergen profile of a personal care product. This unit enables the learner to effectively evaluate potential safety issues pertaining to various personal care products. This unit is appropriate for those involved in the marketing, development and formulation of personal care products.
Evaluate the functions of ingredients in cosmeceutical products
This unit covers the origin and functions of the common ingredients used in personal care products. This unit enables the attainment of skills and knowledge required to investigate and evaluate the origins and functions of the many and varied ingredients used in personal care products. This unit is appropriate for those involved in the marketing, development, and formulation of personal care products.
Design evaluations of cosmeceutical product performance
This unit covers how to design, implement and interpret results of tests used to evaluate personal care product performance. This unit enables the learner to effectively use these strategies, as part of an organisation, to report conclusions of product performance.
Create a product development brief
This unit covers the creation of a product development brief to meet specific organisational needs and preferences for a variety of personal care products. This unit enables the attainment of skills and knowledge required to create a product development brief in line with specific organisational requirements within the personal care industry. This unit is appropriate for those involved in the theoretical development of personal care products.
Apply compliance requirements in the promotion of personal care products (cosmeceuticals)
This unit covers the application of the range of compliance requirements and obligations that must be fulfilled by an organisation promoting personal care products (cosmetics). This unit could be undertaken as a member of a compliance management team. It is intended to ensure that compliance is an integral part of normal business operations.
Apply compliance requirements to ingredient selection
This unit covers identifying compliance requirements for appropriate ingredient selection; incorporating searches involved to determine compliance requirements and reports required in order to achieve compliance. This unit enables the learner to select ingredients in accordance with compliance requirements; and to report ingredient use as and when required. This unit is appropriate for those involved in the development and formulation of personal care products.
Conduct market research
This unit covers outcomes required to implement all aspects of a market research plan in order to effectively promote a cosmeceutical range. Students will gain the skills and knowledge to conduct market research using interview, survey and statistical methodologies. This learning material has been contextualised to suit the cosmetic industry and uses examples applicable to the development of cosmeceutical products.
How do I register my interest?
The proposed Voc. Graduate Certificate in Cosmeceutical Development is at the submission stage for government-accreditation. We envisage this course will be available mid-2010.
To register your expression of interest and be eligible for the introductory course fee (estimated fee is $3,000), please click here.
Contact AACDS
Australasian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal Science
Suite 1a Arcadia Chambers, 1 Roydhouse St
SUBIACO, Perth Western Australia 6008
Phone: +61 8 9382 4788
Fax: +61 8 9382 4833
Email: enquiries@aacds.edu.au
CRICOS Provider No. 02813B




