Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science

BSc (Hons)

Attendance mode

Entry year

Typical offer for 2026
Duration
UCAS code
Start date
Location

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Suitable for applications.

Overview

This programme provides a high-quality education across the boundaries of pharmaceutical and cosmetic science, along with the analytical and problem-solving skills you'll need to become a cosmetologist, academic or researcher of the future.

Throughout the course, you'll build a strong understanding of formulation science, product and process development, manufacturing and quality assurance.

As a graduate, you will be able to:

confidently address the complex problems of industry, cosmetic safety and efficacy
demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of regulatory and quality guidelines
apply scientific knowledge to solve complex formulation, production and packaging problems
adopt a holistic approach to address the challenges of the cosmetic industry and sustainable manufacturing

Alongside pharmaceutical and cosmetic science practical capabilities, the programme offers opportunities to develop transferable workplace skills, including time management, adaptability, self-directed working, reflectiveness, appreciation of diversity, application of different approaches, and presentation skills.

Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science BSc (Hons) draws on our long-established relationship with BeeVital Propolis, which will give you the opportunity to collaborate with guest industry speakers and explore site visits.

Entry requirements

Typical offer - 104 UCAS tariff points.

A levels

BCC to include Biology or Chemistry with a minimum grade B and one other Science subject (Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry or Psychology). General Studies or Critical Thinking is not accepted as the third A Level subject.

Please note that where a science A Level is taken, the University will require applicants to pass the practical element (for A levels awarded from August 2017 onwards).

T levels

Merit.

BTEC Extended Diploma

Applied Science - DMM in a relevant science to include at least 4 units of Chemistry or Biology at Merit.

Applicants on Access Programmes

104 UCAS tariff points from an Access to Higher Education Diploma – Science subject required. Must include a minimum of 12 credits of Biology or Chemistry at Distinction.

International Baccalaureate Requirements

104 UCAS tariff points to include Higher Level Biology or Chemistry at grade 6 and one other Higher Level Science subject plus Higher Level 3 or Standard Level 4 in Maths and English Language and Literature A or English B.

Plus minimum of

GCSE English Language, Mathematics and two Sciences at grade C or 4 (equivalents accepted).

English language requirements

Minimum IELTS 6.0 with no subtest less than 5.5 or the equivalent.

Foundation Year entry

If you are a UK student and do not meet the entry requirements for this course, you may be nominated on our Foundation Year in Clinical Sciences and Medicine programme.

Pass each module and achieve a progression average of at least 40%.

The modules Introduction to Chemistry and Introduction to Biology should have a mark of greater than 50%.

If you are an international student and do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry onto this course, you may be interested in our International College.

Transferring from another university

Applications for advanced entry will not be considered for this programme.

Your learning journey

All module information is for 2025 entry, and is subject to change.

First Year

Core

Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Preformulation
Human Physiology, Biochemistry and Microbiology
Integrated Laboratory and Skills Development 1

Second Year

Core

Fundamentals of Formulation Development and Manufacturing Technology
Sustainable Product Development
Foundations of Marketing
Integrated Laboratory and Skills Development 2

Final Year

Core

Advanced Formulation Development and Manufacturing Technology
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: From Concept to Consumer
Sustainable Packaging and Regulatory Affairs
Integrated Laboratory, Research Project and Skills Development

Teaching, learning and assessment

The course will be delivered as follows:

60% lectures and team-based learning
40% practical elements in lab and manufacturing settings

Guest lectures will be delivered by experts from the industry every semester. The guest lecturers will update you on recent technologies and trends in product design.

A one-day visit to the industry will be organised in Semester Four, to provide exposure to the different unit operations, process flow, and interdepartmental working mechanisms.

Our facilities

Take a virtual tour of our Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science subject facilities.

Explore our cutting-edge Chemistry and Industrial Laboratories. Discover the innovative processes behind drug development and cosmetic formulation.

Gain insights into the hands-on experience and advanced technology that empower you to make a real difference in this dynamic fields.

Explore Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science in our virtual experience

Fees, finance and scholarships

Tuition fee 2026

UK: £9,790

The University of Bradford will charge home rate tuition fees up to the maximum allowed by the UK Government.

Should the UK Government choose to increase the maximum tuition fee allowed in the second and subsequent years of your course, the University will raise tuition fees in line with UK Government policy and approvals.

International: £16,890

Additional costs

You are required to purchase your own lab coat (approximately £11.00) and pay for travel cost for a one-day industry visit (approximately £7.00).

There may be additional costs that you may incur as a student. Though these are not essential to your programme of study you need to be aware of them as a student of the University. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

Financial support

See our fees and financial support section.

Postgraduate Master's Loan

If you live in England you may be able to apply for a special Government-funded Master's Loan to help pay your tuition fees and living costs. You don't have to pay the loan back until you're earning a certain amount of money.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.

Career prospects

Career options for graduates of this course include:

Product developer
Cosmetic chemist
Pharmaceutical scientist
Science writer
Medical sales representative

Discover more about these careers in our Five careers for Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science graduates blog.

Career opportunities

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the careers section.

Support for your studies

At Bradford, we’re committed to supporting your success, well-being and future ambitions.

We’re here to provide everything you need to make the most of your time with us, ensuring you not only excel in your studies, but also step confidently into the world of graduate employment.

In addition to the support you receive from your academic tutors, our Student Support Services are here for you throughout your journey - before, during, and after your studies.

Terms and conditions of study

The University has a set of terms and conditions for all students accepting an offer to study on a course here at Bradford. This is called The Student Contract. This document sets out the Terms and Conditions which apply when you accept an offer of a place on a programme of study at the University of Bradford.

View our Student Contract for further details.

Transparency statement

Information about this programme and its modules has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publication, but changes may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of teaching. Any change which impacts the terms and conditions of an applicant’s offer will be communicated to them.