ECTS
60 credits
Duration
1 year
Training Structure
School of Pharmacy
Overview
The Cosmetics and Dermopharmaceuticals track of the Bachelor’s in Chemistry – Formulation is a program specializing in the formulation, regulation, and evaluation of cosmetic and dermopharmaceutical products for the skin.
The Professional Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry: Formulation—Fragrances, Flavors, Cosmetics, and Dermopharmaceuticals is a nationally recognized, career-oriented three-year degree awarded by the University of Montpellier. It offers two tracks, including the Cosmetics and Dermopharmaceuticals track, which is administered by the School of Pharmacy.
97%
Success Rate
The Benefits of the Training Program
The program benefits from strong partnerships with companies in the cosmetics industry and COSMED, providing students with direct connections to the professional sector. The faculty, who are deeply involved in the health sector, conduct research at the IRCM, IBMM, and ICGM institutes, thereby enriching the curriculum with the latest scientific advances.
With a history spanning more than 30 years—formerly known as DEUST PAC—this program has proven its effectiveness and relevance, ensuring that students are optimally prepared for the demands of the job market.
Objectives
Following the second year of the bachelor’s degree program in Chemistry with a concentration in Cosmetic Formulation, this third year of the program allows students to deepen their understanding of and continue exploring cosmetic formulation, providing them with a comprehensive set of tools and knowledge: skin testing and evaluation techniques, knowledge of cosmetic regulations, and an understanding of topical medications.
Expertise and Skills
In-depth knowledge of raw materials: certifications and standards for organic cosmetics
Development of complex formulated products:
- Skincare products: white bases, microemulsions, microencapsulation
- Hygiene Products
- Makeup products: foundation, lipstick
- Formulations for Organic and Natural Cosmetics
- Dermopharmaceutical product formulations: ointments, hydroalcoholic gels
Characterization and Evaluation Methods
- Stability Assessment, Calculation of Expiration Date After Opening
- Colorimetric Analysis
- In Vitro Skin Irritation Tests and Biometrics
- Sensory Analysis
Communication and Quality
- Drafting of Formulation Summary Reports - Drafting of Procedures - Quality
- Science and Technology Monitoring
- Marketing and Digital Marketing
- Oral Communication
Organization
Knowledge Assessment
Depending on the assessment methods (ongoing and final assessments)
Open on an alternating basis
Contract Type | Apprenticeship Contract, Professional Training Contract |
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The work-study schedule is as follows: on average, 3 weeks at the company, 6 weeks in training, and then primarily at the company starting in February.
Internships, supervised projects
Internship | Required |
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Duration of the internship | 5 months |
Internship Abroad | Possible |
Duration of the internship abroad | 5 months |
Projects
Many hours are devoted to independent project work. With more than 30% of the teaching staff consisting of industry professionals, numerous national and international industry partnerships have been established.
Close, formalized collaborations also exist with institutions such as the Georges Frêche Hotel Management School and the Montpellier Contemporain School of Fine Arts (ESBAMA). These partnerships make it possible to develop multidisciplinary projects and give students the opportunity to work on cultural projects and present them to an audience, thereby enriching their practical experience and professional skills.
Internship
As part of the initial training program, the 5-month internship takes place during the 6th semester, between February and August.
Final projects are evaluated by a panel consisting of university faculty members and professionals from the cosmetics and dermopharmaceutical industries.
Program
The program consists of a core curriculum (Fragrances and Flavors / Cosmetics and Dermopharmaceuticals) and a component specific to each track. The core course units reflect the multidisciplinary skills to be acquired, while the track-specific course units focus on the skills and experimental know-how unique to the respective fields. The program is open to continuing education and work-study programs. Successful completion of the program awards 60 European credits (ECTS).
Methodological Applications & In Vitro Cell-Based Assays
3 creditsQuality Assurance & Technology Watch
2 creditsPharmaceutical Formulations and Medical Devices
2 creditsBiometrological Evaluation and Claim
2 creditsApplied Scientific English
2 creditsIndustry Conferences
3 creditsComplex Cosmetic Formulation
8 creditsMarketing and Communication Tools
2 creditsCosmetics & Pharmaceuticals and Fragrances & Aromatherapy Regulations
2 creditsNatural ingredients
2 creditsSafety & Toxicology
2 credits
Admission
Admission Requirements
Applications are submitted via e-candidat rouge (typically between March and June) and evaluated by the faculty members responsible for academic affairs. The evaluation is based on the candidate’s educational background, grades, and evaluations received during their post-high-school studies, as well as their career plans and knowledge of the field in which they wish to specialize (Cosmetics and Dermopharmaceuticals). Shortlisted candidates are invited to a telephone or video conference interview and/or an on-site interview at the training facility.
Registration Procedures
Target Audience
- Students with two years of post-secondary education, specifically those who have earned a DUT or BTS with a focus on chemistry and/or biology and who have knowledge of cosmetic formulation or fragrances and flavors—depending on their academic track—combined with a minimum 2-month internship at a company in the respective fields.
- Students from the multidisciplinary, pre-professional track in L2 with a major in Chemistry, prePAC track which specifically prepares students for admission to the third year of the Professional Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry—Formulation. It is intended for students holding a first-year Bachelor’s degree (L1) with a major in Chemistry or Biology, or a BTS or DUT in these disciplines, but is also open to students from the PASS track.
- Individuals who have demonstrated skills acquired through professional experience and recognized through the Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE) process may also enroll in the program (initial or continuing education).
Capacity
14 students
About two-thirds of the students are coming from the L2 Chemistry prePAC preparatory year.
Mandatory Prerequisites
Cosmetic formulations, cosmetic raw materials, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry
Recommended Prerequisites
Cosmetics Regulations, Skin Physiology
And then
Continuing Education
No / unless additional training is required to obtain dual certification.
Employment Placement
Rapid entry into the workforce: 90% within 30 months
- Technician, senior technician in formulation, research and development, quality control, and production
- Regulatory Affairs Assistant