Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science

This unique course follows a "concept-to-consumer" approach, focusing on how pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and toiletry products are developed, formulated, and manufactured. With over 120 years of expertise through the Leicester School of Pharmacy, you'll gain cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on experience to succeed in these exciting industries. This is supported by our extensive network of collaborations ensuring that real-time developments in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry are a focal point on the programme.

From foundational sciences like microbiology and cell biology to advanced topics in drug design, personalised medicine, and sustainability, this degree builds the skills and knowledge employers want. With our industry connections, placements, and state-of-the-art labs, you’ll graduate ready to make an impact in the real world.

Key features

• A specialist degree: We're one of the UK’s only degrees combining pharmaceutical and cosmetic science, offering unrivalled training.

• A proud heritage: Benefit from over 120 years of teaching experience in the renowned Leicester School of Pharmacy.

• Industry experience: Take advantage of an optional year-long placement opportunity to build your skills in real-world industrial, research, or regulatory environments. Past students have worked with leading organisations including GSK, Pfizer, ThermoFisher, Reckitt, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Catalent Pharma Solutions, Quotient Sciences, Church & Dwight, and The Hut Group.

• Authentic facilities: Gain practical skills in dedicated labs with industry-standard equipment, preparing you for real-world challenges.

• Broaden your horizons: Our graduates gain rewarding and stimulating careers in the pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic industries including for major companies such as AstraZeneca, Boots, No.7, Reckitt, Catalent, GSK, the NHS, and Barry M.

• Become career ready: Our strong network with industry means you will be able to develop your practical and professional skills in real-world situations through optional placement opportunities and professional mentoring.

• Professional status: Complete an annual personal development plan and one year of industrial experience to achieve 'Registered Scientist' recognition - raising your professional profile.

FIRST YEAR
All year: Professional Portfolio 1
Block 1: Core Concepts in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Block 2: Core Concepts in Cosmetic Sciences
Block 3: Analytical Techniques
Block 4: Cell and Systems Biology

SECOND YEAR:
All year: Professional Portfolio 2
Block 1: Pharmaceutical Formulation
Block 2: Cosmetic Formulation
Block 3: Manufacture of Pharmaceutical Products
Block 4: Design, Manufacture and Evaluation of Cosmetic Products

THIRD YEAR:
All year: Professional Portfolio 3
Block 1: Drug Design and Biopharmaceutics
Block 2: Personalised Medicine and Drug Delivery
Block 3: Responsible Innovation in Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science
Block 4: Research Project

The programme has been designed to be student-focused to allow for more interactive learning, promoting a more inclusive, independent learning experience.

A wide range of resources will be made available to you including podcast recordings, interactive large-group sessions, and laboratory-based practical sessions all of which will be complemented by workshops and seminars.

Across the whole course, there will be a varied mix of assessments including report writing, competency-based activities, knowledge checks, critical thinking case studies, and unseen exams.