COURSE CURRICULUM

The BSc (Hons) Cosmetic Science degree combines scientific knowledge with practical skills to prepare students for careers in the cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, and personal care industries. In the first year, you’ll develop a strong scientific foundation through modules in molecular and cellular biology, chemistry, pharmacology, physiology, and anatomy, while also learning about the strict regulations that govern pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, including Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), and Cosmetic Product Safety Reports (CPSR). As you progress, you’ll explore specialist areas such as dermatology and claim substantiation, where you’ll learn how to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cosmetic products, and botanicals and extraction techniques, which examine natural ingredients and how they are obtained for use in formulations. You’ll also study cosmetic product development and quality control, gaining practical experience in creating and testing products, alongside principles of cosmetic formulation and fragrances, where you’ll understand ingredient selection, product stability, and perfume design. In your final year, you’ll investigate advanced cosmetic formulations and innovations, learning about cutting-edge technologies and emerging trends within the industry. You’ll also study marketing and regulatory frameworks in cosmetics, exploring product development, branding, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and international regulations. The nutricosmetics module introduces the rapidly growing field of ingestible beauty products, including supplements designed to improve skin, hair, and nail health from within. The course culminates in an independent research project, allowing you to investigate a topic of personal interest and produce a professional scientific report and presentation. An optional placement year provides valuable industry experience. Graduates leave with expertise in formulation science, product testing, quality assurance, regulations, and business management, opening doors to careers in research and development, product formulation, regulatory affairs, marketing, and innovation across the global cosmetics and personal care industries.