Cosmetic Science with Integrated Foundation Year

Cosmetic science is the study of the chemistry and formulation science that underpins the development of cosmetics, toiletries, and personal care products. It is a highly specialised discipline that combines organic chemistry, physical chemistry, microbiology, skin biology, and regulatory science with the practical skills of product formulation and testing. The global cosmetics and personal care industry is one of the most innovative in the consumer goods sector, and it relies on scientifically trained professionals who understand how ingredients interact, how products are stabilised and preserved, and how they are tested for safety and efficacy.

At the University of Sunderland, this four-year full-time programme includes an integrated foundation year, providing a smooth and supported entry point into degree-level science study. The foundation year is designed for students who are returning to studying or who may not have met the standard entry requirements, and it builds the scientific and academic foundations needed for the cosmetic science degree. The main programme develops your formulation skills, chemistry knowledge, skin science understanding, and awareness of the regulatory requirements that govern cosmetic products in the UK and internationally.

A sandwich year with a work placement gives you direct professional experience in the cosmetics or personal care industry. Entry typically requires around 72 UCAS tariff points.

Cosmetic science graduates work in product development, formulation chemistry, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and safety assessment for cosmetics companies, contract manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and testing laboratories. The specialist combination of scientific rigour and industry knowledge the degree provides is distinctive and directly valued by employers in this sector.