Robyn Hughes

Robyn Hughes graduated from the School of Chemistry in 2017 with a BSc degree in Chemistry. She is currently a Formulation Scientist at Unilever.

Undergraduate life at Leeds

During GCSE & A-Level, Chemistry was the course Robyn enjoyed the most and thought it was something she could relate to in everyday life. She said, “I knew a degree in Chemistry could open the doors to many career paths, including Cosmetic Science!”

“Choosing Leeds was one of the easiest choices I have made. It was a city I was familiar with (and not too far from my home city Liverpool) and was the best place for me. After visiting many different university campus’ Leeds stood out for me. I felt at home in the city and the campus is amazing!

Leeds were able to support me immensely before starting (and throughout) my degree. I participated in the Access to Leeds Scheme with the benefit of reducing my offer by 2 grades, preparing me for university life, as well as supporting me financially through scholarships.

The best aspect of the course was the flexibility to try different things and to choose your own modules.

The best aspect of the course was the flexibility to try different things and to choose your own modules. In my third and final year, I opted to do a placement in a Sixth Form College, helping A-Level Chemistry students, in which I did my research project on. It was great to try a different experience and think about my options after university.”

Robyn added, “I was also a Student Ambassador throughout my time at Leeds where I was able to represent my course. I was able to talk to upcoming students and give tours of the university campus, and even working in a call centre on A-Level results day!”

Leeds were able to support me immensely before starting my degree. I participated in the Access to Leeds Scheme with the benefit of reducing my offer by 2 grades, preparing me for university life, as well as supporting me financially through scholarships.

Building a professional career

Since graduating in 2017, Robyn decided to go on to study a Masters in Cosmetic Science at Liverpool John Moores University. Cosmetics and Beauty & Personal Care has always been a passion of Robyn and something she was really interested in, so the opportunity to study this as a science was exciting for her. She graduated with a Masters in Cosmetic Science in 2018 and started her career at Unilever after completing an internship with them as part of her research project.

I work as a Formulation Scientist in the Beauty & Personal Care Research & Development department. My role is to formulate products during product development, testing for stability and working on innovation for global projects.

Robyn added, “Unilever is a global company which produces consumer products for the home care, personal care and the food & drinks sector, including brands such as Dove, Radox & TRESemme. I work as a Formulation Scientist in the Beauty & Personal Care Research & Development department. My role is to formulate products during product development, testing for stability and working on innovation for global projects.”

“The intensive lab work from the course contributed towards helping with my career. I gained the lab skills I need to execute my role as a formulator, whilst also gaining skills in communicating experimental results, managing my workload as well as sticking to deadlines.”

Advice and tips

“The highlight for me was moving to Leeds and making new friends. From living in halls and different houses throughout Leeds, I was able to gain independence and it was an experience I will never forget.

Be prepared to put the work in! The course is structured well but is also designed to challenge you. You are in charge of your workload but help is always there when you need it.”

Find out more 

Discover more about our Undergraduate degree courses in the School of Chemistry.