Specialist Diploma in Cosmetic Science

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Specialist Diploma in Cosmetic Science

Overview

Course Date:
21 Apr 2025 to 31 Mar 2026
Registration Period:
01 Dec 2024 to 02 Mar 2025
Duration/Frequency:
260 hours (1 year)
Mode of Training:
Classroom
Venue:
Singapore Polytechnic
Funding:
Eligible for SkillsFuture Credit

Please note that once the maximum class size is reached, the online registration will be closed. You may register your interest and be notified when there is a new run.

Class schedule:
3-4 evenings a week
6:30pm - 9:30pm

Duration:
270 hours (1 year)

Enquiries
Email: ptenquiry@sp.edu.sg

Please refer to Academic Calendar.

The local cosmetics industry is fast changing from being a sole importer and retailer of cosmetics and their ingredients to being a manufacturer/product formulator.

However, technical expertise for this industry is lacking. Before the introduction of this specialist diploma in 2008, there is no formal training programme in the region and individuals who wish to learn about cosmetic science need to attend courses/programmes available only in Europe or USA.

The global retail market for fragrances, personal care and cosmetic products is expected to grow. Hence, professionals in this field of expertise can look forward to good career opportunities and job prospects in the cosmetic industry.

Participants are required to bring computer Notebook when attending lessons, as you may need it to access the e-learning materials, writing reports, etc.

Course Objective

This course aims to provide broad-based science knowledge with an emphasis on the personal care sector, such as cosmetic raw materials, formulations, quality control, cosmetic regulations, etc.

Course Outline

This course is a one-year part-time, evenings-only programme. This course consists of 2 Post Diploma Certificates conducted over 2 semesters, 1 PDC per semester. The first PDC to start with is PDC1. One PDC of 3 modules will be conducted in each semester. Each module is of 45-hour duration. The classes are conducted in the evening.

Graduates from the programme will be introduced to the current concepts pertaining to the chemistry of hair-care, skincare and perfumery and an in-depth knowledge on dermal pharmacology and cosmetic regulations. The laboratory sessions will provide hands-on experience in formulating hair and skincare products, as well as and practical skills on microbiological testing of cosmetic products.

Each PDC comprises a few modules and the details are as follows:

Please click here for Module Synopsis

Semester One
PDC 1 Certificate in Science in Skin Care Formulation
Module 1 - CP0403 Dermal Pharmacology & Cosmetic Regulations
Module 2 - CP0404 Skincare Raw Materials & Formulations
Module 3 - CP0405 Colloid & Polymer Science

Semester Two
PDC 2 Certificate in Science in Hair Care Formulation
Module 4 - CP0401 Hair-care Raw Materials and Formulations
Module 5 - CP0402 Perfumery
Module 6 - CP0406 Cosmetic Science Laboratory

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must have the following minimum qualifications from a recognised Institution:

a) Diploma in:

Chemical Process Technology
Chemical Engineering
Biotechnology
Biomedical Sciences
Life Sciences

*This programme is not applicable to graduates from Diploma in Perfumery & Cosmetic Science

or

b) Bachelor of Science in the relevant discipline (as above).

All applicants should preferably have working experience in the Personal Care industry or in a chemical laboratory.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements may be considered for admission to the course based on evidence of at least 5 years of relevant working experience or supporting evidence of competency readiness. Suitable applicants who are shortlisted will have to go through an interview and/or entrance test. The Polytechnic reserves the right to shortlist and admit applicants.

Certification / Accreditation

Upon completion of two Certificates within a two-year validity period, the participant will be conferred a Specialist Diploma qualification from Singapore Polytechnic.

Suitable for

Individuals who are expecting to find employment or upgrade their knowledge and skills in the personal care sector and a host of supporting industries (eg. sales and marketing).