Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science BSc (Hons) degree

Overview

This new 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.

Entry requirements

Typical offer - 112 UCAS tariff points.

A levels

BBC 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

Not accepted for this course.

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

112 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

112 UCAS tariff points to include either HL Chemistry or Biology at Grade 6 and 1 other HL Science subject, plus HL 3 or SL 4 in Mathematics 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.

If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course. See the Language Centre for more details. For further information on English Language requirements please see the dedicated international entry requirements page.

Foundation Year entry

International Foundation entry requirements: 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.

An overall average of at least 55% and at least 55% in Chemistry, Biology and Applied Life Sciences plus the equivalent of IELTS 6.0 (5.5) in the final English module.

If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course, our Foundation Year has a route to Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science.

Transfers will be considered from the BSc Clinical Sciences with Integrated Foundation Year subject to passing the Foundation Year with at least 55% overall and passing all modules at the first attempt.

Foundation Years from other universities may be accepted at 55% or above, please refer to the Admissions team for further information.

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.

Learning and assessment

The course will be delivered as follows:

60% lectures and seminars
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 360 degree tour of our facilities.

Fees, finance and scholarships

Tuition fee 2023

UK: £9,250

International: £21,124

Additional costs

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.

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 support

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 website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

Career prospects

The course is linked to the following industries and specialisms:

pharmaceutical industry
cosmetics industry
food and nutrition industry
quality control
product development
manufacturing

Possible job roles for graduates include:

Manufacturing Assistant - £28,000
Quality Assurance Assistant - £27,000
Technical Sales Representative - £30,000
Research and Development Assistant - £27,000
Formulation Development Scientist - £28,000
Sustainable Development Assistant - £28,000
Herbal Cosmetics Lead (SME) - £28,000
Business Development Assistant - £30,000
Regulatory Affairs Trainee - £25,000

The above examples were sourced from various recruitment websites on 28 October 2022. All of the roles were based in the United Kingdom.

After graduating, you may continue to study our Pharmaceutical Technology and Medicines Control MSc.

Study support

Our comprehensive support services will help you to achieve your full potential – both academically and personally.

We provide all you need to make the very best of your time with us, and successfully progress through your studies and on into the world of graduate employment.

Our support services include:

Personal tutors
Disability services
Counselling services
MyBradford student support centres
The Students’ Union
Chaplaincy and faith advisers
An on-campus nursery
Halls wardens

We have well-stocked libraries and excellent IT facilities across campus. These facilities are open 24 hours a day during term time, meaning you’ll always find a place to get things done on campus.

Our Academic Skills Advice Service will work with you to develop your academic, interpersonal and transferable skills.

Research

This programme is closely aligned to the research strengths of our Research Knowledge Transfer (RKT) Centres and research groups:

This is the current course information. Modules and course details may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. The University reserves the right to alter or withdraw courses, services and facilities as described on our website without notice and to amend Ordinances, Regulations, fees and charges at any time. Students should enquire as to the up-to-date position when applying for their course of study.

Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science