Cosmetic Industrial Science

Laboratorio di rossetti
Cosmetic Industrial Science
Course sheet
A.Y. 2024/2025
Master programme
LM-71 - Industrial chemistry
Master programme
120
ECTS
Access
Open with entry requirements examination
2
Years
Course location
Milan
Language
English
The Master's degree programme in Cosmetic Industrial Science (CosmIS) aims to train a graduate with advanced skills in the research, development, industrial production, quality control and marketing of cosmetic products. This graduate will be immediately ready for placement in qualified positions, at different levels within cosmetic companies. The skills and the competencies necessary for the achievement of such goals are acquired through i) theoretical lectures, most of which complemented by laboratory activities, also conveyed through innovative teaching methods, and ii) an internship, lasting at least 6 months, to be carried out preferably in cosmetic companies, in Italy or abroad.
With reference to the aforementioned objectives, the Master's degree programme provides students with knowledge of:
- key formulation ingredients, i.e., inorganic, organic or polymeric ingredients, of cosmetic products and functional ingredients, with their specific activity;
- physiology and specific functions of the skin and its annexes;
- formulation of semisolid, liquid and solid preparations for the development of skincare, hygiene and make-up products;
- technologies applied to the manufacturing and packaging of cosmetic products;
- regulatory provisions and skills for placing a new cosmetic product on the market, according to the European guidelines;
- microbiological risk assessment and alternative protocols for the relevant toxicological characterization;
- quality assessment and stability monitoring of cosmetic products;
- marketing and communication, business plan and project financial evaluation relevant to cosmetic products.
During the internship, students are expected to choose an original topic, consistent with the Master's degree programme undertaken, and develop a personal project. This internship is also intended to acquire teamwork aptitudes, critical abilities, and communication skills. At the end of the internship, the student will write a Master's degree thesis in English to be presented and discussed during the final examination.
The degree in CosmIS will be conferred to students who have acquired interdisciplinary knowledge and comprehension skills in all the areas covered by their training, particularly in the chemical, chemical/pharmaceutical, biochemical/toxicological, pharmaceutical/technological and legislative fields related to the development and manufacturing of cosmetic products, with an acquired expertise in the scientific approach to solving problems typical of the profession.
Graduate students in CosmIS will reach a high degree of autonomy in the work environment, allowing them to hold positions of high responsibility in companies focused on the synthesis/production/marketing of cosmetic raw materials and on the formulation/development of skincare, hygiene and make-up products, their packaging, related sales, and control/safety. They may also assume responsibilities as project or lab leaders in academic research laboratories or find employment in agencies responsible for the development of technical regulations and quality certification of cosmetic products. Studies conducted in English will enable graduates to meet the challenges of the global economy, facilitating their immediate entry into the job market.
The specific career outlets within the cosmetics industry are:

1. Research and development (R&D) and production specialist
He/She defines development issues and research programs, in tune with company strategies; designs/formulates new small-scale products studying their tech-transfer and industrialization, proposing the necessary technical resources, budget and investment for project. This professional has:
- technical/scientific skills;
- ability to process, interpret and evaluate the experimentally obtained results;
- ability to design, planning, manage and to motivate the work groups he/she coordinates.

2. Quality specialist
He/She supervises the quality assurance system in the cosmetic company, i.e., he/she develops protocols for analyzing and controlling the quality of processes, coordinates the departments involved in the manufacture of the product to ensure that the quality system is efficiently organized and documented, ensures that inspections are periodically planned and properly performed to evaluate the effectiveness and applicability of the quality assurance system. This professional has:
- technical/scientific knowledge;
- ability to analyze and synthesize data, coordinate and manage human resources and any critical issues;
- aptitude toward teamworking combined with the ability to work cross-functionally in the various business areas;
- knowledge of the regulations and methodologies necessary for product quality control.

3. Regulatory specialist
He/She is responsible for the collection, processing, updating and reporting-disclosure, as required by the relevant regulations, of all information relating to the safety of cosmetic ingredients and products, including post-marketing. He/she is an expert in the authorization procedures for the marketing of products, and sets up and maintains documentation in support of the application, interfacing, when necessary, with the in charge regulatory bodies.
This professional combines in-depth technical/scientific knowledge with regulatory knowledge, possesses skills of analysis, coordination and management of critical issues, and has aptitude toward teamworking.

4. Specialist in cosmetics market relations (cosmetic informant)
He/She conveys scientific knowledge about cosmetic ingredients and products in the areas of the cosmetics company more specifically dedicated to sales. In this respect, he/she is the reference person from which marketers learn the essential technical information for a correct promotion of the products. He/she fosters dialogue and synergy between different areas such as research and development, production, and marketing.
This professional has technical/scientific knowledge, basic business administration and marketing skills, business skills, knowledge of technical English and computer abilities, willingness to travel, communication skills and resourcefulness.

The Master's degree in CosmIS gives access to Doctoral programs open to graduates of the LM71 class and particularly to the PhD program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, already active at the Department of Pharmaceutica Sciences, with the option of developing a research project in cosmetic science.

Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
Students in CosmIS who wish to participate in the ERASMUS and ERASMUS+ programme will have at their disposal:
- agreements already in place between lecturers of the degree and foreign universities (to be personally verified with lecturers);
- new agreements specially arranged for the conduct of the internship.
The participation in the programme is for the purpose of carrying out the traineeship during which the student has to develop a thesis project. Students on the degree course who wish to participate in the ERASMUS and ERASMUS+ programme will have at their disposal an international mobility tutor.
The student's activity abroad is fully recognised in his/her academic career and rewarded with an increase of maximum 2 points in the degree mark, subject to the approval of the Erasmus tutor or the academic tutor of the thesis. Recognition of the student's mobility activity concerns all activities carried out either through the use of European Community programmes (Erasmus+, Erasmus Placement, LERU projects) or through other institutional channels (University of Milan foreign thesis grants), or of a voluntary nature activated through specific agreements between the COSP and the foreign host institution.
Attendance is compulsory for individual laboratories experiences, and strongly recommended for all courses.
Enrolment
Admission Requirements
Eligible for admission to the Master's degree programme in CosmIS are:
- graduates in the classes listed below, as well as in the corresponding classes related to DM 509/99:
- L-27 Chemical Sciences and Technologies
- L-29 Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies
- graduates in other classes, as well as graduates in master's, specialist and four-year degree programmes allowed by a resolution of the competent boards, provided they meet the following minimum requirements:
at least 35 ECTS earned in chemical and biological disciplines, of which a minimum of 12 ECTS acquired in the CHIM01 to CHIM09 disciplinary fields and a minimum of 6 ECTS in the BIO10, BIO11 and BIO19 disciplinary fields;
- graduates in possession of a degree obtained abroad recognized as eligible, provided that the acquisition of the minimum 35 ECTSs and their correspondence with the above-mentioned chemical and biological disciplines is verified.
In addition, to be admitted to the Master's degree programme, the student must possess proven language skills in English, at least at level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference).

Knowledge Assessment
The verification of the possession of the pre-established curricular requirements for the admission to the Master's degree programme and the evaluation of the personal skills of candidates are in charge of a Committee for admittance appointed by the Teaching Board. Access to the programme is regulated by a compulsory test aimed at ascertaining the initial skills of the candidates, with a view to successfully completing their course of studies.
In order to be admitted into the Master's degree in CosmIS, candidates must:
a) meet all admission requirements by 31 December 2024. In the case of applications for admission accompanied by a degree obtained abroad, the verification will be based on the evaluation of the diploma supplement. An interview may be required for clarification. For non-EU students, who may have visa and/or residence permit problems, the interview, if needed, could be scheduled within the month of May 2024;
b) achieve a score in the test higher than the threshold set by the Committee, i.e. at least 60% of answers have to be correct. In case of slight insufficiencies (50-59%) the Committee for admittance reserves the right to call the candidate for an interview (held remotely through a videoconferencing platform) in order to better assess his/her preparation.
The test will assess knowledge and skills in the following areas:
1) biochemistry, biology and human physiology;
2) general, analytical, inorganic and organic chemistry;
3) principles of polymer science;
4) principles of microbiology;
5) pharmaceutical chemistry and technology.
All applicants will be required to take the test, including transfer students from other universities/courses.
For admission tests, there are two separate sessions: FIRST SESSION - May 7th 2024, SECOND SESSION - September 9th 2024. Non-EU candidates applying for a student Visa can only partecipate to the first session on May 7th 2024. The test can only be taken once and is open even for upcoming graduates and candidates, who did not proven yet their language skills in English.
For test details including dates, time, venue and delivery modes, please refer to the call for applications posted on the wb site of the course (https://cosmis.cdl.unimi.it/en/enrolment).

Proficiency in English at a B2 level or higher per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required for admission.
The B2-level requirement will be ascertained by the University Language Centre (SLAM) upon admission as follows:
- Language certificate of B2 or higher level issued no more than three years before the date of admission application. You will find the list of language certificates recognized by the University at: https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39322. The certificate must be uploaded when submitting the online application;
- English level achieved during a University of Milan degree programme and certified by the University Language Centre (SLAM) no more than four years before the date of admission application, including levels based on language certificates submitted by the applicant during their Bachelor's degree at the University of Milan. In this case the process is automatic, the applicant does not have to attach any certificates to the application;
- Placement test administrated by the University Language Centre (SLAM) according to the calendar published on the website: (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267)
All those who fail to submit a valid certificate or do not meet the required proficiency level will be instructed during the admission procedure to take the placement test.
Applicants who do not take or pass the placement test will be required to obtain a language proficiency certificate recognized by the University (see https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39322) and deliver it to the SLAM via the InformaStudenti service by the deadline fixed for the master's programme (https://www.unimi.it/en/node/39267).
Applicants who do not meet the requirement by said deadline (December 2024) will not be admitted to the master's degree programme and may not sit any further tests.

Admission

Application for admission: from 22/01/2024 to 25/08/2024

Application for matriculation: from 08/04/2024 to 15/01/2025


Attachments and documents

Admission notice


Please note

Non-EU students visa applicants are required to apply for admission no later than 30 April 2024. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be evaluated and it will in no case be possible to request the refund of the admission fee.

Learn more:
Programme description and courses list
year
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Physiology and Biochemistry of Skin and Skin Annexes + Microbiological Contamination and Controls 9 80 English BIO/09 BIO/10 BIO/19
First semester
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Inorganic Ingredients 6 56 English CHIM/03
Organic Ingredients 7 64 English CHIM/06
Polymeric Ingredients 6 56 English CHIM/04
Second semester
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Decorative Cosmetics Development 6 64 English CHIM/09
Functional Ingredients 6 56 English CHIM/08
Skincare and Personal Hygiene Products Development + Regulatory Affairs 7 64 English CHIM/09
Toxicology and Risk Assessment 6 64 English BIO/14
year
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Optional
Experimental Laboratory 8 0 English
First semester
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Analysis of Cosmetic Ingredients and Products 7 72 English CHIM/01 CHIM/08
Marketing and Communication + Business Plan and Project Financial Evaluation 6 48 English SECS-P/07 SECS-P/08
Technologies for Manufacturing and Packaging (materials and processes) 6 48 English CHIM/04
Second semester
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Optional
Cosmetology in Prototypic Skin Conditions 4 32 Italian MED/35
Nutricosmetics 4 32 Italian CHIM/10
Open sessions
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Optional
Additional Language Skills: Italian (3 ECTS) 3 0 Italian
Conclusive activities
There are no specific sessions for these activities (e.g. open online courses).
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language SSD
Compulsory
Thesis Work 34 0 English
Final Examination 3 0 English
Optional
Additional Thesis Work 3 0 English
Study plan rules
- STUDENTS HAVE TO CHOOSE OPTIONAL COURSE FOR 8 CREDITS.
It is strongly recommended to choose between the list of distinctive courses of the Master's degree in CosmIS. However, the student, after consulting the study plan tutor, can select courses among all those provided by the University of Milan consistent with the educational project of the Master's degree in CosmIS, or soft skills previously approved by the Teaching Board. As an alternative, the student can also select the Experimental Laboratory course that complements/integrates the research activities of the individual thesis project.
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
Experimental Laboratory 8 0 English year
Cosmetology in Prototypic Skin Conditions 4 32 Italian Second semester MED/35
Nutricosmetics 4 32 Italian Second semester CHIM/10
- STUDENTS MUST ACQUIRE AN ADDITIONAL 3 CREDITS
Those who do not hold an Italian high school diploma or university degree must obtain 3 credits in Additional Language skills: Italian. More information in the "Language test" paragraph above.
Italian students must acquire an additional 3 credits in activities dedicated to thesis work.
Courses or activities ECTS Total hours Language Lesson period SSD
Additional Language Skills: Italian (3 ECTS) 3 0 Italian Open sessions
Additional Thesis Work 3 0 English Open sessions
There are no propaedeutic ties provided between courses of the first and second years.
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Location
Milan
Course locations
The course actvities are held in the Città Studi Campus, in Milan.
Head of study programme
Academic guidance tutor
Erasmus and international mobility tutor 
Study plan tutor
University and programme transfer tutor
Credit recognition tutor
Quality Assurance Delegate
Contacts

The tuition fees for students enrolled in Bachelor's, Master's and single-cycle degree programmes are divided into two instalments with different calculation methods and payment schedules:

  • The amount of the first instalment is the same for all students
  • The amount of the second instalment varies according to the ISEE University value, the degree programme and the student status (on track / off track for one year or off track for more than a year) 
  • An additional fee is due for online programmes

The University also offers:

  • Concessions for students meeting high merit requirements
  • Diversified tuition fees according to the student's home country for international students with assets/income abroad
  • Concessions for international students with refugee status

Scholarships and benefits

The University provides a range of financial benefits to students meeting special requirements (merit, financial or personal conditions, international students).

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