Program Overview

Master’s Degree in Cosmetics and Fragrances

Programme Overview

The Master’s Degree in Cosmetics and Fragrances was created with the aim of providing comprehensive training to students by combining theoretical knowledge and hands-on applications in the field of cosmetics, fragrances, and management related to those industries so students can easily join the sector following their studies.

Key Information

• Duration: 1 ½ years
• Credits: 90 ECTS credits
• Start: September 2025
• Timetable: Monday to Thursday from 3:30 pm to 9:00 pm, Friday from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
• Languages: Spanish (some subjects in English)
• Degree: Official degree
• Hours of laboratory work: 8 hours of weekly laboratory work during the first year and Master Thesis in the second year.

Why Study the Master’s Degree in Cosmetics and Fragrances at IQS?

• Technical knowledge of dermatology, cosmetics, and fragrances.
• 8 hours of laboratory work per week.
• Regulatory and sustainability aspects applied to the sector.
• Business strategies in cosmetics and fragrances.
• Mandatory in-company internships within the sector.
• Important experimental aspect.

Facilities

• More than 8,700 m2 of laboratories and workshops

Objectives and Competences

Objectives

• The fundamental objective of the Master’s Degree in Cosmetics and Fragrances is to prepare professionals for the cosmetics sector and the fragrances industry by providing them with the skills and competences necessary to work in any department within these fields.

Cross-disciplinary Competences

• Analytical thinking and innovation
• Problem solving
• Critical thinking and analytical skills
• Leadership and social influence
• Teamwork
• Creativity, originality, and initiative
• Networking

Specific Competences

• Knowledge of the cosmetics and fragrances industry.
• Knowledge of the raw materials used in fragrances and cosmetics and their production processes.
• Mastery of the control and analysis techniques for cosmetic and fragrance products and their raw materials, as well product evaluation.
• Regulations and sustainability related to cosmetic and fragrance products.
• Project management skills.
• Knowledge of technology, marketing, and communication applied to the cosmetics and fragrances industry.

Curriculum

Innovation, Design, and Production of Cosmetics

• Dermatology and Physiology of Skin and Hair (6 credits)
• Introduction to the Cosmetics Industry (3 credits)
• Cosmetic Forms, Raw Materials, and Components (6 credits)
• Formulation Technology of Cosmetics (6 credits)
• Analytical Methods and Quality Control in Cosmetics (3 credits)
• Innovation in Cosmetics and Interdisciplinary Seminars (6 credits)

Fragrances

• Fundamentals and Introduction to the World of Perfume (3 credits)
• Fragrance Creation (3 credits)
• Fragrance Product Categories (3 credits)
• Raw Materials Families and their Procurement Processes (6 credits)
• Analytical Methods and Quality Control in Fragrances (3 credits)

Implementation of Business Models in the Cosmetics and Fragrances Industry

• Packaging Design and Sustainability (3 credits)
• Legislation and Regulations in Cosmetics and Fragrances (3 credits)
• Neuromarketing and Other New Marketing Strategies (3 credits)
• Entrepreneurship and Power Skills Development (3 credits)

Internship

• Internship (18 credits)

Master Thesis

• Master Thesis (12 credits)

Leadership Team

• Jordi Díaz Ferrero, PhD
• Núria Oliva Jorge, PhD

Faculty

• Carles Bofill Bonet, PhD
• Giovanni Gómez Gras, PhD
• Luca Caprera
• Maria Auset Vallejo, PhD
• Michael Bruyns-Haylett, PhD
• Núria Oliva Jorge, PhD
• Xavier Ortiz Almirall, PhD
• Yeray Asensio Ramírez, PhD

External Faculty

• Santiago Grijalvo Torrijo

Admissions Process

• Online pre-registration
• Admission confirmation
• Pre-enrolment
• Enrolment

Prerequisites for Admission

• This master’s degree is aimed at students who have completed an undergraduate degree or higher qualification in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or other related subjects.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

• IQS offers scholarships and financial aid to students who wish to study a master’s degree at IQS and who have completed their undergraduate studies at another university.
• We also provide scholarships for academic excellence, financial need, and international students.

Career Opportunities

• Design and formulation of cosmetics and fragrances
• Research and development
• Marketing and sales
• Quality control
• Regulatory and sustainability

In-company Internship

• The Master’s Degree in Cosmetics and Fragrances includes a mandatory in-company internship worth 18 credit hours.