Enter OTP
This degree blends the science behind medicines and cosmetics: you’ll learn how to design, formulate, manufacture, regulate and market cosmetic and pharmaceutical-style products, with a strong grounding in chemistry, biology, toxicology and formulation. It suits you if you like lab work, are curious about how things are made safe for humans, enjoy both creative (formulation, design) and regulatory/scientific aspects, and want a career in cosmetic or pharmaceutical industries where science meets consumer and legal standards.
Curriculum structure
Here’s how the years usually play out, with sample modules:
Year 1
You lay your foundations: core science modules such as Human Anatomy & Physiology, Biochemistry & Cell Biology, and Introduction to Pharmaceutical Science. You’ll also take Introduction to Cosmetic Science and some modules in formulation, plus optional business-oriented modules like Marketing Principles or Global Business Environment. This year is about getting strong in basics — how the body works, how molecules behave, essential lab skills.
Year 2
You begin to specialise: compulsory modules include Fundamental Formulation Science (Cosmetic Science), Cosmetic Product Quality Assurance & Quality Control, Applied Formulation Science (Cosmetic Science). You also pick optional modules like Organisational Behaviour or Operations & Quality Management. The focus shifts: you learn how to develop cosmetic formulations, ensure product safety, quality and how to test and analyse them.
Year 3
You go deeper and more independent. Core modules include Sustainability & Supply Chain Management in the Cosmetics Industry, Regulatory Pharmacology & Toxicology (Cosmetics), Cosmetic Science Research Project, Advanced Formulation Science (Cosmetic Science), Cosmetic Claims. You’ll also see modules on Current Developments. You finish by doing a large research project, exploring recent issues in cosmetic science, and preparing for industry by understanding regulation, sustainability, and claims-submissions with scientific rigour.
Focus areas (string):
“Formulation science; product development & safety; cosmetic regulatory & toxicology; sustainable supply chains; cosmetic claims & marketing; analysis & quality control.”
Learning outcomes (string):
“Ability to design and formulate cosmetic/pharmaceutical-style products; understand and apply quality assurance & analytical testing; navigate legal/regulatory frameworks for safety and claims; critically assess sustainability and supply-chain issues; conduct independent research; communicate to scientific, regulatory, consumer audiences.”
Professional alignment (accreditation):
Keele’s program is built with input from industry experts in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. While I did not find a named external professional accreditation specifically for this course in the materials I checked, the content is clearly aligned to industry expectations of regulatory, formulation, toxicology and quality control skills.
Reputation (employability rankings):
Keele has been ranked in the UK Top 15 for graduate employability prospects in the Uni Compare 2026 rankings.
For this course, DiscoverUni data shows that of students graduating from Pharmacy-style degrees, ~83% are in highly skilled work 15 months after finishing.
The UniGuide lists an average salary around £35,000 for graduates in related subjects.
Students get a lot of hands-on practice at Keele. From early years you’ll work in well-equipped science labs (analytical & formulation), build formulations, test them, use real pharmaceutical & cosmetic measurement tools. You also get virtual patient/consultation practice using digital tools, access to a mock dispensary, group and individual research projects, and opportunities to engage with industry-style documentation and regulatory work.
Here are specifics:
Central Sciences Laboratories: you’ll use analytical instruments like NMR, FT-IR, UV/Vis, HPLC to analyse and characterise ingredients and formulations.
Formulation equipment: things like homogenisers, dissolution baths, disintegration baths are available so you really make and test creams, lotions, tablets etc.
Mock dispensary & consultation rooms in the Clinical Skills Suite: allows you to practise dispensing, patient consultation, labelling and safety, often in group settings.
Digital & immersive tools: Keele uses their Digital Health Hub, including augmented/virtual reality tools (e.g. the KARE system), 3D lecture theatre to explore molecular structures, anatomy etc.
Cosmetic-specific lab modules: for example Applied Formulation Science (Cosmetic Science) gives you hands-on experience in making cosmetic formulations for different territories and markets.
Research project in final year: each student undertakes a Cosmetic Science Research Project, which means designing, executing and reporting independent or group experiments under supervision.
Quality assurance & control: there are modules like Cosmetic Product Quality Assurance & Quality Control to practise testing and regulatory standard-based quality work.
Graduates of Keele University's BSc Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science program are well-prepared for diverse roles in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Typical career paths include:
Formulation Scientist: Developing and testing new cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Ensuring products meet legal and safety standards.
Quality Control Analyst: Monitoring product quality and compliance.
Research and Development (R&D) Chemist: Innovating new formulations and improving existing products.
These roles leverage the comprehensive scientific and regulatory training provided throughout the course.
University Support Services
Keele offers robust support to enhance employability:
Careers and Employability Team: Provides guidance on CV writing, interview preparation, and job searching.
Industry Networking Opportunities: Facilitates connections with professionals in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors.
Work Placement Year: An optional 9–12 month placement after the second year to gain practical industry experience.
Employment Statistics and Salary Expectations
83% of Keele Pharmacy graduates are employed or engaged in further study within 15 months of graduation.
Average Salary: Approximately £35,000 per year for Pharmacy graduates at Keele University.
University-Industry Partnerships
Keele collaborates with industry experts to ensure the curriculum aligns with current market needs:
Industry-Informed Curriculum: Developed with input from professionals in formulation development and regulatory affairs.
Guest Lectures and Workshops: Led by experts with experience in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.
Accreditation and Long-Term Value
The program's alignment with industry standards ensures long-term value:
Industry-Relevant Skills: Emphasis on practical skills and regulatory knowledge.
Graduate Employability: High employment rates and competitive salaries reflect the program's effectiveness.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science, graduates can pursue advanced studies to further specialize or enhance their qualifications:
MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Deepen knowledge in drug development and regulatory affairs.
MSc in Cosmetic Science: Focus on advanced cosmetic formulation and product development.
PhD Programs: Engage in research to contribute to innovations in pharmaceutical and cosmetic sciences.
These pathways provide opportunities for career advancement and specialization in the field.
Chemistry required plus one from Biology, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics or Physics.Academic Performance (an average of 55% across al modules in Semester 1 at Level 5 is normaly required. Places on the International Year are then conditional on achieving an average mark of 55% across al Level 5 modules. Students with up to 15 credits of re-assessment who meet the 55% requirement may progress to the International Year. Where no Semester 1 marks have been awarded performance in 1st year marks and ongoing 2nd year assessments are taken into account)General Aptitude (to be demonstrated by application for study abroad, interview during the 2nd semester of year 2 (Level 5), and by recommendation of the student's Academic Mentor, 1st and 2nd year tutors and programme directorPharmacologistClinical Research AssociateRegulatory Affairs SpecialistPharmaceutical Sales RepresentativeBiomedical ResearcherHealthcare Policy AdvisorToxicologistPharmaceutical Consultant
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