Level 6 Certificate in Skin & Hair Science 2026

by Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin.

When:
Starting Tuesday 20th January 2026
Weekly Tuesday evenings 
7.00pm – 9.00pm

Each lecture covers two lessons. There are opportunities to ask questions throughout the two-hour session.

• 20th January – Topic 1
• 27th January – Topic 1
• 3rd February – Topic 1 – Assessment 1 – Due on 8th February @ 11:59
• 9th February – Topic 2
• 17th February – Topic 2
• 23rd February – Topic 2
• 3rd March – Topic 3
• 10th March – Topic 3 – Assessment 2 – Due on 15th March @11:59
• 17th March – N/A BANK HOLIDAY
• 24th March – Topic 4
• 31st March – Topic 4
• 7th April – Topic 4
• 14th April – Topic 5 – Assessment 3 – Due on 26th April @11:59
• 21st April – Topic 5
• 28th April – Topic 5 – Q&A
• 5th May – Assessment 4 – Due on 5th May @19:00
• 12th May – Resit – @19:00

Location
Online delivery
Delivered by the Charles Institute of Dermatology,
UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin

Cost:
Image Skillnet Member Price: €520

This Image Skillnet course is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. It is a requirement to complete paperwork both before and after the course. You can read more on EU Funds website http://www.eufunds.ie. 

This is an intensive programme designed to challenge and develop skills. Prospective participants are strongly encouraged to consider their availability and capacity to commit before enrolling. Places are limited and full payment is required in advance of the course start date.

Requirements

• This is an undergraduate Level 6 Certificate

• Applicants must hold a Level 5 qualification (Leaving Certificate) or equivalent, and/or relevant work experience

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and industry experience may be considered

• Suitable for current and future employees in the grooming industry

Course Overview:

This Certificate of Continuing Education in Skin and Hair Science is designed for those working in, or intending to work in, the personal grooming industry.

Built with insights from practitioners in the beauty and grooming sectors, the course supports learners in developing a deeper understanding of skin and hair health to inform current or future practice.

Students will learn about normal skin and hair follicle health, the factors that contribute to this health, and the diversity of skin and hair across populations.

As the course is originated and delivered by Prof. Desmond J Tobin, Director of the UCD Charles Institute of Dermatology, reference will be made throughout to current research in skin and hair follicle biology, including variants, ageing, disease (particularly alopecia), and management. The course also examines cosmetic and nutricosmetic approaches through the lens of evidence-based best practice

For full course structure, topic details, assessment dates and weekly schedule, please refer to the course booklet below.

UCD Skillnet booklet 2026

Course Content:

• Topic 1: Introduction to Skin & Hair Sciences
• Topic 2: Skin Anatomy & Physiology
• Topic 3: Skin Ageing & Management
• Topic 4: Hair Anatomy & Physiology
• Topic 5: Hair Ageing & Management

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this Certificate, learners will be able to:

• Understand core concepts of skin and hair biological science
• Recognise normal presentation of skin and scalp hair
• Identify common abnormalities affecting skin and scalp hair
• Understand regenerative and wound-healing capacities of skin and hair follicles
• Recognise appropriate referral pathways to medical professionals
• Understand hair fibre formation and structure
• Understand skin cell formation and the influence of age, gender, and geographic ancestry
• Understand the impact of chemical exposure, products, diet, wellbeing, and environmental factors
• Understand the psychosocial impact of skin and hair-related conditions

Assessments

There are four online Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) assessments.

• Assessments 1–3 are low-risk assessments for learning

• Assessment 4 is a must-pass final exam

Assessment 4 consists of a 50-question MCQ exam (2 hours) and carries 50% of the final mark. A pass mark of 50% is required.

If a learner fails Assessment 4, they must resit the exam on:
12 May 2026 at 7.00pm

To successfully complete the course, the overall score across all assessments must be over 50%

Certificate on completion:
Level 6 Certificate in Skin & Hair Science.

If you need help in booking on to this course, contact us at info@imageskillnet.ie or 071-9640438. Course must be fully paid for in advance of the start date. Refunds will only be issued if notice of non-attendance is provided in writing at least 15 working days before the course start date. Please ensure you can fully commit to the course before booking, as places are limited. Certain more expensive courses have their own refund policy. 

We encourage prospective participants to carefully consider their availability and capacity before enrolling. This is an intensive course designed to challenge and develop your skills. Please ensure you have the dedication necessary to meet the demands of the program.  

Enrollment is not fully confirmed until the ESF form is completed. The ESF form will be sent from the Image Skillnet office during office hours.