Advance Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation Science

ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN COSMETIC FORMULATION SCIENCE
DIVISION OF DERMATOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE

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)
• or a partially completed/non-degree with Chemistry 2 and relevant work experience 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 2025 intake

All applications must be submitted online
Applications open 3 April 2024
Closing date for applications is 31 August 2024

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.
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
10 January 2025 – 21 February 2025

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

Scholarships and bursaries:

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

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