Key facts

Entry requirements

96 or MMM

Full entry requirements

UCAS code

B204

Institution code

D26

Duration

3 yrs full-time, 4 yrs with placement

Three years full-time, four years sandwich (optional)

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

2025/26 international tuition:
£16,750

Entry requirements

UCAS code

B204

Institution code

D26

Duration

3 yrs full-time, 4 yrs with placement

Three years full-time, four years sandwich (optional)

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

2025/26 international tuition:
£16,750

With over 120 years of teaching experience in the Leicester School of Pharmacy, you’ll benefit from our respected reputation and expertise.

This unique course follows a "concept-to-consumer" approach, focusing on how pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and toiletry products are developed, formulated, and manufactured. With over 120 years of expertise through the Leicester School of Pharmacy, you'll gain cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on experience to succeed in these exciting industries. This is supported by our extensive network of collaborations ensuring that real-time developments in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry are a focal point on the programme.

From foundational sciences like microbiology and cell biology to advanced topics in drug design, personalised medicine, and sustainability, this degree builds the skills and knowledge employers want. With our industry connections, placements, and state-of-the-art labs, you’ll graduate ready to make an impact in the real world.

Key features

  • A specialist degree: We're one of the UK’s only degrees combining pharmaceutical and cosmetic science, offering unrivalled expertise.
  • A proud heritage: Benefit from over 120 years of teaching experience in the renowned Leicester School of Pharmacy.
  • Authentic facilities: Gain practical skills in dedicated labs with industry-standard equipment, preparing you for real-world challenges.
  • Broaden your horizons: Our graduates gain rewarding and stimulating careers in the pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic industries including for major companies such as AstraZeneca, Boots, The Body Shop, Catalent, and Barry M.
  • Become career ready: Our strong network with industry means you will be able to develop your practical and professional skills in real-world situations through optional placement opportunities and professional mentoring.
  • Professional status: Complete an annual personal development plan and one year of industrial experience to achieve 'Registered Scientist' recognition - raising your professional profile.

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What you will study

In the first year you will be introduced to the key concepts in pharmaceutical and cosmetic science alongside some fundamentals in analytical techniques and biology.

Professional Portfolio 1

This module is the first in a series of non-credit bearing modules which is based on a professional portfolio preparing you to take ownership of your continuous personal and professional development. This module will have you to develop and put into practice quantitative and mathematical skills including scientific calculations and manipulating mathematical and scientific equations.

Core Concepts in Pharmaceutical Sciences

This module is designed to introduce you to the fundamental principles of organic, inorganic, physical and pharmaceutical chemistry as well as giving you practical experience in essential laboratory skills.

Core Concepts in Cosmetic Sciences

This module will focus on fundamental principles in cosmetic science, specifically on core physiology of various body parts associated with cosmetic products and personal care products, key classes of ingredients, colour theory and fragrances.

Analytical Techniques

This module is practical based and has been specifically designed to introduce you to an array of analytical techniques and methodologies used in both pharmaceutical and cosmetic science.

Cell and Systems Biology

Here, you will become familiar with various principles of cell biology, biochemistry, physiology, and microbiology with regards to pharmaceutical and cosmetic science.

In the second year, you will build on the knowledge and skills gained in the first year. This year focuses on the design, formulation and manufacture of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.

Professional Portfolio 2

This module is the second in a series of non-credit bearing modules which is based on a professional portfolio preparing you to take ownership of your continuous personal and professional development. You will be encouraged to self-reflect based on assessment feedback and you will be able to identify specific professional needs in preparation for the optional placement year and/or future employment.

Pharmaceutical Formulation

This module will equip you the sound knowledge and practical skills to successfully formulate pharmaceutical products with a focus on material function and characteristics. You will be taught about powder technology and the formulation of various dosage forms such as suspensions and emulsions.

Cosmetic Formulation

Here you will be introduced to different types of cosmetic and personal care products with a specific emphasis on formulation. You will become well-versed in the formulation of common cosmetic products supported by a programme of extensive laboratory practical sessions.

Manufacture of Pharmaceutical Products

This module builds on preceding pharmaceutic-based modules and will give you a greater understanding of various unit operation in the manufacture and development of pharmaceutical products including packaging, scale up manufacture and product stability.

Design, Manufacture and Evaluation of Cosmetic Products

This module outlines the technical aspects of cosmetic product design. You will be able to apply the knowledge underpinning cosmetic science and formulation from previous modules onto product design and evaluation.

You may take an optional industrial placement year following your second year on the course.

Supported by our DMU Careers team, previous students have undertaken placements with organisations such as Unliever, Pfizer, and Boots. 

In your final year, you will be introduced to more specialist topics in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic arenas. You will be completing the concept-to-consumer arc of knowledge which underpins the programme; focusing on personalised medicines and drug delivery with a specific focus on responsible innovation and social responsibility.

Professional Portfolio 3

This module is the final non-credit bearing module in a series of professional development modules which is based on a professional portfolio preparing you to take ownership of your continuous personal and professional development. You will be able to reflect on your progression and focus on your preparation for graduation and your career following graduation.

Drug Design and Biopharmaceuticals

This module has been designed to focus on different approaches to drug design and discovery, including concepts of “drugability” and “druglikeness”. Computer-aided drug design, cheminformatics, modelling and using biological molecules as therapy will be a key focus here too.

Personalised Medicine and Drug Delivery

This module aims to underpin material science and biopharmaceutics theory to understand and address challenges associated with pharmaceutical formulation, drug delivery and personalised medicine. There will be a specific emphasis on drug delivery by various routes of administration.

Responsible Innovation in Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science

This module will encompass regulatory requirements, marketing and management aspects of the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry whilst focusing on sustainability in product development and the social responsibilities of these industries.

Research Project

This module will provide you the opportunity to consolidate the knowledge and skills you have gained over the course of the degree. You will conduct an independent research project in a topic area related to pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic science allowing you to develop a practical understanding of research methods and techniques whilst appreciating the multidisciplinary nature of the degree.

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.

Structure

Our student-focused approach fosters interactive and inclusive learning, encouraging independence and engagement. You’ll have access to a variety of resources, including podcast recordings, interactive large group sessions, and laboratory-based practicals, all complemented by workshops and seminars.

A diverse range of assessments is embedded throughout the course, including report writing, competency-based activities, knowledge checks, critical thinking case studies, and unseen exams.

Teaching Formats

  • Interactive Large Group Sessions and Workshops: Promoting active engagement and collaboration.
  • Laboratory-Based Practical Sessions: Developing hands-on skills in a controlled, experimental environment.
  • Podcasts and Online Resources: Supporting flexible, self-paced learning.
  • Seminars and Group Discussions: Encouraging critical thinking and peer interaction.

Teaching & Study Hours

  • Contact Hours: Typically up to 20 hours per week, depending on your level and chosen modules.
  • Self-Directed Study: Additional independent study hours to explore resources and complete assignments.
  • Assessments: Integrated into the course structure, covering practical, theoretical, and critical thinking skills.
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Our facilities

Our investment in our dedicated Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science teaching spaces offer you invaluable opportunities to develop your practical and professional skills in industry-standard facilities. Discover that what you learn in books is just the start in facilities that include a purpose-built practice suite with a mock dispensary unit, compounding and formulation laboratory, analytical chemistry and microbiology laboratories and multiple clinical skills cubicles. 

Health and Life Sciences facilities

Substantial investment in Health and Life Sciences has developed our teaching and learning facilities to help you develop your practical experience and theoretical knowledge beyond the classroom.

The 19th century Hawthorn Building has facilities designed to replicate current practice in health and life sciences, including contemporary analytical chemistry and formulation laboratories, audiology booths and nursing and midwifery clinical skills suites.

Meanwhile, the ten-storey Edith Murphy building provides a dedicated learning space, featuring classrooms, a lecture theatre, computer labs and meeting rooms.

What makes us special

DMU-global-NYC-5110

DMU Global

This is our innovative international experience programme which aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons – helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world. Through DMU Global, we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.

Students on this course have recently undertaken DMU Global trips to places such as New York, where they were able to gain more understanding of the healthcare provision provided by pharmacists in America. As well as this, students have previously visited a pharmaceutical manufacturing company in China to observe its processes and also travelled to Berlin to support refugees.

Where we could take you

Students on placement

Placement Year

As part of this course you will have the opportunity to complete an optional placement which offers invaluable professional experience. Placements are typically provided across Leicester and the wider East Midlands. You will have the chance to benefit from placement opportunities in global organisations such as Unilever, Pfizer and Boots.

The DMU Careers Team can help you secure a placement through activities such as mock interviews and practice aptitude tests, and you will be assigned a personal tutor to support you throughout your placement.

graduates-throwing-hats

Graduate careers

Our graduates have gone on to work for internationally recognised companies including GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca and Boots.

Throughout the course we will help you to enhance your employment opportunities by embedding transferable skill into the programme and providing opportunities to collaborate with key employers and stakeholders through the Leicester School of Pharmacy’s careers events and mentoring scheme.

Course specifications

Course title

Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science

Award

BSc (Hons)

UCAS code

B204

Institution code

D26

Study level

Undergraduate

Study mode

Full-time

Start date

September

Duration

Three years full-time, four years sandwich (optional)

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

2025/26 international tuition:
£16,750

*subject to the government, as is expected, passing legislation to formalise the increase.

Entry requirements

GCSEs

  • Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including: English and Maths

Plus one of the following:

A Level

  • A minimum of 96 points from 2 or more A levels, including Chemistry at grade C or above, and one other science subject from: Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Statistics, Maths/Further Maths, or Psychology at grade D or above

BTEC

  • BTEC National Diploma in Applied Science - Merit/Merit/Merit
  • BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science - Merit/Merit/Merit

Alternative qualifications include:

Access to HE Diploma

  • Pass QAA Accredited Science Access to HE with at least 15 level 3 credits in Chemistry at merit and 15 level 3 credits in a second science subject at merit.

English Language and Maths GCSE required as separate qualifications. Equivalency not accepted within the Access qualification.

International Baccalaureate: 24+ with 6 higher level points in Chemistry and another science (preferably Biology)

Interview required: No

Personal Statement selection criteria

  • Clear communication skills, including good grammar and spelling.
  • Information relevant to the course applied for.
  • Interest in the course demonstrated with explanation and evidence.
  • If relevant for the course - work and life experience.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with 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.

UCAS Tariff changes

Students applying for courses starting in September will be made offers based on the latest UCAS Tariff.