Diploma in Beauty Therapy (Level 5)

NMIT is part of Te Pūkenga

This means that you will now graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification. Read more
Locations and dates

Nelson:

16 February 2026
Study options

Full time
Length

34 teaching weeks plus 6 weeks of study break
Total credits

120
Fees

2025: $8,128 plus $260 Student Services Levy

A Compulsory Student Services Levy applies (2025; $2.17 per credit).

Fees listed are for each year of the programme, indicative only and may vary with course selection.

View course details for individual fees.
National qualification code

NZ3445

Gain practical work experience, applying your skills in a real-world setting in the on-Campus NMIT beauty clinics.

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Specifically designed to support career development, this programme offers advanced facial therapy, body treatments and electrolysis. Add these skills to a knowledge of anatomy and physiology, cosmetic chemistry, and practical work experience, and you will be qualified for a range of beauty therapy roles.

The Diploma in Beauty Therapy offers stimulating studies in advanced facial therapy, electrolysis and advanced body treatments.

Graduates, Ella and Aimie-Lee(external link), say the expertise and support of NMIT’s beauty therapy tutors played a key part in their success.

“The tutors are very positive and encouraged us to achieve our best and pass with high marks.”

Diploma graduates can also go on to further specialist studies and always stay up-to-date as new beauty therapy methods are developed.

Blended programme delivery

Our blended learning delivery means that you can lessen the time you need to be away from your employment and allows you to embed some of the practical training and assignments in your workplace.

You will learn the physical and practical elements of the programme in the on-campus training salons and can self-direct your online theory study.

On-campus timetable

Monday 12.30 – 9 pm

Wednesday 12 – 8 pm

Learn in a way that suits your life, on-the-job, on campus and online.

Beauty Zone, your on-campus training salon

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy (Level 4) [Ref: 3444], OR
Equivalent qualification, OR
Equivalent knowledge, skills and experience

Alternative requirements

Applicants (including those over 20 years of age) who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic Entry Requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry by the Curriculum Manager or delegate.

English language requirements

If English is not the applicant’s first language they will need to provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Table.(external link)

Applicants who do not have evidence of English language skills and are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, may contact NMIT for an assessment.

IELTS 5.5 Academic (no lower than 5.0 in any subtest)

IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.

Note: Applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance requirements are not required to provide evidence of English language skills.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must be at least 17 years of age at the time the programme commences.

Applicants who meet academic entry criteria may be required to attend an interview with the Programme Coordinator and tutor to inform the applicant about the programmes and assess suitability of the programmes for the applicant.

Additional course costs

Beauty Zone

Throughout the term, once a week, you will be able to practise your skills in a real-life setting in the on-campus training salon, Beauty Zone.

Treatments

You will learn to master a range of treatments and services over your two years of study. Including eyebrow tint and shapes, hair bleaching, facials, waxing, exfoliation, manicures, pedicures, make-up, tanning, massage, electrolysis and combination treatments.