De Montfort University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Our Pharmaceutical Cosmetic Science (PCS) course has been designed to follow a concept-to-consumer narrative over the three years of the programme with a primary focus on how pharmaceutical, cosmetic and toiletry products are formulated and manufactured. As part of the Leicester School of Pharmacy, we have over 100 years of experience which will allow us to provide you with both the theoretical and practical skills you will need to thrive in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry following graduation. This will also be supported by our extensive network of collaborations with both industries ensuring that real-time developments in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry are a focal point on the programme. You will study a wide range of topics that will firstly introduce you to the fundamental principles in pharmaceutics and cosmetics alongside analytical techniques and basics in biological systems, cell biology, microbiology and physiology. This will then feed into and complement the second-year modules which will focus on design, formulation, manufacture and evaluation of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. The final year will delve deeper into more advanced and niche topics including drug design, personalised medicines, responsible innovation and sustainability. Key features
- This is a specialist course in the UK and DMU is one of only a handful of universities nationally which combines pharmaceutical and cosmetic science.
- Our investment in dedicated practical laboratories and industry-standard equipment offers you invaluable opportunities to develop your practical and professional skills.
- Our graduates gain rewarding and stimulating careers in the pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic industries – DMU PCS students have gone on to work for major companies such as AstraZeneca, Boots, The Body Shop, Catalent and Barry M.
- Our strong network with industry means students will be able to develop their practical and professional skills and also be offered the opportunity to apply them to real-world situations with a placement year option.
- Students will have the opportunity to achieve “Registered Scientist” recognition by completing annual personal development plans and one year of industrial experience; a qualification which can raise your profile as a professional.
- Benefit from Education 2030, where a simplified ‘block learning’ timetable means you will study one subject at a time and have more time to engage with your learning, receive faster feedback and enjoy a better study-life balance.
Modules
FIRST YEAR All year: Professional Portfolio 1 Block 1: Core Concepts in Pharmaceutical Sciences Block 2: Core Concepts in Cosmetic Sciences Block 3: Analytical Techniques Block 4: Cell and Systems Biology SECOND YEAR: All year: Professional Portfolio 2 Block 1: Pharmaceutical Formulation Block 2: Cosmetic Formulation Block 3: Manufacture of Pharmaceutical Products Block 4: Design, Manufacture and Evaluation of Cosmetic Products THIRD YEAR: All year: Professional Portfolio 3 Block 1: Drug Design and Biopharmaceutics Block 2: Personalised Medicine and Drug Delivery Block 3: Responsible Innovation in Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science Block 4: Research Project
Assessment method
The programme has been designed to be student-focused to allow for more interactive learning, promoting a more inclusive, independent learning experience. A wide range of resources will be made available to you including podcast recordings, interactive large-group sessions, and laboratory-based practical sessions all of which will be complemented by workshops and seminars. Across the whole course, there will be a varied mix of assessments including report writing, competency-based activities, knowledge checks, critical thinking case studies, and unseen exams.
How to apply
31Jan
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:
- B204
- Institution code:
- D26
- Campus name:
- Leicester Campus
- Campus code:
- Y
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 96 points
A level
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
Access to HE Diploma
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £16250 | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| International | £16250 | 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
Please note that fees for subsequent years of study for continuing students are subject to an annual review. Any increase in fee will be in line with RPI-X (linked to the retail price index) and the fee cap set by the Government.
Provider information
De Montfort University
The Gateway
Leicester
LE1 9BH