Overview

The Cosmetic Science degree at University of Sunderland  will prepare you for a rewarding career in the cosmetics, fragrance, and pharmaceutical industries, both in the UK and globally.

Why this course?

You’ll gain in-demand skills in formulation, quality control, safety testing, claims substantiation, and the regulatory and business frameworks that support product development.You'll be taught by expert academic staff alongside industry professionals, with access to advanced lab facilities in the John Dawson Sciences Complex. Specialist labs in skin and hair technology provide the perfect environment to test and develop real-world formulations.What makes this course unique:

• A curriculum shaped by industry needs, designed in consultation with cosmetic and pharmaceutical partners

• Guest lectures from key stakeholders in the cosmetics sector, offering insight into current trends and future careers

• Over 100 years of science teaching expertise at the University of Sunderland

• Long-standing partnerships with major industry players like GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer, who have funded research and supported student development.

• Throughout the course, you’ll learn to navigate the full product lifecycle, from concept and formulation to safety, regulation, marketing, and distribution, giving you the confidence to step into a wide range of professional roles. Career opportunities include roles in product development, safety and claims testing, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, technical sales, and more.

With growing global demand for qualified cosmetic scientists, this degree equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to stand out and thrive in a competitive, creative, and science driven industry.