Master’s degree
Development and Management of Cosmetics Expertise
This Degree is designed for you, who wants to become a forward-thinking innovator in the cosmetics and beauty care industry. You are also interested in sustainable development and its potential in cosmetics manufacturing and marketing.
Degree programme
Development and Management of Cosmetics Expertise
Degree title
Master of Beauty and Cosmetics
Extent and duration
90 ECTs, 1,5-2,5 years
About this degree programme
This Master’s Degree programme includes studies on the following topics, which are extensively explored from both theoretical and practical perspectives within chemistry, sustainable development and business:
- Legislation in the cosmetics industry for manufacturing and import.
- Sustainable development throughout the entire cosmetics manufacturing and value chain, both as a business competitive advantage and a marketing tool.
- Expertise in cosmetic raw materials and the safety of ingredients.
- Future-oriented thinking and internationality in the cosmetics industry.
- Leadership skills and interpersonal communication.
Extent of the study programme is 90 ECTS. It consists of compulsory core competence studies, complementary competence studies and master’s thesis.
This degree programme is delivered online, with the opportunity to participate in an optional intensive week at Tikkurila Campus, Vantaa. The next application period: 31.8. – 10.9.2026.
Apply in the joint application
Daytime studies
Not available in January 2027 joint application round.
Blended learning studies
Not available in January 2027 joint application round.
Online studies
Not available in January 2027 joint application round.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants to Laurea Master’s degree programme in Development and Management of Cosmetics Expertise must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree completed at a university or a university of applied sciences and at least two years (24 months) of subsequent work experience acquired after date of graduation.
Programme structure
Core competence studies, 30 ECTS
Core competence studies consist of the following study units:
- Development of Cosmetics Business and Brand Management,
5 ECTS - International Operating Environment and Foresight in the Cosmetics Industry, 5 ECTS
- Cosmetic Legislation, 5 ECTS
- Efficacy of Cosmetic Products, 5 ECTS
- Perspectives on Leadership and the Transformation of Working Life, 5 ECTS
- Product Development or Raw Materials of Cosmetic Products,
5 ECTS
Common studies, 10 ECTS
Common studies consist of the following study units:
- Study Skills in Master Degree Studies
- Applied Research and Development Methods, 5 ECTS
- Advanced Research and Development Methods, 5 ECTS
Complementary competence, 20 ECTS
Through complementary competence studies, students deepen and broaden their own expertise with freely selectable courses. Complementary competence study modules are divided into competency areas, but students are free to compose their own individual study paths. Complementary competence studies are mainly conducted as online studies.
Master’s thesis, 30 ECTS
The aim of the study unit is for the student to be able to:
- independently and ethically conduct development work and applied research in their field
- apply acquired research knowledge critically and analytically in their thesis
- utilize information‑seeking methods suitable for the development task
- apply the chosen research and development method and produce the related documentation and reporting
- critically evaluate the development of professional practices and research knowledge in their field
- analyze the benefits of the new knowledge or practices they produce also beyond their own field
Studying in the Development and Management of Cosmetics Expertise programme
This degree programme is delivered online, but studies also include one intensive week at Tikkurila Campus, Vantaa.
Each study unit includes teaching days, independent studies, virtual studies, and applied development tasks, which are completed in small groups. It is possible to complete these studies while working. Progress in studies requires both attending online teaching days and studying independently on your own time.
The degree takes on average 1.5–2.5 years to complete. In line with the international ECTS standard, one credit corresponds to 26.7 hours of work for an average student.
Employment opportunities
Those who have completed this Master’s degree are recognized by the industry as experts in the field of cosmetics. Graduates can work in product development, in supervisory roles, and in more demanding teaching positions. The degree enables transition into new and interesting roles in the cosmetics industry.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Non-EU/EEA area students in degree programmes taught in English are charged tuition fees.
Tuition fee: €11 000/ academic year for non EU/EEA students.
Study Schedule
Teaching dates for the programme starting in January 2027. Changes to the schedule may occur.
January
- 14.-16.1.2027
February
- 18.-20.2.2027
March
- 18.-20.3.2027
April
- 15.-17.4.2027
May
optional intensive week at Tikkurila Campus, Vantaa 12.-14.5.2027
- 20.-22.5.2027
More information
-
Marjo Poutanen-Linna
Principal Lecturer
marjo.poutanen-linna@laurea.fi
+358 9 886 872 35
Read about our master’s degree students’ experiences
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Read more : Master’s Degree in Development and Management of Cosmetics Expertise opens doors to an international careerMaster’s Degree in Development and Management of Cosmetics Expertise opens doors to an international career
An interview with Sonja Tammentie, a graduate of the Master’s Degree programme in Development and Management of Cosmetics Expertise.
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Interview with Corey L’Esperance, who just graduated from the Service Innovation and Design Master’s program at Laurea.
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Laurea students Dinda Rahmaniar and Chien-Chuen Huang give five reasons to study at Laurea.
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Read more : Master’s degree graduate Gabriel: “The master’s degree will open new doors for me”Master’s degree graduate Gabriel: “The master’s degree will open new doors for me”
Gabriel Riako graduated from the Master’s Degree Programme in Global Health and Crisis Management.
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Read more : Master’s degree student Tarek, ‘Practical studies made it easy to start a career in Finland’Master’s degree student Tarek, ‘Practical studies made it easy to start a career in Finland’
Tarek Fahmy, born in Egypt, moved to Finland for master’s studies in Service Innovation and Design.
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Aly Metwaly studies in the Leading Transformational Change master’s programme. When Aly started these business studies, his motivation was already strong, but now he…
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Read more : Master of Business Administration Sanna: “Work and master’s studies support each other”Master of Business Administration Sanna: “Work and master’s studies support each other”
Alumni interview with Sanna Lassila, a graduate of Leading Transformational Change master’s degree programme.
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