Course Description
MSc Cosmetic Science is an applied science course designed for students who want a career in the cosmetics and personal care industries. The course focuses on the needs of those industries and their consumers.
These industries have expanded rapidly in recent years as consumers have become more aware of the potential benefits of cosmetic products, and more critical of the way they are produced. In addition to subject-specific knowledge and skills, the course enables students to develop the critical and analytical skills necessary to become cosmetic scientists.
What to expect
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MSc Cosmetic Science is an integrated masters course, which takes four or five years to complete, depending on whether a student chooses to take an optional placement year in industry.
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The course equips graduates with knowledge and understanding of the various disciplines within Cosmetic Science and of how the industry works. The Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) recognises the course as one ‘of immediate relevance to the industry’ due to its scientific, technological and business curriculum.
Graduates from MSc Cosmetic Science are employed throughout the industry, both in the UK and internationally, in a wide range of roles. These include research and development, product manufacturing, marketing, technical sales, product testing, quality assurance, logistics and regulation sectors. Employment prospects for graduates are excellent, with most of them being in professional roles within 6 months of leaving the course, while some graduates choose to take an entrepreneurial route.
Course Content
Year 1
Year 1 is principally about helping you to make the transition from school to university study and to provide you with the underpinning knowledge needed in order to make that transition successfully - a unit is included to assist you in developing the skills you will need to become an independent learner. There will be units in the core sciences that will prepare you for the specific demands of understanding cosmetic science. In Block 2 you will begin formulating a variety of cosmetic products and even get the chance to develop your own.
All year 1 students take the ‘Better Lives’ unit which allows you to explore diversity, social responsibility and sustainability, all themes which are increasingly important in contemporary society.
Units studied:
- Introduction to Cosmetic Science
- Applied Chemistry
- Applied Biology
- Colloidal Science
- Formulation Science
- Better Lives
Year 2
Year 2 continues with the core disciplines, but also focusses on the creation of specific products for care of the skin and hair and also in perfumery and decorative cosmetics. In addition to creating products you will learn how to test and evaluate them for both effect and for stability.
This year will also introduce you to the important subject of product safety and the relevant legislation governing the formulation and sale of safe, legally compliant cosmetics. Additionally, you will discuss packaging and its role in protecting cosmetic products and enhancing sales.
Units studied:
- Skincare and Colour Cosmetics
- Product Evaluation
- Product Safety, Quality and Legislation
- Product Packaging and Stability
- Haircare
- Perfumery
Optional placement year
Leading to the Diploma in Professional Studies, this placement is undertaken after successful completion of stage 2 of the course. You will undertake a period of professional placement of at least 30 weeks duration. Placements may be in the United Kingdom or abroad and may be in a range of relevant roles within the industry depending on your area of interest. LCF Careers offer a comprehensive programme, including workshops and tutorials, which prepares students for the application process and interviews. Both LCF Careers and the academic team support students throughout the placement year.
Year 3
Year 3 of the course focusses more on the business aspects of the industry with units aimed at providing you with an understanding of how all the different aspects of product development and production come together in the finished project. Issues relating to the stability, packaging, efficacy testing and marketing of products will be considered. Block 6 will culminate in a product launch project which will allow you to follow the stages required to take a new product from idea to sale.
Units studied:
- Applied Product Formulation
- Production and Distribution Management
- Strategic Marketing
- Cosmetic Product Claims
- Product Launch Project
Final Year
The final year of your course brings together all the topics that you have covered during your time at the College. The Advanced Cosmetic Science unit gives an overview of current trends in cosmetic science and the industry. The main focus of your studies, however, will be your MSc project. Choosing from a list of available topics, with the option to suggest your own, you will begin by creating a Project Proposal which will form the basis of your project report (laboratory-based projects) or dissertation (theoretical, literature-based projects). All topics are expected to address issues of practical or theoretical importance for the cosmetics industry.
Units studied:
- MSc Project Proposal
- Advanced Cosmetic Science
- MSc Project for Cosmetic Science
Entry Requirements
The standard minimum entry requirements for this course are:
One or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications.
- Three A Level passes to a minimum of 120 new UCAS tariff points (equivalent to 300 old UCAS tariff points) – one of the subjects must be Chemistry, at a minimum grade of C or equivalent;
- DDD at BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant Science subject;
- or equivalent EU or non-EU qualifications such as International Baccalaureate Diploma;
- and Five GCSE passes at grade A*-C or grade 9-4, including Maths and two Science subjects.
APEL (Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning)
Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
- Related academic or work experience
- The quality of the personal statement
- A strong academic or other professional reference
- OR a combination of these factors
Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.
English Language Requirements
IELTS level 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Assessment Methods
The following assessment methods are employed to support the integrated aims of the course outcomes:
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Written and practical examinations
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Laboratory and project reports
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Case studies
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Essays
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Oral presentations
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MSc Report/Dissertation
Additional Information
Autumn term:
Monday 14 September - Friday 4 December 2020
Spring term:
Monday 4 January - Friday 12 March 2021
Summer term:
Monday 12 April - Friday 18 June 2021
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