BSc Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Science with a Year in Industry
-
UCAS code
F121 -
A level offer
BBC -
Year of entry
2027/28 -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
-
Year of entry
2027/28 -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
Explore the science behind the development of cosmetics, skincare and medicines on our BSc Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Science degree.
You’ll gain hands-on experience in cosmetic , pharmaceutical chemistry, and personal care product development, combining chemistry, biology and formulation science with practical laboratory techniques.
Choose BSc Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Science at the University of Reading
- Learn from a multidisciplinary team of experts from Chemistry, Pharmacy and the cosmetic industry, bringing professional insight directly into your teaching.
- Benefit from supportive teaching: 100% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things and have supported their learning well (National Student Survey 2026, responders from the Department of Chemistry).
- Taught in partnership with one of the UK’s top Schools of Pharmacy (ranked 10th in the Daily Mail University Guide 2025 for Pharmacy and Pharmacology).
- Gain practical laboratory experience developing and analysing real formulations using industry-relevant techniques.
- Learn how products move from concept to market, including product design, testing, sustainability and commercial strategy.
- Tailor your studies in your final year, focusing on cosmetic science, pharmaceutical chemistry or personal care formulation.
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.
You'll look at topics such as the biology of skin and hair, the chemistry of waxes and oils, formulation, and launching a product.
You'll learn through lectures, tutorials, practical classes and workshops.
What you’ll learn
- The science behind cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, including how ingredients interact to create safe and effective formulations.
- Core chemistry and biology principles that underpin the design, function and performance of medicines and personal care products.
- Analytical and laboratory techniques used to test the stability, safety and performance of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
- Sustainable product development, considering materials, environmental impact and product lifecycles.
- Product innovation and development, from concept through to testing and market positioning.
Placements
You’ll have the opportunity to apply for a placement in the cosmetics industry in your third year, gaining practical work experience in cosmetic or pharmaceutical industry. The University of Reading has strong links with multinational and local companies such as:
- Proctor & Gamble
- Johnson & Johnson
- Arxada
- Britannia Pharmaceuticals
- GSK
- Lilly
- Reckitt and Sanofi
Placements give you a competitive edge in cosmetic product development and pharmaceutical chemistry careers.
Overview
Explore the science behind the development of cosmetics, skincare and medicines on our BSc Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Science degree.
You’ll gain hands-on experience in cosmetic , pharmaceutical chemistry, and personal care product development, combining chemistry, biology and formulation science with practical laboratory techniques.
Choose BSc Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Science at the University of Reading
- Learn from a multidisciplinary team of experts from Chemistry, Pharmacy and the cosmetic industry, bringing professional insight directly into your teaching.
- Benefit from supportive teaching: 100% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things and have supported their learning well (National Student Survey 2026, responders from the Department of Chemistry).
- Taught in partnership with one of the UK’s top Schools of Pharmacy (ranked 10th in the Daily Mail University Guide 2025 for Pharmacy and Pharmacology).
- Gain practical laboratory experience developing and analysing real formulations using industry-relevant techniques.
- Learn how products move from concept to market, including product design, testing, sustainability and commercial strategy.
- Tailor your studies in your final year, focusing on cosmetic science, pharmaceutical chemistry or personal care formulation.
Learning
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.
You'll look at topics such as the biology of skin and hair, the chemistry of waxes and oils, formulation, and launching a product.
You'll learn through lectures, tutorials, practical classes and workshops.
What you’ll learn
- The science behind cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, including how ingredients interact to create safe and effective formulations.
- Core chemistry and biology principles that underpin the design, function and performance of medicines and personal care products.
- Analytical and laboratory techniques used to test the stability, safety and performance of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
- Sustainable product development, considering materials, environmental impact and product lifecycles.
- Product innovation and development, from concept through to testing and market positioning.
Placements
You’ll have the opportunity to apply for a placement in the cosmetics industry in your third year, gaining practical work experience in cosmetic or pharmaceutical industry. The University of Reading has strong links with multinational and local companies such as:
- Proctor & Gamble
- Johnson & Johnson
- Arxada
- Britannia Pharmaceuticals
- GSK
- Lilly
- Reckitt and Sanofi
Placements give you a competitive edge in cosmetic product development and pharmaceutical chemistry careers.
Entry requirements A Level BBC
Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.
Typical offer
BBC, including grade B in Chemistry or Biology and one other core science (Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry).
International Baccalaureate
28 points overall including at least 5 in Chemistry or Biology and one other core science (Maths, Physics, Biology, 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
DMM (Modules taken must be comparable to A level subjects specified).
GCSE
Maths at grade B (5)
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 Pathway
If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme (IFP).
International Foundation Programme – September entry
International Foundation Programme – January entry
Successful completion of the International Foundation Programme, along with any other relevant degree entry requirements, guarantees you the opportunity of a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.
Learn more about our International Foundation Pathways
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 |
|---|---|---|
| BI1CMP1 | Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life | PROF Phillip Dash |
| CH1IN1 | Fundamentals of Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table | DR Silvia Baldanza |
| CH1MA1 | Mathematics for Chemists | PROF Richard Frazier |
| CH1OC2 | Shape, Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry | DR Jessica Kirwin - Gusthart |
| CH1PP2 | Physical Processes and Molecular Organisation | DR Silvia Baldanza |
| CH1PR1 | Chemistry Practicals 1 | DR Jessica Kirwin - Gusthart |
Optional modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| AR1EMP | Early Empires: Mesopotamia, Egypt & Rome | DR Wendy Matthews |
| AR1FOR | Forensic Anthropology and the Archaeology of Death | DR Gundula Müldner |
| AR1RAT | Revolutions and Transitions: The Human Journey from 6 Million Years Ago to the Present Day | PROF Gabor Thomas |
| AR1SOC | Contemporary world cultures: an introduction to social anthropology | DR Alanna Cant |
| CL1SO | Ancient Song | DR Doukissa Kamini |
| CL1TR | Texts, Readers, and Writers | DR Andreas Gavrielatos |
| FT1ATF | Approaches to Film | DR Tonia Kazakopoulou |
| FT1ATP | Analysing Theatre and Performance | DR Lisa Woynarski |
| FT1WD | Wildlife Documentary: Ecology and Representation | DR David Foster |
| IL1GICC | Intercultural Competence and Communication | PROF Daniela Standen |
| LS1ELS | English Language and Society | DR Christiana Themistocleous |
| LS1GL | Globalization and Language | DR Tony Capstick |
| PO1BRI | British Society | DR Dawn Clarke |
| PO1INE | Inequality | DR Jonathan Golub |
| PO1IPI | Introduction to Political Ideas | DR Rob Jubb |
| PO1WAR | War and Warfare | DR Ben Willis |
| PP1GJ | Global Justice | DR Michela Bariselli |
| PP1ML | The Meaning of Life | DR Richard Elliott |
| PP1RA | Reason and Argument | MR Ronan O Maonaile |
| PP1RP | Radical Philosophy | PROF Maximilian De Gaynesford |
| PY1IPY | Introduction to Psychology | DR Emily Meachon |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| CH2CS2 | Core Cosmetic Science | DR Adam Bromley |
| CH2IN1 | Further Inorganic Chemistry | DR Michael Piperakis |
| CH2OR1 | Further Organic Chemistry | DR John McKendrick |
| CH2PH2 | Further Physical Chemistry | DR Mauricio Cafiero |
| CH2PR1 | Chemistry Practicals 2 | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CH3IP1 | BSc Industrial Placement | DR Adam Bromley |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| CH3CC1 | Chemistry Core 1 (Inorganic and Organic) | DR Jessica Kirwin - Gusthart |
| CH3CC2 | Chemistry Core 2 (Physical and Analytical) | PROF Rainer Cramer |
| CH3CS2 | Further Cosmetic Science | DR Adam Bromley |
| CH3PRO | BSc Chemistry Project | DR Mauricio Cafiero |
Optional modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| CH3EC2 | Chemistry in the Natural World | DR Michael Piperakis |
| CH3PC2 | Further Pharmaceutical Chemistry | DR John McKendrick |
| CH3PN2 | Polymers in Nature and Industry | DR John McKendrick |
| CH3SS2 | Solid State Chemistry | PROF Paz Vaqueiro |
| PM3IPD1 | Innovation and Product Development | DR Suha Dadou |
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: The home tuition fee for 2027 entry is £10,050. The home tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study.
New international students: £31,800 for 2027/28. The international tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study as set out in your student contract. For more details, please visit our Fees for International Students page.
Tuition fees
To find out more about how the University of Reading sets its tuition fees, see our fees and funding pages.
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.
Become a Global Sustainability Leaders Scholar
This exciting new undergraduate scholarship scheme is focused on creating a community of global sustainability leaders of the future. We are offering up to 400 scholarships per year, for high-achieving students from the UK and overseas.
Each scholar will receive £6,000 a year for maintenance and living costs, for up to four years of full-time study on their course (subject to terms and conditions).
Find out more about the Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship scheme.
Careers
Careers for BSc Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Science graduates
This BSc Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Science course aims to prepare you for the rapidly expanding cosmetics market. Overall, 97% of graduates from Chemistry are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation; of those in full-time employment (based on our analysis of HESA data (c) HESA 2026, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023/24, includes all Chemistry responders).
100% of our students said the course has developed the knowledge and skills they think they will need for their future (National Student Survey 2026, responders from the Department of Chemistry).
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.
Past graduates from the Department of Chemistry at Reading have gone on to work for employers such as:
- AstraZeneca
- Campden BRI
- Alchemy Ingredients
- Chanel
- Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
- Unilever
- Pfizer
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- FDM Group
- RSSL.
(Based on HESA data © HESA 2020 - 2025, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18 - 2022/23; includes department of Chemistry responders).
Build the skills to succeed in your career – and contribute to a sustainable future
At the University of Reading, we help you turn your environmental and sustainability values into opportunities that make a difference to your career and the wider world.
Employers are already reshaping their businesses to respond to climate change, and they increasingly value graduates with expertise in environmental stewardship – one of the fastest-growing skill areas (World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2025).
During your time at Reading, you’ll have access to a wide range of opportunities and support. This will help you graduate with the knowledge and confidence to tackle environmental and sustainability challenges in your career.
In 2025, the University of Reading won the AGCAS Green Careers Award. Judges highlighted the impact of our Careers service and the positive outcomes our students achieve.
Explore climate and sustainability initiatives you can get involved with as a student at Reading.

