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Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science

  • 2 Study options
  • Undergraduate
Leicester Campus
More about De Montfort University

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

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.

Modules

Course Modules

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

https://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate-courses/pharmaceutical-cosmetic-science-bsc-hons-degree/pharmaceutical-cosmetic-science-bsc.aspx#what-you-will-study

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Leicester Campus

Study options

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 3 Years
  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • Placement (mandatory) • 4 Years

Start dates

Application codes

Institution code:
D26

De Montfort University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Application codes

Institution code:
D26

This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.

Course options

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
BBC

including Chemistry at grade C or above, and one other science subject from: Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Statistics, Maths/Further Maths, or Psychology at grade C or above

UCAS Tariff
Offer: 104

Access to HE Diploma

Pass QAA Accredited Science Access to HE with at least 15 level 3 credits in Chemistry at merit and 15 level 3 credits in a second science subject at merit.

English Language and Maths GCSE required as separate qualifications. Equivalency not accepted within the Access qualification.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 26

26+ with 6 higher level points in Chemistry and another science (preferably Biology)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DMM

in Applied Science

https://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate-courses/pharmaceutical-cosmetic-science-bsc-hons-degree/pharmaceutical-and-cosmetic-science-bsc-hons.aspx

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Here at DMU we welcome all applications, no matter what your background. To make sure you get fair and equal access to higher education, when looking at your application we consider more than just your grades–we take into account any challenges that you may have faced in your education. Contextual Offers will be offered to candidates who are in receipt of Free School Meals, who are Care Experienced or who are deemed to live in areas of low HE participation neighbourhoods (POLAR Quintiles 1 & 2).

Learn more on the De Montfort University website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

This course may have Historical entry grades data available, please select a course option to view.

Course options

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£10050
EU & International£17300*

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Please note, this fee is subject to parliamentary procedure and will also be subject to a compounded annual inflationary increase.

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