Entry requirements

Degree:

2:2 in a relevant subject

Further entry requirements may apply

Key facts

Study mode:

Full-time

Start dates:

September (12 months)

Fees:

2027/28 tuition fees for UK students: £10,400

2027/28 tuition fees for EU and international students: £18,300

See all the key facts and full entry requirements

Overview

Taught in the Leicester School of Pharmacy, the Cosmetic Science MSc programme will provide you with hands-on experience of practical skills and research methods used in the field of cosmetic science. Teaching is based around the needs of modern industry and provides graduates with ethical and environmental perspectives to enable them to thrive in evolving industry requirements. It is informed by the strong links with industry that we have developed in the School and provides you with a holistic insight into the cosmetics industry.

Our course is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career within the cosmetic science industry in areas such as formulation, manufacture, marketing, regulatory affairs or academia. Graduates will be well-rounded cosmetic scientists who are not only knowledgeable and skilled but also ethical, adaptable, and effective communicators, ready to contribute to the ever-evolving cosmetic industry - whether by joining established companies or pursuing their own entrepreneurial ventures.

Key features

Our reputation of more than 100 years’ pharmacy teaching ensures we produce graduates of the highest calibre.
DMU is one of only a handful of universities nationally offering a Cosmetic Science Masters programme.
International and UK students will benefit from this course and will have opportunities to progress to PhD study and globally relevant employment in the cosmetics industry sector.
Study a range of specialist modules allowing you to receive up-to-date insights on cosmetic formulation, manufacturing, and responsible innovation.
In addition to the core scientific components of the programme, you will also focus on the business and intellectual property aspects that are interwoven with cosmetic innovation and entrepreneurship to enable career progression.
Benefit from Block teaching, where a simplified ‘block learning’ timetable means you will study one module at a time and have more time to engage with your learning, receive faster feedback and enjoy a better study-life balance.

What you will study

Year 1

Block 1: Fundamental Principles in Cosmetic Science

This module is designed to explore the relationship between the physiological properties of external body parts and the effect cosmetics has on them. This will be considered in a global context. The module will cover the principles of colloid science, the advanced applications of ‘structured’ formulations in cosmetic products and analysis of the safety and efficacy of preservatives in various cosmetic products. This module will also consider the application of colour theory and advanced rheology, its characterisation, and its relevance to the cosmetic industry.

Block 2: Design, Formulation and Manufacture of Cosmetic Products

The module seeks to provide you with tools and methodologies required to incorporate cosmetic ‘actives,’ interpret their mechanism of action and their physicochemical properties, including natural products. Quantitative evaluation of cosmetic formulations will be studied and critiqued. The factors that drive innovation in product design will be explored including sustainability, in line with the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs). It will cover aspects of manufacturing including, but not limited to, scale up, equipment (bench top and large scale) and different forms of cosmetic products.

Block 3: Cosmetics: Concept to Consumer

The module is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of cosmetic product lifecycle management; from inception to the hand of consumers. It will address qualitative evaluation of cosmetic products, and their development will be considered in the context of industry regulations, sustainability, and safety guidelines.

Block 4: Research and Innovation in Cosmetic Science

The module will introduce business creation and innovation across the sector. It will consider entrepreneurship and highlight emerging trends in the cosmetics industry. It will also consider the challenges of new product development and how fundamental research, and product development can address them. This module also aims to extend your understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods, analysing quantitative data and the presentation of data in an accessible fashion.

Block 5 and 6: Research Dissertation

The module will provide you with the opportunity to conduct an independent research project in a topic aligned to Cosmetic Science. It will build on your knowledge of research methods and concepts.

Teaching and assessment

You will be expected to participate in an extensive programme of learning that will require full commitment and focus throughout your study.

The learning environment for the first four blocks of teaching is varied with

Lectures
Workshops
Seminars
Laboratory-based practicals
Computer laboratories

You can expect to spend about a third of your directed study time working at the bench in our research laboratories. In the fifth and sixth blocks of teaching, the learning venue will depend on your dissertation topic and will be much more aimed at guided self-study.

Each module is assessed by coursework; a variety of assessment methods are used throughout the programme which are authentic to the role of an industrial cosmetic scientist. The assessments include practical reports, case study reports; oral and poster presentations and a final dissertation.

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Why choose DMU?

Your future career

This course equips graduates with the relevant knowledge and skills to compete for jobs in cosmetic science and wider pharmaceutical sectors linked to industry or academia all over the world. Graduates will be well placed to enter the industry as technical specialists in the areas of cosmetic research and development; formulation, quality assurance and regulatory affairs or to set up their own business.

Our renowned undergraduate programme Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science BSc (Hons) has produced graduates that have joined nationally and internationally recognised companies such as AstraZeneca, Walgreens Boots Alliance and Reckitt. We anticipate that the Cosmetic Science M.Sc. programme will offer opportunities within these and other companies at a higher level.

Careers and employability

An award-winning Careers Team, the #1 UK university for careers support (TargetJobs National Graduate Recruitment Awards, 2024), we provide you with all the support you need.

Our careers commitment doesn’t end at graduation. With DMU for Life, you’ll have access to lifelong career support throughout your entire career.

How we support you

Unlimited one-to-one careers coaching

Get tailored advice and guidance from our expert careers advisors whenever you need it.

Professional development programme

Boost your employability with workshops, bootcamps, training sessions, and employer-led events.

Inside Edge Mentoring

Connect with professionals from dynamic industries to expand your career insight, network and knowledge of the world of work.

24/7 access to digital employability tools

Access LinkedIn Learning, personalised CV feedback, mock interviews and more – anytime, anywhere.

Entrepreneurship support

Bring your business ideas to life with events, networking opportunities, expert speakers, workshops and links to funding opportunities.

Job search assistance

Get support finding part-time work, placements, internships and graduate jobs.

Employability projects and placements

Gain real-world experience through academic business consultancy projects or work placements (course-dependent).

Industry-informed teaching

Learn from real-world experience and academics, guest lecturers and business leaders who share their industry expertise.

Discover postgraduate careers

Fees and funding

UK and Channel Island students

2027/28 tuition fees for UK students: £10,400

EU and international students

2027/28 tuition fees for EU and international students: £18,300

Funding

Postgraduate Master's Loan (Student Loans Company)

A Postgraduate Master’s Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master’s course.

Funding for postgraduate loans is different if:

you normally live in Scotland
you normally live in Wales
you normally live in Northern Ireland

Find out more about a Master's loan

Additional postgraduate loans and grants

Sir Thomas White Loans Charity

Applicants may be able to borrow up to £10,000 interest-free for 9 years from the Sir Thomas White Loans Charity for postgraduate study. Applicants must be resident in Leicestershire or Rutland for more than three years and be aged over 18 years old and under 45 years old.

Telephone number for Sir Thomas White Loans Charity: +44 (0)116 204 6620

Sir Harry James Riddleston Charity of Leicester

Applicants may be able to borrow up to £10,000 interest-free for five to 10 years for business, vocational or education purposes from the Sir Harry James Riddleston Charity of Leicester. You must be aged over 18 and under 45 and reside in Leicestershire or Rutland.

Telephone number for Sir Harry Riddleston Charity of Leicester: +44 (0)1858 463322

Educational grants, trusts and charities

Some educational trusts and charities provide small grants to help towards books, fees or equipment. There are several searchable online Grants databases such as Turn2us.

Funds for women graduates

Funds for Women Graduates offer grants towards living expenses for the final year of a PhD or DPhil for UK, EU or international students.

Going to university represents a real investment in your future and there is plenty of financial support available to students for both tuition fees and living expenses.

Find out more about funding

Additional costs

The core textbooks for all modules are available in the Kimberlin Library, and journal articles in your reading lists are also mostly available electronically from your myDMU login.

Some students like to purchase their own text books or print course documents and we suggest allowing approximately £200 per year for this.

All students are required to pay for their DBS check if required for your programme or placement.

In addition, students will be required to pay for their travel costs to placements or project locations.

All students are provided the opportunity to participate in DMU Global trips. These trips are subsidised by the University, and the cost and subsidy vary by location.

Scholarships

20% Postgraduate Alumni Scholarship

This scholarship provides DMU graduates with an exclusive tuition fee discount of 20 per cent. The discount is available on selected full-time, part-time and distance learning postgraduate taught courses running across multiple start dates.

Read more about the Postgraduate Alumni Scholarship

Entry requirements

Degree:

2:2 in a relevant subject

2:2 or equivalent, in chemistry, chemical engineering, pharmacy, pharmaceutical science (or equivalent) or a portfolio of professional and/or academic qualifications of equivalent standing to an Honours degree.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Key facts

Course title

Cosmetic Science

Award

MSc

Programme code

B29072

Study mode

Full-time

Study level

Postgraduate

Start dates

September

Duration

12 months

How to apply

How to apply for a masters degree

Save these details for your application

Programme title:: Cosmetic Science MSc
Programme code:: B29072

You can apply using the DMU Application Portal. This method allows you to save, revisit and review your application before submitting it at any time of the day.

The following should be submitted with the application form:

Where required, one current reference on official headed paper or from a professional email address. This can be a work or academic reference and must be signed and recently dated
Copies of your academic transcripts
Copies of your degree or diploma certificates
Your personal statement

DMU Application Portal