Program Overview

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MSc Cosmetic Science

About this course

LJMUs Cosmetic Science MSc provides postgraduates with expertise in formulation, testing and regulations relating to the UK and global cosmetics industry.

• Study on this Cosmetic Science MSc, which has been designed in consultation with industry
• The first MSc in Cosmetic Science to be accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry*
• Learn from a research active, academic team within one of the oldest and well-established schools of pharmacy in the world
• Discover key modules taught by world-renowned academics involved in the EU Horizon Cosmos Project, with a strong emphasis on the safety assessment of cosmetic products
• Undertake research projects with potential industry partners and academic research groups, including: Formulation and Drug Delivery Group, Chemoinformatics Research Group and Biomedical Science Research Group
• Enhance your knowledge of cosmetic products and gain hands-on laboratory experience
• Develop an in-depth understanding of safety and regulatory requirements
• Acquire business knowledge and skills to create and launch new cosmetic products

The MSc Cosmetic Science has been designed to introduce new concepts, ideas and methods to students, whilst also encouraging them to become more independent thinkers.

The curriculum has been designed in consultation with industry to enable you to develop the higher level academic knowledge and practical skills required by the cosmetics sector.

On graduation you will be able to produce and market new products for potential employers in the industry, as well as be in a position to start your own business.

There may be opportunities to undertake a research project at a cosmetic science company as part of the programme.

Course modules

Core modules

• Physiology and Toxicology (20 credits)
  • Provides knowledge and understanding of human physiology and principles of toxicology, relating to the mechanisms by which chemicals can disrupt normal biological processes and cause toxicity.
• Formulation and Characterisation of Cosmetics Products (20 credits)
  • In this module, you will learn to formulate cosmetic products and test formulation characteristics. The module aims to equip you with a knowledge, understanding and application of raw materials and active cosmetic ingredients in producing cosmetic formulations.
• Safety-Based Decision Making (20 credits)
  • Describes how information is brought together to make decisions concerning the safety of chemicals in everyday use. Real-world examples of safety-assessment strategies commonly used by industry and regulators will be investigated.
• Natural Products in Cosmetics (20 credits)
  • This module covers the phytochemical, formulation, environmental and sustainability of natural products.
• Scientific Principles in Cosmetic Science (20 credits)
  • This module equips you with the necessary core skills to effectively design, plan, perform and report scientific research.
• Concept to Consumer (20 credits)
  • This module enables you to identify product ideas and develop commercially viable cosmetic products. It also includes the assessment of scale-up manufacturing from concept through to consumer.

Optional modules

• Research Project (60 credits)
  • This module will provide you with the opportunity to conduct an independent, in-depth study of an agreed topic of research, carried out in an appropriate manner.
• Placement Project (60 credits)
  • This module will provide you with the opportunity to conduct an independent, in-depth study of an agreed topic of research, carried out in an appropriate manner at an external placement provider.

Professional accreditation

The first MSc in Cosmetic Science to be accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry*.

*This master's degree is accredited for fully satisfying the academic requirements for CChem for those who already hold an accredited BSc (Hons) Chemistry or an equivalent degree or experience.

Your Learning Experience

Teaching Assessment

An insight into teaching on your course

• Study hours: The teaching hours on the MSc Cosmetic Science programme can be timetabled on Monday to Friday between 9am-6pm in semester one and two. There will be weekly differences in the timetabled sessions in relation to the times and locations depending on whether your sessions are lectures, practicals, workshops or seminars. Specific timetables will be provided at the beginning of the semester. When there are no sessions on at the university it is expected that students undertake independent learning including reading around lecture content, preparing for coursework assessments and revision for examinations. The amount of independent study expected to be undertaken is dependent on the module credit size and information will be provided at the beginning of the course. The programme in semester three has a research project where you will be expected to undertake independent research and work between 9am-5pm.
• Teaching methods: Course content is delivered via a combination of interactive lectures, workshops, seminars and project work.
• Applied learning: There may be opportunities to undertake a research project at a cosmetic science company as part of the programme.

Career paths

Further your career prospects

LJMU has an excellent employability record with 94% (HESA 2022) of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.

This programme offers a coherent and progressive education, providing expertise and knowledge in formulation, testing, regulation and licensing ready for employment in the cosmetic, perfumery and related industries.

Although the majority of graduates will go on to secure employment in cosmetic and perfumery companies, there is also the option to progress your academic studies by studying for a PhD.

Tuition fees and funding

Home International

Fee:

• £10,705

Fees

The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.

Financial Support

There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.

Additional Costs

In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:

• Accommodation
• Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
• Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire

Full-time per year:

• £18,250

International Scholarships and payment plans

Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.

Scholarships

LJMU provides a variety of postgraduate scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations such as the British Council and Chevening.

All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.

Deposit

All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.

For more information view our deposit page.

Tuition Fee Payment Plan

After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.

All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.

Early Bird Tuition Fee discount

We are excited to introduce a £500 Early Payment Discount to all self-funded international students. Eligible self-funded students who pay their fees by the required deadlines will get a discount which will be automatically deducted from the 1st year of tuition fees.

To see the required deadlines please visit the webpage

Entry requirements

You will need:

Home International

Qualification requirements

Undergraduate degree

• a minimum 2:2 honours degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, and Microbiology or related Science disciplines

Further information

• Extra Requirements
• RPL
  • RPL is accepted on this programme

International requirements

Show all sections

IELTS

• IELTS requirements 6.5 (Min. 5.5 in each component)

Other international requirements

• If you have applied to study a full-time taught Masters, MRes, MPhil or PhD at LJMU, you should check if you require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme or ATAS certificate. Contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team for guidance

Further information

• Extra Requirements
• RPL
  • RPL is accepted on this programme

Find your country

Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.

How to apply

Securing your place at LJMU

To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.