Master of Chemistry

Cosmetics engineering

Presentation and objectives

The aim of this program is to train future engineers specializing in the interesting scientific fields of research and development in the cosmetics and well-being industries. Graduates join companies in France and abroad to fill executive positions in the main sectors of these industries (R&D manager, project management, forecasting, evaluation, regulatory affairs, purchasing manager, quality control manager, production manager, project manager, etc.). Graduates can go on to set up their own business.

The teaching structure is designed to provide scientific training that will enable students to pursue their studies towards a doctorate. The courses are taught by academics and professionals from the industries concerned. The course draws on strong partnerships with numerous players in the cosmetics industry for teaching, internships and jobs, and is a member of cosmetics industry associations.

This course also offers students who so wish a double degree in "technology and systems management", which is part of the "information systems management" specialization at the University of Montpellier's IAE.

This course is offered as an initial training program, with a 5-6 month internship per year, or as a sandwich course. Recruitment is subject to selection.

Know-how and skills

The value of their training is linked to the skills acquired by students throughout the 4 semesters. These skills are imparted by university and industry lecturers, and thanks to a strong link with national and international industry. In the first semester of M1, a solid grounding in chemistry is complemented by the specialized multi-disciplinary training that is essential for working in the cosmetics and well-being industries. The second semester accentuates this specialization, which is then reinforced in the third semester to reach its full potential in the fourth. Throughout their training, students are involved in industrial project management. Thanks to this comprehensive training, students acquire the skills they need to integrate seamlessly into their chosen industrial environment.

Organization

The program is organized on a semester basis, with each semester representing 30 ECTS (a total of 4 semesters of 30 ECTS for 120 European credits). Studies take place over two years, and most students enter the Master's program in the first year, after a bachelor's degree. It is possible to enter the program directly in the second year, subject to prerequisites.

The Master's degree is offered in initial training as well as on a sandwich course basis (apprenticeship and professional training contract):

  • Initial training: courses from September to February, followed by a 5/6 month work placement;
  • Work-study training: alternating periods of 1 to 2 months in training or in the company from September to February, then immersion in the company from around the beginning of February to the end of August.

The program is also open to continuing education and validation of prior learning.

Students who have opted for the double degree of Master of Chemistry in Cosmetics Engineering/Master of Technology and Systems Management follow a specific block ofTU at the IAE (University of Montpellier), as well as the courses of the Master of Chemistry in Cosmetics Engineering. A flexible timetable for the first semester and/or the start of the second semester is available.

In initial training, an internship in M1 (4 to 6 months) and an internship in M2 (5 to 6 months) are compulsory. These internships take place during the second semester.

Professional projects are an integral part of the program, right from the first year. These projects cover the main areas of R&D in the cosmetics industry, and are led by industrial experts in collaboration with the teaching team.

Target audience and prerequisites

This program is aimed at students with a Bac + 3 diploma, mainly a Chemistry or Chemistry/Biology degree, or an equivalent diploma (180 ECTS). Recruitment is selective and open nationally and internationally (via "études en France", Campus France).

Direct access to the Master 2 program may be possible, subject to prerequisites in the specialized fields covered by the first year of the Cosmetics Engineering program.

  • Prerequisites: A solid knowledge of chemistry and a good general knowledge are required. The prerequisites for direct access to Master 2 cover the same specialized fields as those taught in the first year of the cosmetics engineering course.
  • Recommended prerequisites: Students recruited must be self-reliant and have a good capacity for work. Foreign language skills are desirable.

Further studies

  • In France: you can continue your studies at doctoral level.
  • Abroad: You have 300 ECTS credits to pursue your studies abroad.
  • Bridges and reorientation: You can take a double degree with the IAE at the University of Montpellier.

Professional integration

You can apply as an executive in a cosmetics or well-being company, in France or abroad. You could also set up your own business.