Cosmetology as an academic discipline

Cosmetology as an academic discipline

The University of Osnabrück, Germany, has established the course "Cosmetology" in the faculty of human sciences as a scientific branch of health sciences. The degree Dr. rer. nat. may be obtained.The course deals with dermatology, microbiology, the anatomy, physiology, immunology and biochemistry of the skin and the chemistry of cosmetic ingredients. Practical knowledge in scientific laboratory work (called "practical cosmetology") is also conveyed. Additionally, the course touches upon business economics. After three years of coursework and internships, including the production of at least one scientific paper (the Bachelor’s thesis), students are graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. Having received a good enough grade in their final examinations, the students get access to the Master’s programme, which consists of at least 1.5 years of coursework and a half year of research. The studies are completed with the grade "Master of Education". Subsequently, the degrees Dr. rer. nat. or "Dr. rer. Medic" may be received in the field of cosmetology. Cosmetology especially addresses students aiming at becoming "occupational theory" teachers at German vocational schools for estheticians and hair stylists and therefore includes economic education and didactics as well as the study of a second "school subject" (see below). Other professional perspectives, like in the field of cosmetic research, are also available.