Skip to main content
Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Cosmetic Science

MSc Cosmetic Science facilities and workshops
MSc Cosmetic Science facilities and workshops | London College of Fashion | UAL
College
London College of Fashion UCAS code
W298 Start date
September 2025 Course length
3 years

Prepare for a career in the cosmetics and personal care industries by developing laboratory and scientific skills alongside creative and critical approaches.

Course summary

Course subject to approval

Please note that this course is currently undergoing development. The course is a refreshed version of the 4-year MSc Cosmetic Science and will cover the same content as Years 1-3 of the integrated masters course. During the development there may be some changes to the course content displayed on this page. Please contact us if you have any questions about the course. On completion of the BSc Cosmetic Science you may be eligible for progression onto one of our Postgraduate courses.

Why choose this course at London College of Fashion

  • Industry placement: students have the opportunity to undertake an optional placement year which will enhance their employability by offering valuable experience and contacts within the industry.
  • Diverse career opportunities: graduates go on to hold positions in New Product Development / Marketing, Technical Product Management, laboratory roles in Development and Quality, Regulatory Affairs and Product Safety for cosmetic and toiletry brands.
  • Where graduates have gone on to work: graduates are employed throughout the industry, both in the UK and internationally, in a wide range of roles. Companies include Procter and Gamble, Perrigo, Walgreen Boots Alliance, Superdrug, The Good Housekeeping Institute, The Body Shop and Charlotte Tilbury.

Open Days

Book your place on one of our upcoming events, including online talks and campus tours to get an insight into studying with us.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

Use our scholarship search to discover if you are eligible for any scholarships, bursaries or awards.

Course overview

Introduction

The BSc (Hons) Cosmetic Science is an applied science course designed for students who want a career in the cosmetics and personal care industries. The course focuses on the needs of those industries and their consumers. In addition to subject-specific knowledge, the course enables students to develop the critical, creative and technical skills necessary to become cosmetic scientists.  

The cosmetic industry continues to expand rapidly while consumers have become more aware of the potential benefits of cosmetic products and more critical of the way they are developed. Therefore, a career in cosmetic science is currently very relevant and associated with high employability.

What to expect 

  • A programme with vast laboratory experience, during which students learn to develop many types of cosmetic products;

  • Laboratory-based projects that will challenge students to develop their own formulations for diverse consumers and their needs;

  • A solid scientific background and the opportunity to take on a year-long industry placement or, for those wishing to become business owners, to complete an enterprise project;

  • A course that equips graduates with knowledge of the various disciplines within Cosmetic Science, relevant technical skills and an understanding of how the industry works – the Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) recognises the course as one ‘of immediate relevance to the industry’ due to its bespoke curriculum.

Cosmetic Science graduates from LCF are employed throughout the industry, both in the UK and internationally, in a wide range of roles. These include research and development, product manufacturing, marketing, technical sales, product testing, quality assurance, logistics and regulatory sectors. Employment prospects for graduates are excellent, with most of them being in professional roles within 6 months of leaving the course, while some graduates choose to take an entrepreneurial route. 

Work experience and opportunities

Students will have the opportunity to earn an additional Diploma in Professional Studies, by completing an industry placement or an enterprise project. This award is optional and takes place between the second and third year of the course. It is offered to enhance your employability by offering valuable professional experience. You will be required to apply for this Diploma.

Mode of study

The BSc (Hons) Cosmetic Science runs for 90 weeks (120 weeks with the optional Diploma in Professional Studies) in full-time mode. It is divided into 3 stages, or 4 with the optional Diploma in Professional Studies year, over 3/4 academic years. Each stage lasts 30 weeks.

Climate, Social and Racial Justice  

We are committed to developing ethical practices. To achieve this, we are working to embed UAL’s Principles for Climate, Social and Racial Justice into the course.

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

Year 1

Year 1 is planned to help you to make a successful transition from school to university. A dedicated unit is included to assist you in developing the skills you will need to become an independent learner. There will be units in the core sciences that will prepare you for the specific demands of understanding cosmetic science. In Block 2 you will begin formulating a variety of cosmetic products and even get the chance to develop your own.

Units studied:

  • Introduction to Cosmetic Science

  • Applied Chemistry

  • Applied Biology

  • Cosmetic Formulation Principles

  • Product Development and Legislation

Year 2

In Year 2 you will focus on the creation of specific products for care of the skin and hair and in decorative cosmetics. In addition to formulating and testing many different products, you will learn about the importance of analytical methods in product quality and the role of packaging in protecting products. The crucial roles of marketing and brand development in the cosmetic industry will also be discussed.

Units studied:

  • Product Quality and Packaging

  • Product Formulation I

  • Brand Development and Marketing

  • Product Formulation II

Optional Diploma Year 

Industry DIPS

This optional diploma can be taken between years 2 and 3. With support from your tutors, you will undertake an industry placement for a minimum of 100 days/20 weeks. As well as developing industry skills, you will gain an additional qualification upon successful completion.

Enterprise DIPS

This optional diploma can be taken between years 2 and 3. With support from your tutors, you will undertake an enterprise placement year where you will explore a business idea from proposal to minimal viable product (MVP). As well as developing enterprise skills, you will gain an additional qualification upon successful completion.

CCI Creative Computing

Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate degree, you will graduate with an enhanced degree: BSc (Hons) Cosmetic Science (with Creative Computing).

CCI Apple Diploma 

Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Apple Development. This will give you an opportunity to become an accredited Apple developer alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate degree, you will graduate with an enhanced degree: BSc (Hons) Cosmetic Science (with Apple Development).

Final Year

In the final year you will learn how to evaluate cosmetic products and support claims using instrumental and sensory methods, which will include an element of statistics. You will also learn about the role of biotechnology in the cosmetic industry and an overview of current trends and topics relevant for cosmetic science and the industry with a focus on sustainability. An individual Cosmetic Science Project will allow you to follow the stages required to take a new product from concept to market.

Units studied:

  • Product Evaluation and Claims Support
  • Innovation in Cosmetics
  • Cosmetic Science Project

Learning and teaching methods

The following teaching and learning methods are employed to support the integrated achievement of the course outcomes:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Visiting speakers
  • Group and individual tutorials
  • Group presentations
  • Laboratory workshops
  • Specialist equipment training
  • Laboratory supervised access
  • Formative assessments
  • Self-directed study

Assessment methods

The following assessment methods are employed to support the integrated aims of the course outcomes:

  • Time-constrained examination
  • Practical examination
  • Group presentation
  • Laboratory report
  • Project report
  • Case study

Showcasing at LCF

There are a range of showcasing opportunities students can take part in whilst studying at LCF. End year showcasing at London College of Fashion, UAL, is one of the moments students can celebrate graduating from their courses. However, degree shows are not part of the learning outcomes in a course curriculum and are therefore not guaranteed as part of studying with us. Students must register by a deadline to take part, and we are not able to show all student work so submitting students will have their work curated.

Student experience

  • MSc-Cosmetic-Science-Website-Photos_10.jpg
    MSc Cosmetic Science facilities and workshops | London College of Fashion | UAL
  • MSc-Cosmetic-Science-Website-Photos_2.jpg
    MSc Cosmetic Science facilities and workshops | London College of Fashion | UAL
  • MSc-Cosmetic-Science-Website-Photos_3.jpg
    MSc Cosmetic Science facilities and workshops | London College of Fashion | UAL
  • MSc-Cosmetic-Science-Website-Photos_4.jpg
    MSc Cosmetic Science facilities and workshops | London College of Fashion | UAL
  • MSc Cosmetic Science facilities and workshops.
    MSc Cosmetic Science facilities and workshops | London College of Fashion | UAL
  • MSc Cosmetic Science facilities and workshops.
    MSc Cosmetic Science facilities and workshops | London College of Fashion | UAL
  • MSc Cosmetic Science facilities and workshops.
    MSc Cosmetic Science facilities and workshops | London College of Fashion | UAL
  • MSc Cosmetic Science facilities and workshops.
    MSc Cosmetic Science facilities and workshops | London College of Fashion | UAL

British Beauty Council Future Talent Programme - Cosmetic Science

How to make a lipstick 2.0

MSc Cosmetic Science presents Knowledge Exchange Conference: Cosmetic Innovations

Graduates and lecturers from the MSc Cosmetic Science at London College of Fashion present the latest research and innovations within the cosmetic field in front of industry and peers.

How to make a lipstick

Making a lipstick in the labs at London College of Fashion, with students from the MSc Cosmetic Science course.

How to make a foundation

The process of making a foundation cream. Presented by MSc Cosmetic Science students at London College of Fashion.

Latest news from this course

Facilities at LCF

Staff

Diogo Baltazar is the Course Leader BSc Cosmetic Science, therefore leading the course's curriculum development, academic management, and student learning experience. Diogo trained as a pharmacist at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, where he also worked in R&D of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory topical medicines. After obtaining his MPharm, Diogo continued his education to specialise in Advanced Pharmaceutics and later worked as R&D Scientist at iMed.ULisboa, where he was responsible for consultancy projects for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. His projects included the development of cosmetic products and testing of topical medicines. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and leads various units related to Formulation, in which he teaches students the science and creativity of formulating cosmetic products. His research interests focus on sustainable formulation technology.

Maria Charalampous is a Lecturer for BSc Cosmetic Science, leading the teaching for Human Biology & Microbiology and Cosmetic Product Claims. She has been teaching biology and microbiology in a variety of roles for 5+ years and is passionate about broadening access to higher education and STEM. Maria holds a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science from Lancaster University and an MSc in Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine from the University of Sheffield. She then went on to pursue an EngD in Formulation Engineering from the University of Birmingham, for which she is currently writing her thesis. Her doctorate project was sponsored by EPSRC, Colgate-Palmolive and Boots Contract Manufacturing, and seeks to investigate the micro-robustness of oral care products against environmental bacteria.

Dr Milica Stevic is a Senior Lecturer at London College of Fashion, where she teaches on the BSc Cosmetic Science course. She develops units for the course and supervises post-graduate research projects. Dr Stevic received her PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Belgrade, Serbia. She is a board member of the UK Packaging Group and a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. Her research interests include instrumental characterisation of cosmetics as well as the application of 3D printing in cosmetics.

Gabriela Daniels is the Programme Director for the science courses in LCF and lectures on BSc Cosmetic Science. After obtaining her degree in Chemistry with a specialisation in the technology of cosmetics and fragrance materials in Bulgaria, she moved to the UK and worked for several fragrance and cosmetic companies before joining LCF to become involved with cosmetic science teaching. She now specialises in teaching and researching hair science. In the past few years, she has published on topics such as hair diversity and hair testing and artificial intelligence. She is also working on projects exploring how to make the cosmetic industry and products more inclusive. In addition to her teaching role, Gabriela is responsible for the overall leadership of the science courses at LCF and new curriculum development.

Professor Danka Tamburic has a background in Pharmacy, with an MSc in Pharmaceutical Technology and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences. In 2000, she developed the first UK university degree solely devoted to the cosmetic industry, BSc Cosmetic Science, the predecessor of the current integrated MSc. Professor Tamburic has extensive experience in the area of skin research, including pharmaceutical and cosmetic aspects, with more than 150 research outputs in the public domain. She has also contributed to book chapters, patent applications and pedagogic projects. She is a fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an active member of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists. On the MSc Cosmetic Science, she teaches Product Evaluation and leads the post-graduate teaching. Her research interests encompass the use of novel technologies in skin formulation and the assessment of product efficacy. She is also engaged in multi-disciplinary research, including the use of 3D printing technology in cosmetic science.

Marianne Martin has been a long standing contributor to the course, teaching the specialist Perfumery unit, and has contributed to the planning of master’s and collaborative projects across the college. She has BSc in Chemistry and more than 40 years’ experience as a commercial perfumer or nose. In the last decade she has been teaching perfumery in various settings including the following: the Design with Scents UAL short course; supporting the SCS distance learning diploma; and as part of the nationally acclaimed Learn2b adult learning programme, using perfume creation as an aid to wellbeing for learners with a history of issues with mental health. Marianne is semi-retired, but still doing regular perfumery work under her consultancy earthscentred and is currently the Vice President of the British Society of Perfumery.

Mignon Cristofoli Mignon is a senior lecturer in Cosmetic Science. She obtained BComm and LLB degrees at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. After years of struggling with skin-related conditions, she returned to university and obtained a BSc (Honours) degree in Pharmaceutical Science from London Metropolitan University. Mignon is currently writing up her PhD in topical and transdermal drug delivery. Her interests include pre-formulation, permeation studies and regulation. In addition to her academic pursuits Mignon also has experience in setting up and running a small skin care business.

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,535 per year

This fee is correct for entry in Autumn 2025 and may increase for entry in Autumn 2026.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£29,990 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2025 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2026.

Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Additional costs

You may need to cover additional costs which are not included in your tuition fees, such as materials and equipment specific to your course. Typical approximate costs for this course include: ​

  • Protective goggles: £5-£15
  • Laboratory coat: £15-£25
  • Laptop or desktop computer

For a list of general digital equipment you may need (and how you can borrow equipment), visit our Study costs page.​

Accommodation

Find out about accommodation options and how much they will cost, and other living expenses you'll need to consider.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

Find out more about bursaries, loans and scholarships.

If you’re based in the UK and plan to visit UAL for an Open Event, check if you’re eligible for our UAL Travel Bursary. This covers the costs of mainland train or airline travel to visit UAL.

How to pay

Find out how you can pay your tuition fees.

Scholarship search

Or view all

Entry requirements

The standard minimum entry requirements for this course are:

One or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications.

  • Three A Level passes to a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points – one of the subjects must be Chemistry, Biology or Physics at a minimum grade of C or equivalent;
  • DDD at BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant Science subject;
  • or equivalent EU or non-EU qualifications such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 25 points minimum; 
  • and Five GCSE passes at grade A*-C or grade 9-4, including Maths and two single Science subjects (or one double award in Science).

APEL (Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning)

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

  • Related academic or work experience
  • The quality of the personal statement
  • A strong academic or other professional reference
  • OR a combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English Language Requirements

IELTS level 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Please check our main English Language Requirements. 

Selection criteria

The course team seeks to recruit students who can demonstrate:

  • An enthusiasm for a career in Cosmetic Science;
  • The potential to complete a multi-disciplinary and science-based programme of study;
  • An ability to engage with analytical and evaluative activities;
  • A good command of oral and written English. 

Information for disabled applicants

UAL is committed to achieving inclusion and equality for disabled students. This includes students who have:

     
  • Dyslexia or another Specific Learning Difference
  • A sensory impairment
  • A physical impairment
  • A long-term health or mental health condition
  • Autism
  • Another long-term condition which has an impact on your day-to-day life

Our Disability Service arranges adjustments and support for disabled applicants and students.

Read our Disability and dyslexia: applying for a course and joining UAL information.

Apply now

Application deadline

29 January 2025 at 6pm (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

Home students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

W298

Start your application

Apply now

Application deadline

29 January 2025 at 6pm (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

International students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

W298

Start your application
or

Apply with a UAL Representative

Based across the world, our local UAL representatives can support you with your application from your home country. Check to see if there is a representative available in your country currently.

Find your representative

How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement and CV.

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement should be maximum 4,000 characters and cover the following:

  • Why have you chosen this course? What excites you about the subject?
  • How does your previous or current study relate to the course?
  • Have you got any work experience that might help you?
  • Have any life experiences influenced your decision to apply for this course?
  • What skills do you have that make you perfect for this course?
  • What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?

Visit the UCAS advice page and our personal statement advice page for more support.

Step 2: Interview

You may be invited to an interview following our review of your application. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes.

For top tips, see our Interview advice.

You also need to know

Communicating with you

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our Applicant portal.

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. If your course requires a portfolio and/or video task, we may request these before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If your application is really strong, but we believe your strengths and skillset are better suited to a different course, we may make you an alternative offer. This means you will be offered a place on a different course or at a different UAL College.

Deferring your place

You must apply in the year that you intend to start your course. If you are made an offer and your circumstances change, you can submit a deferral request to defer your place by 1 academic year. You must have met your conditions by 31 August 2025. If you need an English language test in order to meet the entry requirements, the test must be valid on the deferred start date of your course. If not, you will need to reapply. Requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contextual Admissions

This course is part of the Contextual Admissions scheme.

This scheme helps us better understand your personal circumstances so that we can assess your application fairly and in context. This ensures that your individual merit and creative potential can shine through, no matter what opportunities and experiences you have received.

Careers

All of our undergraduate courses offer career development, so that you become a creative thinker, making effective contributions to your relevant sector of the cosmetic industry. LCF offers students the opportunity to develop Personal and Professional Development (PPD) skills while studying through:

  • An on-course work experience or placement year. Please note, this is not available on every course; please see the Course Details section for information about work placement opportunities.
  • Access to to speaker programmes and events featuring alumni and industry.
  • Access to careers activities, such as CV clinics and one-to-one advice sessions.
  • Access to a graduate careers service
  • Access to a live jobsboard for all years.
  • Advice on setting up your own brand or company.
Graduates who wish to continue their education at postgraduate level can progress to suitable courses within the College, the University or elsewhere.

Career paths

Many graduates prefer to seek employment as soon as they have completed their undergraduate studies, and graduates from the MSc course (and BSc break point) go on to do a variety of roles within the industry. Some of the positions graduates have gone on to include: New Product Development and Marketing Executive, Technical Product Manager, Laboratory and Quality Control Technician, International Regulatory Affairs Officer, Formulation Scientist, Application Technologist, Perfume Specialist, Regulatory Affairs Officer, Consumer Tester and Account Manager.

Graduate Futures

Graduate Futures provides a comprehensive career management service supporting our students to become informed and self-reliant individuals able to plan and manage their own careers.

LCF alumni

Many of our alumni are now impressive, leading industry figures.

Alumni

London College of Fashion

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 7400

Address

105 Carpenter's Road
London

E20 2AR