Year of entry
- 2026
UCAS code
- B204
Duration of study
- 3 years
Cosmetic Science - BSc (Hons)
Course summary
Cosmetic Science at Keele explores exciting new developments in fast-moving consumer markets. Our Cosmetic Science degree programme will enable you to understand the underlying physical and biological sciences and learn how to apply them to the development, formulation, manufacture and marketing of cosmetic products, whilst also considering the key contexts of sustainability, globalisation and product claims.
Why study Cosmetic Science at Keele University?
Develop the multi-disciplinary and problem-solving skills the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries are actively looking for in graduates Study a curriculum designed with employability at the heart of the programme Learn from lecturers with experience and expertise of working in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry State-of-the-art facilities including the Central Science Laboratories Enhance your employability by spending a year working in industry
Course overview
You will explore the multifaceted nature of the cosmetic industry, and apply your knowledge to real-world requirements including addressing formulation challenges, and considering the international regulatory and legal frameworks within an industry increasingly focussed on sustainability.
You will cover the key aspects of cosmetic science and cosmetic product development, manufacture, regulation and marketing, and discover how the underpinning sciences fit into global business and legal and regulatory frameworks. This includes elements of regulatory approval and the role of the cosmetic scientist within the industry team that takes a new product from concept to market.
Our carefully designed curriculum ensures you develop the required subject-specific knowledge to seek employment after your degree. The key themes of this BSc will enable you to:
- Understand the core principles of pharmaceutical and cosmetic science as they are applied to the development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and related products
- Enhance your awareness of the sciences underpinning pharmaceutical, cosmetic and related product development including chemistry, biological sciences, toxicology and formulation science
- Understand the role of legislation in a range of territories in marketing safe and effective cosmetic products, supported by product claims
- Describe key issues in supply chain management and apply them to the sustainable development of cosmetic products
- Understanding how research is applied to these fields and helps address emerging challenges in specific areas
- Communicate effectively the key scientific, marketing, safety and sustainability issues underpinning pharmaceutical, cosmetic and related product development to a range of different audiences, e.g. customers, patients, regulators and other scientists.
Between years two and three of your studies, you will have the opportunity to enhance your employability by undertaking a year-long work placement.
Related courses
Course structure
Modules for Cosmetic Science
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are subject to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Double Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework
Keele is one of only 15 broad-based universities in England - out of over 100 - to have been awarded Gold in both the 2017 and 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) exercises, demonstrating our consistent teaching excellence.
Additional opportunities
There are a range of additional opportunities for this course.
Please note that undertaking one may impact the availability of another.
Work placement year
In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are seeking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge, skills and an understanding of the workplace. In between years two and three of your studies, there is the opportunity to undertake a work placement. This will enable you to apply the skills and theories you have learnt to real situations in the industrial workplace.
Enhancing your skills
In addition to the subject-specific knowledge that you will gain throughout the programme, you will be supported to develop a suite of skills pertinent to the cosmetic and related industries. You will be able to confidently construct complex arguments to problem solve, and will develop your ability to critically analyse contrasting theories within contemporary practice. You will become confident in gathering and evaluating data sets to propose solutions and make reasoned decisions..
Entry requirements
These are the typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If your qualifications aren't listed, please contact us to check if we can accept them. If you don't think you'll meet the stated requirements, you may be able to access this course via a Foundation Year.
Typical offer
Please ensure you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and/or English language requirements.
Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
A Level
BBB in three A levels including B in Chemistry or Biology
Contextual Offer: BCC in three A levels including B in Chemistry or Biology
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma
DDM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas:
Applied Science
Contextual Offer: DMM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas:
Applied Science
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC National Diploma / Diploma
Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in Chemistry or Biology A Level, or Distinction and Merit in Applied Science BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in any A level
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma
Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels including B in Chemistry or Biology
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
T Level
Merit in any of the following T levels:
Health
Healthcare Science
Science
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
555 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Chemistry or Biology, or 30 points including 5 in Higher Level Chemistry or Biology
Contextual Offer: 544 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Chemistry or Biology, or 28 points including 5 in Higher Level Chemistry or Biology
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, or 3 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 3 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus an English language qualification (see below)
International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme
We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.
If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.
For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Access to HE Diploma
122 UCAS points in an Access to HE Diploma with Chemistry or Biology related content, including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice on whether your chosen course would qualify
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru
The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A levels in a standard A level offer for this course (see A level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.
Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers
BBBCC in five Highers including Chemistry or Biology Higher, or CC in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers including Chemistry Higher or Advanced Higher, or CCC in three Advanced Highers including Chemistry Advanced Higher
You will also need: C in National 5 Maths, or 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Core Maths
If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Ireland - Leaving Certificate
H3, H3, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate including H4 in Chemistry, Physics and Chemistry (combined) or Biology
You will also need: O4 / H6 in Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
China - Gaokao
73% in the Gaokao including 70% in Chemistry or Biology
You will also need: 60% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
India - Standard XII
Average of 70% from four subjects including 70% in Chemistry or Biology in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 75% from four subjects including 75% in Chemistry or Biology in any other Standard XII
You will also need: 6 or C2 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Germany - Abitur
2.2 overall average in the Abitur including 12 in Chemistry or Biology
You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Abitur, plus an English language qualification (see below)
France - Baccalaureate
13 in the French Baccalaureate / International Option Baccalaureate including 13 in Chemistry / Physics or Biology, or 12.5 in the Baccalauréat Français International including 12.5 in Chemistry / Physics or Biology.
You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Baccalaureate, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Hong Kong - Diploma
444 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE including 4 in Chemistry or Biology
You will also need: 2 in HKDSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Spain - Bachillerato
Overall average of 7.4 in the Título de Bachillerato including 8 in Chemistry or Biology
You will also need: 5 in Graduado en Educación Secundaria (GES) Maths or 6 in Título de Bachiller Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato
80% in the Esame di Stato including 8 in Chemistry, Biology or Natural Science
You will also need: 5 in Maths in the Diploma, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Cyprus - Apolytirion
18 / 86% in the Apolytirion including 18 in Chemistry or Biology
You will also need: 14 in Maths in the Apolytirion, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Portugal
Overall average of 15.5 in a secondary certificate including 16 in Chemistry or Biology
You will also need: 10 in secondary certificate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Canada - Diploma
65% / BBBCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma including 70% in Chemistry or Biology
You will also need: 50% in Grade 11 Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya - KCSE / Diploma
We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND
We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
USA - Advanced Placement
444 from three Advanced Placement subjects including 4 in Chemistry or Biology
You will also need: C in Grade 12 High School Diploma Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Sri Lanka - Advanced Level
BBB in three Advanced levels including B in Chemistry or Biology
You will also need: C in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Malaysia - STPM
BBB in three Principal level subjects in the STPM including B in Chemistry or Biology
You will also need: C in SPM Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate
We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Singapore - A Levels (H2)
BBB in three H2 levels including B in Chemistry or Biology
You will also need: C in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
European Baccalaureate
72% overall with 7 in Chemistry or Biology (4 period)
6 in European Baccalaureate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
NCUK
Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBB including B in Chemistry or Biology. Grade C in EAP English Language module
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or international equivalent
Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education
BBB in three Principal level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education including B in Chemistry or Biology
You will also need: 6 in UACE or UCE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE
BBB in three Advanced Level subjects including B in Chemistry or Biology
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
English language requirements
All our courses require an English language qualification or test. Most students meet this through a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please visit our English Language pages for details, including test information for international students. For students who require a test, this course requires a result from Group A.
Alternative and contextual offers
We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. We offer alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying in the Keele region, and recognition of a range of additional qualifications.
General information
The entry grades outlined indicate the typical offer, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary conditions based upon a candidate's application.
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Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year
- UK: £9,535 for the 2025/6 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval).
- International: Band 2, £20,200 for the 2025/26 academic year
Please note, our 2026/27 entry fees have not yet been set. We set our fees on an annual basis and they will be updated here once set.
For Home students, the University's fees are regulated by the UK Government and may be subject to change in subsequent years of your course in-line with government policy or legal requirements. For continuing international students, fees will increase annually by RPI, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
For details of our international fee bands visit our Undergraduate tuition fees page.
Going to university can be daunting as well as exciting. It's important to understand the costs and financial support available.
Our Student Financial Support team offers confidential advice and guidance to help you manage your money, resolve issues with Student Finance, create a budget, explore your options if you're facing financial hardship, and access any funding you are eligible for, such as bursaries and scholarships.
For more information visit our undergraduate fees and funding pages.
Your future career
Upon graduation you will have a significant knowledge and skills ideal for working in a number of diverse roles.
Our graduates have gone on to work in globally recognised pharmaceutical companies.
You could go on to have a successful career in:
- Product development
- Product marketing
- Product safety and regulatory affairs
- Large-scale manufacturing
Enhance your employability
Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021) offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability.
From mock interviews, careers guidance and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment, the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.
Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching
We are committed to utilising a range of methods, including digital technologies to deliver an engaging and dynamic learning experience.
Teaching methods include:
- Lectures, tutorials and workshops
- Problem-solving sessions
- Interactive and immersive 3D teaching in the Health Cinema
- Laboratory work (individual and group exercises);
Assessment
The wide variety of assessment methods used throughout our Cosmetic Science degree reflects the broad range of knowledge and skills that you will develop as you progress through the programme.
Assessment methods include:
- Examinations - essay-based, short-answer questions and multiple choice questions
- Laboratory practical exercises - report-writing and documentation completion, as well as physical sample preparation and analysis
- Workshops
- Group and individual presentations
Foundation year
Foundation year overview
Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, offering preparation for your chosen degree with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete.
This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, build your confidence, and provide a better understanding of higher education.
On our Foundation Year, you'll join our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.
Student life at Keele is vibrant, diverse, and packed with opportunities to make the most of your time at university.
We help students manage their money and ensure that they receive any funding for which they may be eligible.
Make yourself more employable after graduation by taking advantage of the whole host of additional opportunities.