Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science BSc (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

De Montfort University

Program Overview

This exciting degree at DMU blends the science behind medicines and beauty products, giving you the skills to create both pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. It’s perfect for students who love chemistry, biology, and hands-on lab work, and who want a career in either healthcare or the beauty industry.

Curriculum Structure

Year One
In your first year, you’ll get a solid foundation in the science behind drugs and cosmetics. You’ll explore Core Concepts in Pharmaceutical Sciences, learning the essentials of chemistry and biology through interactive labs. In Core Concepts in Cosmetic Sciences, you’ll discover skin science, ingredients, and the basics of colour and fragrance. Meanwhile, Analytical Techniques and Cell & Systems Biology will give you practical skills and scientific understanding you can apply across both industries.

Year Two
Year two is all about putting theory into practice. In Pharmaceutical Formulation, you’ll learn how to design and make medicines like suspensions and emulsions, while Cosmetic Formulation lets you create real-world personal care products. Manufacture of Pharmaceutical Products teaches you how these products are made safely at scale, and Design, Manufacture & Evaluation of Cosmetic Products combines everything so you can test, refine, and improve your own creations.

Optional Placement Year
If you choose the placement route, you’ll spend a year in a real industry setting, gaining hands-on experience as a formulation chemist, quality analyst, or regulatory assistant. DMU has strong connections with big names like GSK, Pfizer, Reckitt, and Unilever, giving you a valuable head start.

Year Three (Final Year)
In your final year, you’ll tackle advanced and future-focused topics. Drug Design & Biopharmaceuticals introduces you to computer-aided drug development and biologic therapies. Personalised Medicine & Drug Delivery explores modern delivery systems, while Responsible Innovation in Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Science focuses on ethics, sustainability, and regulation. You’ll also complete a Research Project, letting you investigate a topic you’re passionate about in depth.

Focus Areas

“Pharmaceutical formulation, cosmetic formulation, analytical techniques, cell biology, drug delivery, sustainability, regulatory affairs”

Learning Outcomes

“You’ll graduate with the skills to create and test both medicines and beauty products, understand the science behind formulations, apply responsible innovation principles, and gain real-world experience through research projects and optional placements.”

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This course helps you build a professional profile for careers in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries and supports progress toward Registered Scientist recognition.

Reputation (Employability)

DMU’s Leicester School of Pharmacy has over 120 years of expertise. Graduates have gone on to work at top companies like GSK, Pfizer, Reckitt, AstraZeneca, and Boots. The course also ranked highly in student satisfaction surveys, reflecting the strong support and opportunities offered.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At DMU, learning Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Science isn’t just about lectures — it’s about getting hands-on and really doing the science yourself. From your very first year, you’ll be working in fully equipped labs, making and testing both medicines and cosmetic products. You’ll get to tackle experiments, work on group projects, and even run your own mini research investigations, all while being guided by experts who are active in real-world research. Plus, the optional placement year gives you a chance to step into industry, seeing exactly how your studies translate into a career.

Here’s how your learning comes to life:

- Work in formulation laboratories to create real cosmetic and pharmaceutical products using industry-standard equipment.
- Explore analytical chemistry and microbiology labs in the Hawthorn Building, where you can carry out experiments tied to your modules like Analytical Techniques and Cell & Systems Biology.
- Use the mock dispensary suite to practice real-world pharmacy workflows and understand how medicines are safely prepared and dispensed.
- Take an optional placement year with leading companies like GSK, Pfizer, ThermoFisher, Reckitt, Merck, and Catalent, gaining real industry experience as a formulation chemist, QC analyst, or regulatory affairs assistant.
- Carry out a final-year research project, putting your laboratory, analytical, and formulation skills into practice on a topic that interests you.
- Leverage digital tools and resources such as DMU’s Virtual Learning Environment, Microsoft Teams, and the Kimberlin Library for journals, databases, and study support.
- Experience global perspectives through DMU Global trips, where students have visited pharmaceutical manufacturing sites abroad to see processes first-hand.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from DMU with a degree in Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Science opens the door to a wide range of exciting careers. Many of our students move into roles as formulation chemists, quality control analysts, regulatory affairs specialists, or research scientists, combining their scientific knowledge with practical, real-world skills. The course gives you the confidence and experience to step straight into industry or to continue learning at a higher level:

Here’s how DMU supports you every step of the way:

DMU Careers Team / DMU Works: You’ll have access to dedicated careers support, including CV advice, interview practice (even with VR tools), placement guidance, and lifelong career coaching.
Internships & Placement Schemes: Through DMU’s internship programmes, you can gain paid, real-world experience — many students turn these opportunities into permanent jobs.
Optional Placement Year: Spend a full year in industry with leading companies like Pfizer, gaining hands-on experience that really boosts your employability.
Industry Partnerships: DMU works closely with major pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies like Pfizer, Boots, and GSK, ensuring your learning is aligned with what employers need.
Professional Value: The program builds your profile for highly skilled roles, giving you expertise in formulation, regulatory standards, and R&D that’s recognised in the industry.
Graduate Employment Outcomes: Around 60% of DMU graduates secure full-time work within 15 months of graduating, with over 75% moving into highly skilled roles.
Salary Potential: Five years after graduation, median salaries for first-degree graduates are about £26,300, reflecting strong career prospects.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies after your BSc, DMU offers several options:

You could take a Clinical Pharmacy MSc / PG Dip / PG Cert, gaining advanced skills in patient care and clinical practice.
Research-minded students can pursue Master’s degrees in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Quality by Design, or even move on to PhD research in pharmaceutical or cosmetic science with DMU’s research-active faculty.
There are also postgraduate courses in regulatory affairs or business, which complement your degree and help prepare for leadership roles in the industry.