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

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.

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