NB: This Cosmetic Formulation Science Diploma is an NQL7 qualification. Thus, it is Postgraduate Program that is managed by the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

General information

The Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation Science is the first in South Africa and first to be located within a Division of Dermatology in the world. This is a deliberate choice that aims to reduce the divide between scientists who develop and dermatologists who treat the many adverse effects of cosmetic products. The teaching is a careful balance between solid cosmetic science knowledge and hands-on cosmetic industry experience (80% of the time). The Dermatology contribution to the program intends to sensitize students to deleterious health effects that cosmetic products can have on consumers.

Introduction

• 1-year full-time program
• Blended program with a 6-week block in January & 6-week block in June spent on campus at the Hair & Skin Research Lab, Observatory, Cape Town
• 6-month block at hosting cosmetic companies for practical hands-on experience between UCT blocks
• Cosmetic companies select students through an interview process during the first UCT block
• Students will be placed at companies anywhere in the country (subject to availability)
• Collaboration with the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SSETA).

Aim

To produce graduates that are ready and equipped for product formulation in cosmetic manufacturing companies as: product developers, cosmetic formulators, R&D chemists or as entrepreneurs in the cosmetic industry.

Modules

(1) Scientific Principles of Cosmetic Formulations
(2) Cosmetic Formulation Technology
(3) Hair and Skin Biology for the Cosmetic Formulator
(4) Cosmetic: Claims, Regulations and Ethics
(5) Professional Communication and Project Management for Cosmetic Scientists
(6) In-service training

Admission requirements

To be considered for the programme, students must have obtained:

•  BSc or equivalent with Chemistry 3
• or a degree with Biochemistry 3 (students with Biochemistry 3 need to have at least Chemistry 2 to be eligible for admission)

Offers in this program are made subject to availability of space.

All applicants should submit a CV and motivation letter with their application for the diploma.
National Benchmark Test (NBT): Not required.

Application process

For 2026 intake

All applications must be submitted online
Applications open 01 April 2025
 

Closing date for applications is 31 August 2025

1. Apply online using the link:
http://www.students.uct.ac.za/students/applications/apply/forms
2. Upload copies of your:
• National Senior Certificate.
• University academic record(s), degree certificate(s).
• Updated CV and a motivation letter explaining how the diploma will advance your career.
• Certified ID copy
3. If you have trouble uploading your documents, please forward to admissions-ug@uct.ac.za
4. You can upload additional documents on the student portal: https://studentsonline.uct.ac.za/psp/students/?cmd=login&languageCd=ENG&
5. Apply for residence accommodation using the link: http://housingonline.uct.ac.za

January – February block
16 January 2026 – 27 February 2026

Venue

Hair & Skin Research Lab, Room K47 51 Old Main Building, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town

Application queries

Queries with online submission: fhs-ug-admiss@uct.ac.za

Costs

Available on the UCT website: www.uct.ac.za

Financial Assistance

Postgraduate Funding office: www.pgfo.uct.ac.za

The University of Cape Town reserves the right to disqualify ineligible, incomplete and/or inappropriate applications.

PDF version of above here

More details on this diploma will be shared shortly.

This course is a 5-week course for Registered Medical Officers and Clinical Nurse Practitioners, covering the diagnosis, treatment and correct management of common skin conditions. It is offered by the Division of Dermatology to meet community driven demands for these dermatology services.

The programme starts with 1 week of face-to-face introductory tutorials and course work, followed by 3 weeks of online assignments to be completed while participants are in their workplace, supported by online contact with lecturing staff. The course ends with 1 week of face-to-face tutorials, revision and assessment.

This course does not provide access to registrar posts. NB: Internet access via a computer or smart phone with Wi-Fi  is essential for the course.

Preference will be given to health practitioners working in primary care settings. It is expected that practitioners will return to their place of work during the course and much of the learning will be via support on a WhatsApp or UCT platform.

Course Content:

• Language of dermatology
• Diagnosis of common skin disorders
• Management of common skin conditions and promotion of skin health
• Recognition of life-threatening skin problems, requiring referral to specialist level of care
• Interim care of patients with life-threatening skin disorders, awaiting transfer to a higher level of care (e.g. drug reactions and erythroderma)
• Recognition of skin signs of serious systemic disorders such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and diabetes
• Wound care
• Occupation-related skin disorders- management and referral
• Health Education and the application of topical treatment
• The impact of skin disorders on the individual, the family and the community

More Information