BSc Chemistry with Cosmetic Science
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UCAS code
F111 -
Typical offer
BBB -
Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
-
Year of entry
2023/24 -
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. You will 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. You will 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.
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.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
BI1BEC1 | Building Blocks of Life | PROF Phillip Dash |
CH1IN1 | Fundamentals of Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table | DR Michael Piperakis |
CH1OR1 | Shape, Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry | DR Jessica Gusthart |
CH1PH1 | Physical Processes and Molecular Organisation | DR Joanne Elliott |
CH1PRA | Laboratory Skills for Chemists | DR Jessica Gusthart |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH1CC2 | Chemical Concepts and Skills 1 | DR Joanne Elliott |
CH1M | Chemistry M | PROF Ann Chippindale |
CH1M2 | Mathematics M2 | PROF Ann Chippindale |
AP1EM1 | Introduction to Marketing | MR Nick Walker |
AP1SB1 | Introduction to Management | PROF Julian Park |
AR1FOR10 | Forensic Anthropology and the Archaeology of Death [10 credit] | DR Ceri Falys |
EC110 | The Economics of Climate Change | DR Stefania Lovo |
IL1GMB | Modern Britain Society, History and Politics | MRS Daniela Standen |
MT1CC | The Science of Climate Change | PROF Nigel Arnell |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH2AN3 | Analytical Chemistry | DR Jessica Gusthart |
CH2CC2 | Chemical Concepts and Skills 2 | DR Joanne Elliott |
CH2CCS1 | Core Cosmetic Science 1 | DR Philippa Cranwell |
CH2IN1 | Further Inorganic Chemistry | PROF Anthony Powell |
CH2OR1 | Further Organic Chemistry | DR John McKendrick |
CH2PH1 | Further Physical Chemistry | DR Joanne Elliott |
CH2PRAC | Extended Laboratory Skills for Chemists | DR Michael Piperakis |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH3FCS1 | Further Cosmetic Science 1 | DR Adam Bromley |
CH3I1 | d and f block chemistry | PROF Christine Cardin |
CH3LP1 | Launching a Product 1 | DR Al Edwards |
CH3O1 | Advanced Organic Chemistry - Synthesis of Complex Targets | DR John McKendrick |
CH3P1 | Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry 1 | DR Joanne Elliott |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CH3AN1 | X-ray Techniques & Databases in Analytical Chemistry | PROF Ann Chippindale |
CH3AN2 | Advanced Analytical Techniques for Inorganic Structure Determination | PROF Frantisek Hartl |
CH3AN3 | Advanced Analytical Techniques for the Pharmaceutical Sciences | DR John McKendrick |
CH3I2 | Clusters, Extended Arrays and Solid-State Chemistry | PROF Ann Chippindale |
CH3O2 | Advanced Organic Chemistry - Contemporary Synthetic Methodology | DR Chris Smith |
CH3P2 | Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry 2 | DR Ricardo Grau-Crespo |
PM3IPD1 | Innovation and Product Development | DR Al Edwards |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250*
New international students: £24,500
* 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).