Is perfumery an art or a science?  The answer is both.  Perfumery involves the blending of two or more aromatic compounds to produce a new, balanced fragrance.

This is not something that can be done by machine and relies on the amazing sense of smell possessed by humans.  It is a sense that is under utilised in most people who are still able to distinguish a huge variety of scents and smells.  Unlike any other part of the human body the sense of smell can be developed with practise and actually 'grow' to become more discerning and identify more and more fragrances.  Together with the brain humans are able to accurately remember many thousands of separate substances.  People who have developed such an ability are referred to within the profession as 'a nose'.  This not only applies to perfumiers but also sommeliers and tea tasters. 

Perfumery is not only used to produce colognes and fragrances, known as fine fragrances for personal use but household cleaning products, the food industry, paint, shampoos, detergents, soaps etc.  The list would be extensive.

To be a perfumer you don't need specific qualifications as it is something learned by trial and experience.  A background or interest in chemistry may be an advantage depending on the field of work chosen.  

The courses offered by UKPA approved schools are for exploration by anyone who loves perfume or has an interest in perfumery and who wants to make their own perfume or for those considering perfumery as a career.  They provide an excellent insight into the perfume industry and a real world experience of a fully operational perfume laboratory.