Course Overview

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.

General Eligibility

GCSEs

• Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including: English and Maths

Plus one of the following:

A Level

• A minimum of 96 points from 2 or more A levels, including Chemistry and one other science subject at grade D or above, from: Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Statistics, Maths/Further Maths, or Psychology

BTEC

• BTEC National Diploma in Applied Science - Merit/Merit/Merit

• BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science - Merit/Merit/Merit

Alternative qualifications include:

Access to HE Diploma

• Pass QAA Accredited Science Access to HE with at least 9 level 3 credits at distinction in a Science subject (Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Physics, Psychology).

• Access course must include at least 12 level 3 credits in chemistry to be eligible for an offer.

English Language and Maths GCSE required as separate qualifications. Equivalency not accepted within the Access qualification. 

International Baccalaureate: 24+ with 6 higher level points in Chemistry and another science (preferably Biology)

Part Time Work Details

20 hours of Work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• IELTS score of 6.5