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Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Science

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 1 October 2027
  • Undergraduate
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More about University of Reading

Course options

2027-2028
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Course summary

Explore the science behind the development of cosmetics, skincare and medicines on our BSc Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Science degree.

You’ll gain hands-on experience in cosmetic, pharmaceutical chemistry, and personal care product development, combining chemistry, biology and formulation science with practical laboratory techniques.

Choose BSc Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Science at the University of Reading

  • Learn from a multidisciplinary team of experts from Chemistry, Pharmacy and the cosmetic industry, bringing professional insight directly into your teaching.

  • Benefit from supportive teaching: 93% of our students said teaching staff have supported their learning well (National Student Survey 2025, 93.3% of responders from the Department of Chemistry).

  • Taught in partnership with one of the UK’s top Schools of Pharmacy (ranked 10th in the Daily Mail University Guide 2025 for Pharmacy and Pharmacology).

  • Gain practical laboratory experience developing and analysing real formulations using industry-relevant techniques.

  • Learn how products move from concept to market, including product design, testing, sustainability and commercial strategy.

  • Tailor your studies in your final year, focusing on cosmetic science, pharmaceutical chemistry or personal care formulation.

For more information, please visit the course page: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/chemistry-ug/bsc-cosmetic-and-pharmaceutical-science

Modules

Course Modules

Modules may include:

  • Fundamentals of Cell Biology

  • Introduction to Cosmetics and Medicine Formulation

  • Practical Skills for Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science

  • Sustainable Product Development and Testing

  • Dermal, Hair, and Oral Care Formulation

*Please note that all modules are subject to change. Check our website for more details about the course structure.

https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/chemistry-ug/bsc-cosmetic-and-pharmaceutical-science

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

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

Start dates

  • 1 October 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
F120
Institution code:
R12
Campus name:
Main Site
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Reading 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

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
F120
Institution code:
R12
Campus name:
Main Site

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
BBC

A level Chemistry or Biology and one other core science (Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry) at grade B.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

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

Including relevant science modules.

Scottish Advanced Higher
BBC

Chemistry or Biology and one other core science (Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry) at grade B.

Scottish Higher
BBBBB

Chemistry or Biology and one other core science (Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry) at grade B.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 28

Chemistry or Biology and one other core science (Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry) at grade 5 at Higher Level.

Access to HE Diploma
Distinction: 15 Merit: 30

Including relevant science units.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
M2M2M3

Chemistry or Biology and one other core science (Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry) at grade M2.

Extended Project
B

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification provides to students for University study, we now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.  Eligible applicants would receive two offers,  our usual offer plus an alternative offer of a B in the EPQ and one grade lower in their A level subjects.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE Mathematics at grade B (or 5). English Language or English Literature C (or 4).

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5We require a minimum score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).
TOEFL (iBT)88We require a minimum score of 88 overall with no less than 17 in Listening and Writing, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking.
Cambridge English AdvancedBWe require a grade B or a score of 176 overall with no element less than 162.
Cambridge English ProficiencyCWe require a grade C or a score of 176 overall with no element less than 162.
PTE Academic69We require a minimum score of 69 overall with at least 59 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).
Institution's Own Test6.5Test of English for Educational Purposes (TEEP). We require a minimum score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).
Trinity ISEMeritWe require a Merit in each element from ISE II. If you take ISE III or ISE IV, we require a Pass in each element.

http://www.reading.ac.uk/ad-EnglishTests.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.

Contextual offers for this programme are typically two grades beneath our standard entry requirement, e.g. CCC including A level Chemistry or Biology and one other core science (Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry).

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.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£10050
EU & International£31800

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

For Home students: The University will charge undergraduate home tuition fees at the upper limit set by the UK Government for the relevant academic year. The University will increase tuition fees for Home Undergraduate Students at the start of each academic year, in line with this and the new fee will be communicated to you.

For EU and International students: The University will increase Tuition Fees for International Undergraduate and Integrated Foundation Year Programme Students at the start of each academic year (September). The new fee for each academic year of your Programme will be communicated to you.

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