BSc Chemistry with Cosmetic Science

Program Overview

The BSc Chemistry with Cosmetic Science at Reading University prepares students for the growing cosmetics industry. Through hands-on learning and industry connections, students gain expertise in the chemistry behind cosmetics, ensuring their stability and ethical considerations. The program includes a third-year industry placement and a final-year product development project, providing practical experience and connections with cosmetics companies.

Program Outline

Degree 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 specialized 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 color and scent in products
• how to ensure that cosmetic products are stable
• the ethical implications of using different ingredients in a cosmetic product.

Outline:

Year 1

• Chemistry Practicals 1
• Fundamentals of Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
• Shape, Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry
• Physical Processes and Molecular Organisation
• Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life

Year 2

• Further Inorganic Chemistry
• Further Organic Chemistry
• Further Physical Chemistry
• Chemistry Practicals 2
• Core Cosmetic Science 1

Year 3

• Industrial Placement
• Chemistry Project 3
• Chemistry Core 1 (Inorganic and Organic)
• Chemistry Core 2 (Physical and Analytical)

Teaching:

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.

Careers:

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).

Other:

• You'll also have the opportunity to undertake a placement in the cosmetics industry in your third year.
• In your final year, you will complete a new product development project.
• 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.

• New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250
• New international students: £27,650