Bridging Academia and Industry in Liverpool
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) recently hosted over 90 students from its MSc Cosmetic Science, MSc Drug Discovery, Development and Delivery, and BSc Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science programmes for a pivotal industry networking event. Representatives from global organisations including AstraZeneca, Unilever, and Croda Europe Ltd provided career guidance and outlined summer placement opportunities available exclusively to LJMU students.
Explore LJMU’s Cosmetic Science programmes
Key Industry Players Engage with Future Talent
The event featured 15 major employers in the cosmetic science and pharmaceutical sectors, demonstrating LJMU’s strong industry connections. Participating organisations spanned multiple specialisations:
- Research & Development (AstraZeneca, Unilever)
- Specialty Chemicals (Croda Europe Ltd, Innospec)
- Manufacturing (Thornton & Ross, Mast Group Limited)
- Testing & Compliance (Inter Scientific, TRI Princeton)
This diversity provided students with exposure to the full spectrum of career pathways in these growing UK industries.
Alumni Success Stories Demonstrate Career Pathways
Former students shared tangible examples of how LJMU’s industry-focused approach leads to employment:
“My sandwich year placement through LJMU directly led to my current role at AstraZeneca” – Ebony Dickinson, BSc Pharmaceutical Science graduate
“Just one year after sitting where you are now, I’m formulating products for a Unilever partner company” – Victoria Guildi, MSc Cosmetic Science graduate
Learn how LJMU’s industry partnerships create opportunities
Structured Support for Student Employability
Faculty-Led Industry Initiatives
Dr Amanda Boddis, Dr Alistair Fielding and Dr Steve Enoch from LJMU’s Faculty of Health, Innovation, Technology and Science designed this annual event to address key employability objectives:
- Demystifying recruitment processes in regulated industries
- Developing students’ professional networking capabilities
- Highlighting specialised career paths in pharmaceutical sciences
Comprehensive Careers Support
LJMU’s Student Futures team provides year-round employability services including:
- One-to-one career consultations
- CV and interview workshops tailored to scientific roles
- Exclusive industry vacancy listings
- Startup support for entrepreneurial ventures
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Why Liverpool Matters for Science Careers
As a hub for the UK’s pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors, Liverpool offers:
- Proximity to major manufacturing and R&D facilities
- Growing investment in life sciences infrastructure
- Strong regional industry networks facilitated by LJMU
- Lower living costs compared to southern UK cities
The university’s location in this thriving scientific ecosystem gives students distinct advantages when seeking placements and graduate roles.
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Next Steps for Aspiring Scientists
Prospective students interested in cosmetic science or pharmaceutical careers should consider:
- Reviewing LJMU’s industry placement statistics for relevant programmes
- Attending open days to discuss research facilities with faculty
- Exploring scholarship opportunities for STEM candidates
Current LJMU students can access immediate support through the Student Futures Centre, including upcoming industry networking events and application deadlines for summer placements.
