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  • Graphic Design

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  • History
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  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Meteorology and Climate
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  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate
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  • Project Management
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy

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  • Social Policy
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Strategic Studies
  • Teacher training
  • Theatre
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  • Zoology

BSc Chemistry with Cosmetic Science

  • UCAS code
    F111
  • A level offer
    BBB
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  3 Years
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  3 Years

Study the chemistry behind the design and development of cosmetics with our unique BSc Chemistry with Cosmetic Science.

Cosmetic science underpins a booming industry. Cosmetics is one of the EU’s five largest markets, with rapid expansion causing a skills shortage of chemists to work on cosmetics development.

At Reading, we developed this specialised BSc Chemistry with Cosmetic Science course in conjunction with the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Society of Cosmetic Scientists, and industrial partners.

Working with expert academics in Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Food and Pharmacy, you will learn about:

  • the chemistry behind colour and scent in products
  • how to ensure that cosmetic products are stable
  • the ethical implications of using different ingredients in a cosmetic product.

Your learning environment

Studying the science behind make-up, creams, gels, toiletries, masks, oral care, hair care and sun creams, you will make extensive use of our advanced technology and laboratory facilities.

Core chemistry modules are combined with cosmetic science modules, and look at topics such as the biology of skin and hair, the chemistry of waxes and oils, formulation, and launching a product.

You will learn through lectures, tutorials, practical classes and workshops. In the National Student Survey 2023, 98% of students in the Department of Chemistry said that their course challenged them to achieve their best work very often or fairly often.

You'll also have the opportunity to undertake a placement in the cosmetics industry in your third year. For example, the University of Reading has strong links with multinational and local organisations such as Unilever and Alchemy Ingredients.

In your final year, you will complete a new product development project. This could include developing an innovative cosmetic product, or reformulating an existing product for one of our industry partners.

Your project will follow standard industry processes with input from industry professionals. Alongside the project you will learn about the lifecycle of products and how to take them from idea, to design, to considering toxicology and regulations, and finally launching them to market.


Overview

Study the chemistry behind the design and development of cosmetics with our unique BSc Chemistry with Cosmetic Science.

Cosmetic science underpins a booming industry. Cosmetics is one of the EU’s five largest markets, with rapid expansion causing a skills shortage of chemists to work on cosmetics development.

At Reading, we developed this specialised BSc Chemistry with Cosmetic Science course in conjunction with the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Society of Cosmetic Scientists, and industrial partners.

Working with expert academics in Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Food and Pharmacy, you will learn about:

  • the chemistry behind colour and scent in products
  • how to ensure that cosmetic products are stable
  • the ethical implications of using different ingredients in a cosmetic product.

Your learning environment

Studying the science behind make-up, creams, gels, toiletries, masks, oral care, hair care and sun creams, you will make extensive use of our advanced technology and laboratory facilities.

Core chemistry modules are combined with cosmetic science modules, and look at topics such as the biology of skin and hair, the chemistry of waxes and oils, formulation, and launching a product.

You will learn through lectures, tutorials, practical classes and workshops. In the National Student Survey 2023, 98% of students in the Department of Chemistry said that their course challenged them to achieve their best work very often or fairly often.

You'll also have the opportunity to undertake a placement in the cosmetics industry in your third year. For example, the University of Reading has strong links with multinational and local organisations such as Unilever and Alchemy Ingredients.

In your final year, you will complete a new product development project. This could include developing an innovative cosmetic product, or reformulating an existing product for one of our industry partners.

Your project will follow standard industry processes with input from industry professionals. Alongside the project you will learn about the lifecycle of products and how to take them from idea, to design, to considering toxicology and regulations, and finally launching them to market.


Entry requirements A Level BBB

Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

Typical offer

BBB, including grade B in Chemistry

International Baccalaureate

30 points overall including at least 5 in Chemistry at higher level

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM (Modules taken must be comparable to A level subjects specified) 

GCSE

Maths at grade B (6)

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students

For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.

  • Learn more about our International Foundation programme

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

  • Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Structure

  • Modules

We will be updating this page with module information over the coming weeks. You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250

New international students: £27,650

* UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government's guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

Careers for BSc Chemistry with Cosmetic Science graduates.

This BSc Chemistry with Cosmetic Science course aims to prepare you for the rapidly expanding cosmetics market.

Learning from academics and experts employed in the cosmetics industry, you will make industry contacts during your studies as well as during your third-year placement and final project.

We have connections with a number of cosmetics companies in the area, including:

  • Smink (Ascot)
  • Alchemy Ingredients (Ascot)
  • Proctor and Gamble (Egham, Reading and Weybridge)
  • Johnson and Johnson (Maidenhead)
  • Tropic Skincare (Croydon).

BSc Chemistry with Cosmetic Science

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