Cosmetic Science (Taught)

Overview

Taught in the Leicester School of Pharmacy, the Cosmetic Science MSc programme will provide students with hands-on experience of practical skills and research methods used in the field of cosmetic science. Teaching is based around the needs of modern industry and provides graduates with ethical and environmental perspectives to enable them to thrive in evolving industry requirements. It is informed by the strong links with industry that we have developed in the School and provides students with a holistic insight into the cosmetics industry.

Our course is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career within the cosmetic science industry in areas such as formulation, manufacture, marketing, regulatory affairs or academia. Graduates will be well-rounded cosmetic scientists who are not only knowledgeable and skilled but also ethical, adaptable, and effective communicators, ready to contribute to the ever-evolving cosmetic industry - whether by joining established companies or pursuing their own entrepreneurial ventures.

Key features

• Our reputation of more than 100 years’ pharmacy teaching ensures we produce graduates of the highest calibre.

• DMU is one of only a handful of universities nationally offering a Cosmetic Science Masters programme.

• International and UK students will benefit from this course and will have opportunities to progress to PhD study and globally relevant employment in the cosmetics industry sector.

• Study a range of specialist modules allowing you to receive up-to-date insights on cosmetic formulation, manufacturing, and responsible innovation.

• In addition to the core scientific components of the programme, you will also focus on the business and intellectual property aspects that are interwoven with cosmetic innovation and entrepreneurship to enable career progression.

• Benefit from Block teaching, where a simplified ‘block learning’ timetable means you will study one module at a time and have more time to engage with your learning, receive faster feedback and enjoy a better study-life balance.

Modules

Block 1: Fundamental Principles in Cosmetic Science (30 credits)

This module is designed to explore the relationship between the physiological properties of external body parts and the effect cosmetics has on them. This will be considered in a global context. The module will cover the principles of colloid science, the advanced applications of ‘structured’ formulations in cosmetic products and analysis of the safety and efficacy of preservatives in various cosmetic products. This module will also consider the application of colour theory and advanced rheology, its characterisation, and its relevance to the cosmetic industry.

Block 2: Design, Formulation and Manufacture of Cosmetic Products (30 credits)

The module seeks to provide students with tools and methodologies required to incorporate cosmetic ‘actives,’ interpret their mechanism of action and their physicochemical properties, including natural products. Quantitative evaluation of cosmetic formulations will be studied and critiqued. The factors that drive innovation in product design will be explored including sustainability, in line with the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs). It will cover aspects of manufacturing including, but not limited to, scale up, equipment (bench top and large scale) and different forms of cosmetic products.

Block 3: Cosmetics: Concept to Consumer (30 credits)

The module is designed to equip the students with a comprehensive understanding of cosmetic product lifecycle management; from inception to the hand of consumers. It will address qualitative evaluation of cosmetic products, and their development will be considered in the context of industry regulations, sustainability, and safety guidelines.

Block 4: Research and Innovation in Cosmetic Science (30 credits)

The module will introduce business creation and innovation across the sector. It will consider entrepreneurship and highlight emerging trends in the cosmetics industry. It will also consider the challenges of new product development and how fundamental research, and product development can address them. This module also aims to extend students' understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods, analysing quantitative data and the presentation of data in an accessible fashion.

Block 5 and 6: Research Dissertation (60 credits)

The module will provide each student with the opportunity to conduct an independent research project in a topic aligned to Cosmetic Science. It will build on the students' knowledge of research methods and concepts.

https://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/courses/postgraduate-courses/cosmetic-science-msc/cosmetic-science.aspx

You will be expected to participate in an extensive programme of learning that will require full commitment and focus throughout your study.

The learning environment for the first four blocks of teaching is varied with

• Lectures

• Workshops

• Seminars

• Laboratory-based practicals

• Computer laboratories

You can expect to spend about a third of your directed study time working at the bench in our research laboratories. In the fifth and sixth blocks of teaching, the learning venue will depend on your dissertation topic and will be much more aimed at guided self-study.

Each module is assessed by coursework; a variety of assessment methods are used throughout the programme which are authentic to the role of an industrial cosmetic scientist. The assessments include practical reports, case study reports; oral and poster presentations and a final dissertation.