Master in Cosmetic Industrial Science at University of Milan
Two-year English-taught master at the University of Milan covering the research, development, production, quality control, regulation and marketing of cosmetic products, ending with a 34 ECTS internship and thesis project.
Master
2 years
Milan
English
University of Milan
Cosmetic Industrial Science (CosmIS) is a two-year, 120 ECTS master (class LM-71-R) taught in English by the University of Milan's Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Città Studi, Milan. It covers cosmetic ingredients, formulation, safety, regulation and marketing. Non-EU students with family income abroad pay a fixed fee by country group.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree in chemical sciences (L-27) or pharmaceutical sciences (L-29), or an equivalent foreign degree.
- Graduates of other fields need at least 35 ECTS in mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology, including at least 25 in chemistry and biology, of which at least 15 in chemistry.
- English at B2 level (CEFR).
- A compulsory entrance test on biology, physiology, biochemistry and chemistry: 50% correct answers admits you, and scores of 45% to 49% may lead to an interview.
- An application on apply.unimi.it with a €30 fee.
About the programme
Cosmetic Industrial Science (CosmIS) is a two-year master's degree in class LM-71-R (industrial chemistry), taught in English by the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences on the Città Studi campus in Milan. It aims to train graduates with advanced skills in the research, development, industrial production, quality control and marketing of cosmetic products.
The degree suits graduates in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences or related sciences who want to work in the cosmetics industry, from formulation labs to regulatory and market roles. Admission is open, with a compulsory entrance test.
What you will study
The first year covers the skin and the chemistry of cosmetic ingredients and products; the second year turns to analysis, manufacturing and the business side. Units in the 2026/27 study plan include:
- Physiology and Biochemistry of Skin and Skin Annexes, with Microbiological Contamination and Controls (9 ECTS)
- Inorganic, Organic and Polymeric Ingredients
- Functional Ingredients (7 ECTS)
- Decorative Cosmetics Development
- Skincare and Personal Hygiene Products Development and Regulation
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment
- Analysis of Cosmetic Ingredients and Products (7 ECTS)
- Technologies for Manufacturing and Packaging; Marketing, Business Planning, Project Evaluation and Regulatory
How the programme is taught
Much of the teaching is linked to individual laboratory work, which is compulsory; attendance at other courses is strongly recommended. The course is blended: the first weeks of each first-semester course run online, and 19 ECTS of second-year and elective courses are taught online, while labs take place at Città Studi. The second year centres on an internship of at least 34 ECTS in a university lab or a company, in Italy or abroad, where you develop the individual project for your thesis, presented as a poster and defended in public. Erasmus stays can add up to 2 points to the degree mark.
Career paths
The official profiles describe four roles in the cosmetics industry, and graduates can also go on to a doctorate in pharmaceutical sciences with a cosmetic focus:
- Research and development or production specialist, designing new products
- Quality specialist, supervising quality assurance systems and protocols
- Regulatory specialist, managing safety documentation and authorisation procedures
- Market relations specialist, passing technical knowledge to sales teams
Fees and scholarships
CosmIS is in fee Area B. For 2026/27, students whose family income and assets are abroad pay a fixed second instalment set by country group, €256 a year in Group A (countries like India, Nigeria and Bangladesh), €1,164 in Group B and €4,101.12 in Group C, after a first instalment from €146. The Lombardy regional DSU scholarship is run by the university; full winners pay no fees, so zero euro tuition for eligible students applies.
How to apply from outside the EU
Every applicant sits the entrance test on biology, physiology, biochemistry and chemistry; you need 50% correct answers, and scores of 45% to 49% may lead to an interview. For 2026/27, visa applicants applied on apply.unimi.it from 22 January to 30 April 2026 with a €30 fee and took the 12 May session. The 2027/28 call was not yet published in September 2026.
After admission, submit the Universitaly pre-enrolment (by 31 July for 2026/27), apply for a type D study visa with B2 English, and provide a comparability statement or a declaration of value for your degree.
How ApplyAZ helps
If this programme fits your goals, ApplyAZ can include it in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes at Italian public universities. We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose, submit your applications and Universitaly pre-enrolment, file your DSU scholarship application and prepare your visa file, with a named person on each stage. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa. See how ApplyAZ works or check your eligibility.
Questions and answers
Is Cosmetic Industrial Science taught in English?
Yes. The whole master is taught in English, and you need English at B2 level (CEFR). Students with a non-Italian degree also take a 3 ECTS Italian language unit.
Is the course taught in person?
Mostly. Labs are compulsory and held at Città Studi in Milan, but the course is blended: the first weeks of each first-semester course and 19 ECTS of second-year and elective courses are online.
Is there an entrance test?
Yes. A compulsory test on biology, physiology, biochemistry and chemistry. You need 50% correct answers; with 45% to 49% the committee may interview you. For 2026/27 visa applicants used the 12 May session.
What bachelor's background do I need?
A degree in chemical or pharmaceutical sciences, or another degree with at least 35 ECTS in mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology, including 25 in chemistry and biology and at least 15 in chemistry.
Is there an internship?
Yes. The second year includes an internship of at least 34 ECTS in a university lab or a company, in Italy or abroad, where you carry out the individual project that becomes your thesis.
How much are the fees?
For 2026/27, students with family income abroad pay a fixed second instalment by country group, from €256 a year in Group A, plus a first instalment from €146. Full winners of the regional DSU scholarship pay no fees.
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