University of Reading
Whiteknights Campus
Reading
RG6 6UR
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Course contact details
Admissions Office
Email:ugadmissions@reading.ac.uk
Phone:0118 378 8372
Chemistry with Cosmetic Science with a Year in Industry
- BSc (Hons)
- 4 Years
- Sandwich
- 10/2026
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
Course summary
Study the chemistry behind the design and development of cosmetics with our unique BSc Chemistry with Cosmetic Science with a Year in Industry.
Cosmetic science underpins a booming industry. Cosmetics is one of the EU’s five largest markets, with rapid expansion causing a skills shortage of chemists to work on cosmetics development.
At Reading, we developed this specialised BSc Chemistry with Cosmetic Science with a Year in Industry course in conjunction with the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Society of Cosmetic Scientists, and industrial partners.
Working with expert academics in Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Food and Pharmacy, you will learn about:
-
the chemistry behind colour and scent in products
-
how to ensure that cosmetic products are stable
-
the ethical implications of using different ingredients in a cosmetic product.
Your learning environment
Studying the science behind make-up, creams, gels, toiletries, masks, oral care, hair care and sun creams, you will make extensive use of our advanced technology and laboratory facilities.
Core chemistry modules are combined with cosmetic science modules, and look at topics such as the biology of skin and hair, the chemistry of waxes and oils, formulation, and launching a product.
You will learn through lectures, tutorials, practical classes and workshops.
In your final year, you will have the option to complete a new product development project. This could include developing an innovative cosmetic product, or reformulating an existing product for one of our industry partners.
Your project will follow standard industry processes with input from industry professionals. Alongside the project you will learn about the lifecycle of products and how to take them from idea, to design, to considering toxicology and regulations, and finally launching them to market.
For more information, please visit our course page: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/chemistry-ug/bsc-chemistry-with-cosmetic-science-with-a-year-in-industry
Modules
Modules may include:
- Chemistry Practicals
- Fundamentals of Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
- Shape, Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry
- Physical Processes and Molecular Organisation
- Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life.
*Please note that all modules are subject to change. Check our website for more details about the course structure.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- BSc (Hons) • Sandwich • 4 Years
Start dates
- 10/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- F112
- Institution code:
- R12
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Reading has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- F112
- Institution code:
- R12
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not acceptedA level
BBBA level Chemistry at grade B
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDMincluding relevant science modules.
Access to HE Diploma
D: 18 credits M: 27 creditsincluding relevant science units.
Scottish Higher
ABBBBChemistry at grade B
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
30 pointsChemistry at grade 5 at Higher Level.
Extended Project
BIn recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification provides to students for University study, we now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer. Eligible applicants would receive two offers, our usual offer plus an alternative offer of a B in the EPQ and one grade lower in their A level subjects
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
M2, M2, M2to include Chemistry
GCSE/National 4/National 5
GCSE Mathematics at grade B (or 6). SL4 for IB. English Language or English Literature C (or 4).
Contextual offers for this programme are typically two grades beneath our standard entry requirement, e.g. BCC including A level Chemistry at grade B.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | We require a minimum score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing). |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 88 | We require a minimum score of 88 overall with no less than 17 in Listening and Writing, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | B | We require a grade B or a score of 176 overall with no element less than 162. |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | C | We require a grade C or a score of 176 overall with no element less than 162. |
| PTE Academic | 69 | We require a minimum score of 69 overall with at least 59 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing). |
| Institution's Own Test | Test of English for Educational Purposes (TEEP). We require a minimum score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing). | |
| Trinity ISE | Merit | We require a Merit in each element from ISE II. If you take ISE III or ISE IV, we require a Pass in each element. |
Full list of acceptable English Language Tests http://www.reading.ac.uk/ad-EnglishTests.aspx
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We issue offers to best fit the different circumstances and experiences of our applicants. We take a tailored and holistic approach, considering extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis. We recognise that some students are more likely than others to face barriers to fulfilling their academic potential at school, through no fault of their own. More information on our supportive offer making approaches can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/what-offer-will-i-get
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £30650 | Year 1 |
| International | £30650 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
For Home students: please note that £9,535 is the minimum fee expected, this may increase subject to government approval.
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