Cosmetic Science

Cosmetic Science - BSc (Hons)

Cosmetic Science at Keele explores exciting new formulation developments in fast-moving consumer markets. Our BSc 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 and globalisation.

We are currently refreshing our curriculum for 2025/26 to reflect best practice and academic development, and updated course content and modules will be available on this course page in September 2024.

Year of entry

2025 - for 2025 entry see here - for 2024 entry see here

Course type

Single Honours

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area / School

Allied Health Professions and Pharmacy

UCAS code

B204

Duration of study

3 years

Enquire about this course Clearing vacancies and entry requirements 2024 Book an open day Chat to students

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

insert-i start insert-i end

Course overview

The cosmetics industry is a huge, multi-national endeavour that is underpinned by world-leading expertise in the applied physical, biological and social sciences. Studying Cosmetic Science at Keele enables you to develop your understanding of the underpinning science base in formulation and cosmetic science.

Course content

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 product formulation 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 formulation 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 & cosmetic sciences as they are applied to the development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and related products
Enhance your awareness of the sciences underpinning pharmaceutical and cosmetic product development related to the cosmetic sciences, 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 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

Pharmaceutical Science

Next steps

insert-a start

Teaching Excellence Framework GOLD

Keele University has been awarded the highest rating of gold in the teaching excellence framework (TEF), 2023. The TEF assessment identifies excellence in the educational experience and outcomes of our students, focusing on all undergraduate courses and students.

insert-a end

insert-d start insert-d end

Additional opportunities

Foundation year Learn a language Placement year GCP Elective Pathways Explore more

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon 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

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Typical offer

Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

A Level: BBB Subject specifics apply

BTEC: DDM Subject specifics apply

T Level: Merit Subject specifics apply

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 of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

insert-b start insert-b end

insert-c start insert-c end

insert-e start insert-e end

insert-f start insert-f end

Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

Course content

Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

This Foundation Year is a is a two semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science degree. For example, in the Foundations of Chemistry for Science module you will begin to develop laboratory skills and techniques, together with your ability to accurately report experiment results and manipulate, analyse and present scientific data which will provide you with a good grounding for Year One of your degree. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.

On this Foundation Year, we will advance your knowledge of human biology and chemistry, giving you a solid grasp of body systems, science and lab work. You'll develop safe, professional laboratory skills and get to know the mathematical techniques and quantitative methods used across health science-related and social care programmes. Using problem-based learning, you will learn how to apply some of the most commonly used mathematical techniques in applied health sciences, converting data to the information used to support decision making in healthcare settings.

Throughout the programme, you will develop subject-specific and broad based skills that will be invaluable in your academic career and beyond. You can find out more about our Foundation Year, Including Information on learning, teaching and assessment methods and further opportunities available to you by visiting our homepage.

Course structure

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 prone 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. 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.

Semester one modules

FYO-00237	Foundations of Human Biology for Health	15 credits
FYO-00189	Foundations of Chemistry for Science	15 credits
FYO-00213	Foundations of Numerical and Quantitative Methods for Health Students	15 credits
FYO-00185	Practical and Academic Skills in Science	15 credits

Semester two modules

FYO-00239	Advancing Human Biology for Health	30 credits
FYO-00191	Advancing Chemistry for Science	30 credits

Entry requirements

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements.

56 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A Level, BTEC, Access Course, or T Level).
Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English and C in GCSE Maths / Level 2 Functional Skills Maths.

Progression requirements

To progress to Year 1, you will be required to achieve an average of 40% from the Semester 1 modules, plus a 55% average from the remaining 60 credits to give a total of 120 credits.

How to apply

Ucas applications

Visit UCAS for applications. You should apply for BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science with Foundation Year

UCAS code: B205

Direct entry students

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science, Health and Business courses.

Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but on a compressed timescale and tailored to a blended learning approach (with the majority of learning taking place online).

For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

insert-g start insert-g end insert-h start insert-h end

Book an open day