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Bachelor of Science in Technology in Cosmetology and Beauty Science

The Bachelor Of Science In Technology In Cosmetology And Beauty Science is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in technology in cosmetology and beauty science. The programme falls under the Engineering & Technology category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Cosmetic Chemistry and Formulation, Skin Care, Hair Care and Colour Cosmetics, Beauty Therapy and Aesthetic Treatments, Cosmetic Manufacturing and Quality Control, Cosmetic Safety, Testing and Regulations, Salon, Spa and Beauty Business Management. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Mechanics, Agricultural Structures, Cloud Computing, Crop Management. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Skin Care, Hair Care and Colour Cosmetics, Industrial Attachment, Aromatherapy, Massage and Wellness, Salon, Spa and Beauty Business Management, Cosmetic Chemistry and Formulation. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.

The programme offers specialisations in Cosmetic Marketing and Brand Management, Cosmetic Quality and Regulatory Affairs, Beauty Therapy and Aesthetics. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.

Graduates of the Bachelor Of Science In Technology In Cosmetology And Beauty Science pursue careers as Beauty Therapist / Aesthetician, Cosmetic Marketing Manager / Product Developer, Beauty Entrepreneur / Educator, Cosmetic Scientist / Formulation Technologist. They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.

Duration
4 years
Public, up to
Ksh 244,000
Job market
Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

What you study

10 subjects
  • Cosmetic Chemistry and Formulation
  • Skin Care, Hair Care and Colour Cosmetics
  • Beauty Therapy and Aesthetic Treatments
  • Cosmetic Manufacturing and Quality Control
  • Cosmetic Safety, Testing and Regulations
  • Salon, Spa and Beauty Business Management
  • Anatomy, Physiology and Skin Biology
  • Aromatherapy, Massage and Wellness
  • Cosmetic Marketing and Product Development
  • Cosmetology and Beauty Science Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Chemistry, Biochemistry and Anatomy

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, skin physiology, hair biology, understanding biology, and supporting science fundamentals.

  • Cosmetic Chemistry and Formulation

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Cosmetic chemistry, cosmetic formulation, emulsions, creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, soaps, detergents, cosmetic raw materials, cosmetic ingredients, active ingredients, preservatives, sur...

  • Skin Care, Hair Care and Colour Cosmetics

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Skin care, anti-ageing, sunscreens, hair care, hair styling, hair colouring, hair treatment, nail care, nail technology, nail art, colour cosmetics, makeup, lipsticks, foundations, powders, mascara...

  • Beauty Therapy and Aesthetic Treatments

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Beauty therapy, facial treatments, skin analysis, skin treatments, exfoliation, peels, masks, massage therapy, body treatments, waxing, threading, electrolysis, laser hair removal, permanent makeup...

  • Cosmetic Manufacturing and Quality Control

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Cosmetic manufacturing, cosmetic equipment, mixing, filling, packaging, cosmetic quality control, cosmetic quality assurance, ISO 22716, GMP, good manufacturing practice, understanding manufacturin...

  • Cosmetic Safety, Testing and Regulations

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Cosmetic safety, cosmetic testing, stability testing, microbiological testing, preservative efficacy, cosmetic regulations, cosmetic labelling, cosmetic claims, KEBS, PPB, understanding safety, and...

  • Aromatherapy, Massage and Wellness

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Aromatherapy, essential oils, massage therapy, body treatments, wellness, holistic health, spa treatments, understanding wellness, and supporting aromatherapy and wellness.

  • Salon, Spa and Beauty Business Management

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Salon management, spa management, beauty business management, entrepreneurship, health and safety, hygiene, infection control, understanding business, and supporting salon, spa, and beauty business...

  • Cosmetic Marketing and Product Development

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Cosmetic marketing, product development, cosmetic branding, cosmetic packaging, cosmetic advertising, social media marketing, beauty trends, understanding marketing, and supporting cosmetic marketi...

  • Research Methods and Industry Practice

    Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

    Research methods, cosmetic science research, data analysis, industry attachment preparation, professional development, understanding research, and supporting research and professional practice.

  • Industrial Attachment

    Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore

    Supervised industrial attachment at a cosmetic manufacturing company, beauty brand, salon, spa, or hotel, applying cosmetology and beauty science skills.

  • Final Cosmetology and Beauty Science Research Project or Dissertation

    Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore

    Final year cosmetology and beauty science research project or dissertation, assessed through written report and oral defence.

Specialisations

  • Cosmetic Formulation and Manufacturing

    Focuses on cosmetic chemistry, formulation, manufacturing, GMP, quality control, and supporting cosmetic manufacturing.

  • Beauty Therapy and Aesthetics

    Specialises in beauty therapy, facial treatments, skin treatments, massage, aesthetic treatments, and supporting beauty therapy.

  • Spa and Wellness Management

    Concentrates on spa management, aromatherapy, massage therapy, wellness, holistic health, and supporting spa and wellness management.

  • Cosmetic Marketing and Brand Management

    Concentrates on cosmetic marketing, product development, branding, packaging, social media, and supporting cosmetic marketing and brand management.

  • Cosmetic Quality and Regulatory Affairs

    Focuses on cosmetic safety, testing, stability, microbiology, KEBS and PPB compliance, and supporting quality and regulatory affairs.

A day as a student

A typical day starts with a morning lecture on cosmetic chemistry, skin care, or beauty therapy, followed by laboratory work, formulation exercises, or beauty therapy practicals. Students work on cosmetic formulations, stability tests, skin analyses, treatment plans, product development projects, and cosmetology research. Laboratory work for cosmetic chemistry and formulation, beauty therapy practicals, and industrial attachment at a cosmetic manufacturing company, salon, spa, or beauty brand provide practical experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

  • Growing beauty industry — the beauty and personal care market is expanding rapidly in Kenya.
  • Local manufacturing push — government promotes local cosmetic manufacturing under the Big Four Agenda.
  • Entrepreneurship potential — graduates can start salons, spas, cosmetic brands, and beauty businesses.

Against it

  • Counterfeit products — the beauty market faces counterfeit and unregulated products.
  • Perception challenges — cosmetology is sometimes undervalued as a career despite its scientific rigour.
  • Rapidly changing trends — beauty trends change fast, requiring continuous learning and adaptation.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 9 trades & vocational courses
Public244k to 244k
244k at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology244k at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

MMUST 122K/sem ~244K/yr (mmust.ac.ke brochure). Private unverified.

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans, Universities Fund government scholarships, and county government bursaries. Some cosmetic companies and beauty brands offer scholarships for cosmetology students.

Funding options

  • HELB Undergraduate Loan

  • Universities Fund Government Scholarship

  • County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

4 recorded

  • Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

    SponsorshipKsh 500,000

    Academically talented but economically disadvantaged African students at partner universities.

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students admitted to accredited universities. Means-tested based on family income.

  • County Government Bursaries

    GrantKsh 50,000Kenyan

    Students from specific counties. Criteria vary by county.

  • Higher Education Fund (HEF)

    GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan

    Government-sponsored (KUCCPS) students in public universities. Awarded through the Higher Education Funding Model.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE
Alternative entry
Diploma holders with credit pass in Cosmetology, Beauty Therapy, Laboratory Technology, Chemistry, or related fields from recognised institutions may join.

  • Chemistry or Biology

    C (plain)

  • Mathematics or Physics

    C (plain)

  • English or Kiswahili

    C (plain)

  • Any other subject

    C (plain)

How you are assessed

5 components

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Cat30% of the mark

    Regular tests, assignments, problem sets, and laboratory exercises throughout the semester.

  • End of Semester Examinations

    Exam35% of the mark

    Comprehensive written examinations covering cosmetic chemistry, beauty therapy, manufacturing, safety, and regulations.

  • Final Cosmetology and Beauty Science Research Project or Dissertation

    Research5% of the mark

    Final year cosmetology and beauty science research project or dissertation, assessed through written report and oral defence.

  • Industrial Attachment Report

    Practicum5% of the mark

    Assessment of industrial attachment at a cosmetic company, salon, spa, or beauty brand. Includes logbook, supervisor evaluation, and written report.

  • Project / Practical Assessment

    Practicum25% of the mark

    Assessment of cosmetic formulations, stability tests, skin analyses, treatment plans, and product development projects.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). KEBS standards govern cosmetic product quality. PPB registration is required for cosmetic products sold in Kenya.

Accredited by

  • Commission for University Education

    NationalRequired

    CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya. KEBS standards govern cosmetic product quality. PPB registration is required for cosmetic products sold in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

  • Beauty Therapist / Aesthetician

    Medium demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 150,000

    Provides beauty treatments, manages skin care, supports aesthetics, and supporting beauty therapy.

  • Cosmetic Marketing Manager / Product Developer

    Medium demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 200,000

    Manages marketing, develops products, builds brands, and supporting cosmetic marketing and product development.

  • Beauty Entrepreneur / Educator

    Medium demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 200,000

    Starts beauty businesses, teaches cosmetology, advises on beauty, and supporting entrepreneurship and education.

  • Cosmetic Scientist / Formulation Technologist

    Medium demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 180,000

    Formulates cosmetic products, manages manufacturing, supports quality, and supports cosmetic science.

  • Salon Manager / Spa Manager

    Medium demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 180,000

    Manages salons, manages spas, oversees staff, supports operations, and supporting salon and spa management.

  • Quality Control Technologist / Regulatory Officer

    Low demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 170,000

    Manages quality, ensures compliance, supports KEBS and PPB, and supporting quality control and regulatory compliance.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as cosmetic scientists, beauty therapists, and salon/spa managers. Cosmetology and beauty science is in medium demand driven by the growing beauty industry. Starting salaries range from KES 45,000 to 80,000 per month, with experienced professionals earning KES 90,000 to 200,000. Cosmetic manufacturing companies, beauty product companies, salons, spas, hotels, KEBS, PPB, and beauty colleges offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Python

    Code

  • SolidWorks

    Design

  • Microsoft Project

    Project management

  • AutoCAD

    DesignPrimary

  • MATLAB

    CodePrimary

  • Microsoft Excel

    Spreadsheet

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

  • Cosmetology is just about doing makeup.

    This programme covers cosmetic chemistry, formulation, manufacturing, quality control, safety testing, regulations, beauty therapy, anatomy, and business management. It's a comprehensive science and technology discipline.

  • Graduates only work in salons.

    Graduates work in cosmetic manufacturing, quality control, product development, salon and spa management, education, and as beauty entrepreneurs.

  • This field has limited career prospects in Kenya.

    The growing beauty industry, local cosmetic manufacturing, hotel and tourism spa services, and social media-driven beauty trends create demand for qualified professionals.

  • This programme has limited career opportunities.

    Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.

Related courses

Further reading

Keep this

Fees and entry marks for Bachelor of Science in Technology in Cosmetology and Beauty Science are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.

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