Master's in Chemistry

Cosmetic Engineering

Overview and Objectives

This program is designed to train future engineers specializing in scientific fields relevant to research and development in the cosmetics and wellness industries. Graduates join companies in France and abroad to fill executive positions in the key sectors of these industries (R&D manager, project manager, strategic planning, evaluation, regulatory affairs, purchasing manager, quality control manager, production manager, project leader, etc.). Graduates may also choose to start their own businesses.

The curriculum is designed to provide a rigorous academic foundation that prepares students for doctoral studies. Courses are taught by university faculty and professionals from the relevant industries. The program relies on strong partnerships with numerous players in the cosmetics industry for coursework, internships, and job placements, and is a member of various cosmetics industry associations.

This program also offers students who are interested the opportunity to earn a dual degree in “Technology and Systems Management,” which is part of the “Information Systems Management” track at the IAE of the University of Montpellier.

This program is offered as an initial training course with a 5- to 6-month internship each year, as well as through a work-study program. Admission is subject to selection.

Expertise and skills

The value of the program lies in the skills students acquire over the course of four semesters. These skills are taught by faculty members from both academia and industry, and are reinforced through strong ties to the national and international industrial sector. In the first semester of the M1 program, a solid foundation in chemistry is complemented by specialized multidisciplinary training essential for success in the cosmetics and wellness industries. The second semester deepens this specialization, which is further reinforced in the third semester and becomes fully developed by the fourth semester. Throughout the program, students gain experience in managing industrial projects. Thanks to this comprehensive training, students acquire the skills necessary for seamless integration into their chosen industrial sector.

Organization

This program is structured into semesters, with each semester worth 30 ECTS credits (for a total of four semesters, each worth 30 ECTS credits, amounting to 120 European credits). The program lasts two years, and most students enter the master’s program in their first year, following completion of a bachelor’s degree. Students may also enter the program directly in the second year, provided they meet the prerequisites.

The master's program is offered as a traditional degree program as well as through work-study programs (apprenticeships and professional training contracts):

  • Initial training: classroom instruction from September to February, followed by a 5- to 6-month internship;
  • Work-study program: alternating 1- to 2-month periods of classroom instruction or on-the-job training from September through February, followed by an internship from early February through late August.

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

Students who have chosen the dual degree program combining the Master’s in Chemistry (Cosmetics Engineering track) and the Master’s in Technology and Systems Management will take a blockTU at the IAE (University of Montpellier) in addition to the courses offered in the Master’s in Chemistry (Cosmetics Engineering track). A modified schedule for the first semester and/or the beginning of the second semester is available.

As part of the initial training program, an internship during the first year of the master’s program (4 to 6 months) and an internship during the second year (5 to 6 months) are required. These internships take place during the second semester.

Professional projects are an integral part of the program, starting in the first year. These projects focus on the main areas of R&D in the cosmetics industry and are led by industry professionals in collaboration with the faculty.

Target Audience and Prerequisites

This program is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree (Bac + 3), primarily a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology, or an equivalent degree (180 ECTS). Admission is selective and open to applicants from both France and abroad (through “Études en France” and Campus France).

Direct admission to the second year of the master’s program may be possible, subject to prerequisites in the specialized fields covered in the first year of the Cosmetic Engineering track.

  • Required prerequisites: A solid foundation in chemistry and a broad general knowledge base are required. The prerequisites for direct admission to the second year of the master’s program cover specialized fields equivalent to those taught in the first year of the cosmetics engineering program.
  • Recommended qualifications: Successful candidates must demonstrate independence and a strong work ethic. Foreign language skills are desirable.

Further education

  • In France: You can continue your studies toward a Ph.D.
  • If you are studying abroad: You have earned 300 ECTS credits, which allows you to continue your studies abroad.
  • Transfer and re-enrollment options: You can pursue a dual degree program with the IAE at the University of Montpellier.

Employment placement

You will be able to apply for management positions at cosmetics or wellness companies, both in France and abroad. You will also be able to start your own business.