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Cosmetic Science

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Bachelor in Cosmetic Science (Honours)

(N/0988/6/0001) (12/30) (MQA/PSA18960)

Commencement

Apr, July & Sep

Degree/Duration

Bachelor in Cosmetic Science (Honours) 
3 years

Master the Science of Beauty and Wellness

1

This programme brings together science, beauty, and wellness, blending cosmetic formulation science, natural ingredients, dermatology, sustainability, and product innovation. Students learn to develop safe and effective cosmetic skincare, haircare, fragrance, and wellness products through hands-on formulation labs, product testing, spa & wellness applications, and green beauty practices, supported by industry visits, expert workshops, and entrepreneurial projects.

To suit different career interests, students can explore three specialised tracks:

  • Business & Marketing – branding, consumer trends & beauty entrepreneurship
  • Industrial Innovation – advanced formulation, scale-up & regulatory standards
  • Beauty & Wellness – blends science-based beauty concepts with wellness practices, helping students understand how lifestyle, products, and self-care contribute to healthy skin, hair, and overall confidence.

Equipped with scientific expertise, creativity, and industry mentorship, the students are prepared to excel as formulators, product developers, entrepreneurs, and brand creators — shaping the future of the cosmetic and wellness industries.

Global Leadership Scholarship of RM30,000
Students enrolled in the Cosmetic Science programme at IMU for the 2026 intakes are eligible for a Global Leadership Scholarship of RM30,000.  Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the University, and the University’s decisions are final.

Guaranteed Global Exposure
The Global Exposure Programme to South Korea or Taiwan, the world’s ultimate beauty hubs, opens doors to the international beauty industry, giving students the opportunity to learn, explore, and connect with leading global beauty brands. Through overseas visits, industry engagements, and real-world exposure, students gain first-hand insights into global trends, innovative formulations, sustainability practices, and market dynamics shaping the cosmetics and wellness sector. 

Why Study Cosmetic Science at IMU?

01

Future-Ready Sustainable Beauty Curriculum

Master green beauty, halal formulation, clean-label science & ethical product innovation.

02

Specialised Career Tracks

Choose your pathway — Business & Marketing, Industrial Innovation, or Beauty & Wellness — and graduate with niche expertise.

03

Industry-Driven Hands-On Training

Real formulation labs, product design projects, industry case studies & 20-week internship with leading beauty, pharma & wellness companies.

04

Learn from Experts & Industry Mentors

Workshops & masterclasses by cosmetic chemists, brand strategists, spa experts & regulatory specialists (NPRA,Halal, ASEAN).

05

From Lab to Market — Build Real Products

Create, test & pitch cosmetic innovations – from skincare & haircare to spa blends & wellness products and develop entrepreneurial confidence.

Entry Requirements

Pre-University Examination

Requirements

Examinations Requirements
A-Levels    

DD 
AND
Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted
if achieved the same result at
Pre-University level)

STPM    

CC
AND
Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted
if achieved the same result at
Pre-University level)

Australian
Matriculation
   

ATAR 60
AND
Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted
if achieved the same result at
Pre-University level)

NCEA Level 3    

50% average
AND
Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted
if achieved the same result at
Pre-University level)

Canadian
Grade 12/13
   

60% average
AND
Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted
if achieved the same result at
Pre-University level)

Unified Examination
Certificate (UEC)
   

B in 5 subjects
AND
Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted
if achieved the same result at
Pre-University level)

Australian University
Foundation Programmes
   

60% average
AND
Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted
if achieved the same result at
Pre-University level)

Indian Pre-University    

50% average
AND
Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted
if achieved the same result at
Pre-University level)

Ministry of Education
Matriculation #
   

cGPA 2.00
AND
Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted
if achieved the same result at
Pre-University level)

International
Baccalaureate (IB)
   

24 points
AND
Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted
if achieved the same result at
Pre-University level)

American High
School Diploma with
Advanced Placement (AP)
   

cGPA 2.00
AND
Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted
if achieved the same result at
Pre-University level)

Foundation
Studies #
   

cGPA 2.00
AND
Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted
if achieved the same result at
Pre-University level)

Degree    
Diploma

cGPA 2.00
AND
Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted
if achieved the same result at
Pre-University level)

# The duration of this programme must be a minimum of 1 year in the same accredited institution and foundation in other disciplines are accepted.

DD AND

Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)

cGPA 2.00 AND

Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)

ATAR 60 AND

Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)

60% average AND

Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)

60% average AND

Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)

-

cGPA 2.00 AND

Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)

cGPA 2.00 AND

Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)

50% average AND

Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)

24 points AND

Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)

cGPA 2.00 AND

Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)

50% average AND

Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)

CC AND

Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)

B in 5 subjects AND

Minimum C in Mathematics and C in Chemistry or B in Science at SPM / IGCSE level

(This can be exempted if achieved the same result at Pre-University level)

English Language Examination

Requirements

Examinations Requirements
MUET**     Band score of 3
(For Malaysian students); or
IELTS**     Overall band score of 5.5; or
TOEFL iBT**     Overall score of 46 / Scale score of 3.5; or
Cambridge English :
Advanced (CAE)**
    Overall score of 162; or
Cambridge English :
Proficiency (CPE)**
    Overall score of 162; or
Cambridge
Linguaskill**
    Overall score of 160; or
Pearson Test
of English (PTE)**
    Overall score of 51; or

Overall band score of 162

Overall band score of 162

Overall band score of 160

Overall band score of 5.5

Band score of 3

(For Malaysian students)

Overall band score of 51

Overall score of 46 / Scale score of 3.5

The following categories of students* are exempted from the English requirements:

Students who graduated from other institutions where the curriculum is delivered in English Language for example:

Advanced Levels / Australian Matriculation / Australian University Foundation Year / Canadian Matriculation / International Baccalaureate / Foundation in Science / Other Pre-University Programmes from Local Higher Education Institutions

*ONLY applicable to those who are completing the entire degree at IMU, Malaysia.

**Applicable to IMU local degree only.

Note: Please note that achieving the minimum Entry and English requirements as stated does not guarantee you admission into any of IMU’s programmes. Please refer to our Student Admissions Policy for more information.

Programme Structure

Semester

01

  • Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals and Applications
  • Foundation Chemistry for Cosmetic Science and Perfumery
  • Cosmetic Raw Material
  • Cosmetic Dermatology and Trichology
  • Introduction of Cosmetic Science
  • Ethics and Laboratory Safety

Semester

02

  • Data Visualisation and Analytics
  • Cosmetic Biotechnology
  • Principles and Practices of Green chemistry in Cosmetics and Perfumery
  • Natural Products for Cosmetics and Perfumery
  • Cosmetic Microbiology
  • Cosmetic Formulation

Semester

03

  • Introduction to Sensory Science
  • Color Cosmetics and Aesthetics
  • Fragrance and Flavours
  • Personal Care and Toiletries
  • Sensory and Instrumental Testing
  • Cosmetic Packaging Design & Sustainability

Semester

04

  • Advanced Cosmetics Formulations
  • Instrumental and Analytical Techniques
  • GMP and Processing Design
  • Global Cosmetic Regulations and Halal
  • Entrepreneurship & Business Management
  • Project Management and Communication

Semester

05

  • Research Methodology
  • Elective 1*
  • Elective 2
  • Elective 3
  • Elective 4

Short Semester

02

  • Research Project I
  • Research Project II

Semester

06

Internship

Elective Modules

Student has to choose from one of these three tracks:


Track 1: Business and Marketing

  • Principals of Management
  • Organisational Behaviour
  • Marketing Strategy
  • Digital Marketing

Track 2: Industrial Applications and Innovations

  • Innovation in Cosmetic Science
  • Advanced Manufacturing and Scale Up Techniques
  • Cosmetic Engineering
  • Applications of Fragrance in Cosmetic Formulations

Track 3 : Beauty and Wellness

  • Introduction to Beauty and Wellness
  • Makeup Artistry Fundamentals
  • Makeup Artistry Fundamentals
  • Spa Treatments & Wellness Practices
Curriculum is reviewed periodically and subject to change.

Fee Structure

 

Fee Malaysian Student (RM) International Student (RM)
Application Fee 150 500
Registration Fee 950 2,500
International Student Admin Fee 2,500
Refundable Caution Deposit 1,000 1,000
Student Association Fees (per semester) 60 60
  • Application fee is payable upon submission of application.
  • Registration fee and refundable caution deposit are payable upon acceptance of the offer letter issued by the IMU Admissions Office.
  • International students will need to pay a Student Visa Administration Fee of up to RM3,500 (depending on nationality) and a personal bond fee when they register. There’s also an annual Student Visa Renewal Fee that applies each year.
  • Students must adhere to the Policy on Payment of Fees.
  • All tuition and ancillary fees are subject to annual increases, currency exchange rates, and exclusive of levy and bridging fees (if any).
  • Application fee and Registration fee is nonrefundable.
  • All students who are applying for the National Higher Education Fund (NHEF) loans are required to pay their semester fees in FULL by the due date stated in the invoice.
  At IMU University
  Malaysian Student
Tuition Fees
International Student
Tuition Fees
Bachelor in Cosmetic Science 5 long semesters 5 long semesters
 (Honours) (IMU) RM22,950 per semester RM24,200 per semester
  1 short semester 1 short semester
  RM11,475 per semester RM12,100 per semester
  Internship Internship
  RM11,475 per semester RM12,100 per semester
Total Duration: 3 years RM137,700 RM145,200

A Global Leadership Scholarship of RM30,000 is available. The bursary is awarded at the University’s discretion, and its decision is final.

All listed fees are exclusive of the 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST), which will be applied to all international students where applicable.

Get All The Facts About Our Programme

Explore in-depth information on our programme, including intake dates, curriculum, partner universities, career pathways, and admissions requirements.

Our Team

Our academic members are highly qualified and experienced in different disciplines. The academic community of IMU pursues and achieves excellence in a wide range of research activities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A specialised degree that combines science, creativity, and innovation to prepare students for careers in skincare, haircare, color cosmetics, fragrance, and wellness product industries.

Students are passionate about beauty, skincare, wellness, sustainability, product innovation, and brand creation — whether science-inclined or creative learners.

A basic science background will do. Foundational science modules are included to support both science and non-science students.

This programme offers specialised tracks: Business & marketing, Industrial innovation, beauty & wellness, hands-on labs & real product creation, focus on green, sustainable & halal beauty and industry workshops, projects & a 20-week internship.

Pharmaceutical Chemistry focuses on the study, design, synthesis, and analysis of drug molecules to develop safe and effective medicines for the prevention and treatment of diseases where as Cosmetic Science, on the other hand, focuses on the formulation, development, and innovation of skincare, haircare, and wellness products, combining science, creativity, and sustainability to enhance beauty and well-being.

A Word From The Programme Director

A Word From The Programme Director

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Consent*

Interested in Studying Cosmetic Science at IMU?