Are you fascinated with chemistry and the human body? Do you have an interest in the professional world of specialised drugs and all things pharmaceutical? But you’re unsure of the differences between Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science? Well, keep on reading to find out more about these two interrelated fields.
What is Pharmacy?
Generally, Pharmacy is a field of health sciences which centres on medication. Diving deeper, Pharmacy is the science and practice of discovering, creating, preparing, dispensing, reviewing, and monitoring pharmaceuticals and medications in order to assure their safe, effective, and affordable usage and administration in clinical settings.
Those in the professional field of Pharmacy are usually Pharmacists. Pharmacists are healthcare professionals skilled in medication. Their key duties include educating patients on the risks, administration, and correct use of said medications.
What is Pharmaceutical Science?
Pharmaceutical Science is an interdisciplinary discipline that studies pharmaceuticals and medication. Pharmaceutical Science includes an array of related scientific fields such as chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and among others. The major goal of Pharmaceutical Science is to study the components, development, production, and use of pharmaceutical products with the goal of enhancing human health. Noting this, Pharmaceutical Science does not delve into patient-focused healthcare practices unlike Pharmacy.
Those in the professional field of Pharmaceutical Science are typically Pharmaceutical Scientists. Pharmaceutical Scientists investigate and research drug developments and drug discovery. Most of their duties are aimed to conduct experiments with the goal of manufacturing new safe and effective medications to the market. As such, Pharmaceutical Scientists work more in laboratories instead of interacting with patients directly.
Pharmacy vs Pharmaceutical Science
Pharmacy | Description | Pharmaceutical Science |
Pharmacy focuses on the practical application of medications together with patient care. Pharmacists will directly interact with patients to ensure safe and effective use of medications. | Scope | Pharmaceutical Science is centred on research for drug discovery and development. Pharmaceutical Scientists would typically examine the scientific components of drugs and medication. |
Pharmacy as a degree is a healthcare course which typically includes practical training in patient care and medication management. | Education | Pharmaceutical Science is a specialist science degree where education is more research-focused with options to further in different specialisations. |
In a professional Pharmacy setting, responsibilities might include prescription dispensing, patient counselling, and collaboration with healthcare providers. | Job Duties | In a professional Pharmaceutical Science setting, responsibilities might include research in drug production, quality control, or regulatory affairs to improve and develop pharmaceuticals. |
| Career Options |
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After a Pharmacy degree, most would work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or community pharmacies. | Work Settings | After a Pharmaceutical Science degree, most would work in a research team for hospitals, research institutions, or pharmaceutical companies. |
General Entry Requirements to Study Pharmacy
Academic Entry
Academic Entry | Minimum Score |
Foundation | CGPA 3.00 with min B in Chemistry |
Diploma | CGPA 3.50 (Pharmacy) CGPA 3.75 (Science) |
STPM | CGPA 3.00 with Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
UEC | B4 in 5 subjects (Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, Mathematics, and Additional Mathematics/any other subject) |
A-Levels | ABC / BBB / AAC (Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics/Physics with min. B in Chemistry) |
Australian Matriculation (ATAR) | Aggregate 80% (include Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Mathematics with min B in Chemistry) |
IB Diploma | Score of 30 (2 Science or Mathematics subjects at higher level and 1 Science subject at standard level) AND min score of 4 for Chemistry, and Biology, and Physics/Mathematics |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
English Language Entry Requirements
Entry Level | Minimum Score |
IELTS | 5.0 |
MUET | Band 3 |
TOEFL | 40 |
Note: Universities may have different English Language requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
General Entry Requirements to study Pharmaceutical Science
Academic Entry
Academic Entry | Minimum Score |
Foundation | CGPA 2.00 including Chemistry (Foundation in Science or equivalent) |
Diploma | CGPA 2.00 with min C in Chemistry and Biology/Physics/Mathematics |
STPM | CGPA 2.00 min. C in Chemistry and Biology/Physics/Mathematics |
UEC | B in 5 subjects (including 1 Science subject/Mathematics and min. B4 in Chemistry) |
A-Levels | CCD (including 1 Science subject/Mathematics and min. C in Chemistry) |
Australian Matriculation (ATAR) | Aggregate 60% (including Chemistry and Biology/Physics/Mathematics) |
IB Diploma | 26 points (Chemistry and 1 Science subject/Mathematics at the Higher Level with min 3 points in Chemistry) |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
English Language Entry Requirements
Entry Level | Minimum Score |
IELTS | 5.0 |
MUET | Band 3 |
TOEFL | 40 |
Note: Universities may have different English Language requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
Universities to Study Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Science
1. Monash University
Monash University Malaysia is an internationally accredited university, comparable to its Australian equivalent. Students will have the chance to engage with students from all over the world in an inclusive campus community, expanding global and cultural horizons. Monash University in Malaysia has the academic distinction of its Australian counterpart without the higher price point.
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science related programmes offered by Monash University extend many appealing education components for their students. These education components include practical and holistic learning in various settings along with the chance to utilise modern facilities, opportunities for transfer abroad, student support societies, research projects, and industrial training programmes alongside professional accreditations from recognised bodies.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2024) |
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) | 4 Years | February | Local Students: RM 230,400 International Students: RM 263,040 |
Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science | 3 Years | February | Local Students: RM 146,880 International Students: RM 167,040 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
2. University of Nottingham Malaysia
The University of Nottingham Malaysia permits its graduates with the advantages of an international education institution that is renowned for its dedication to education and top-notch research. It also guarantees a supportive and sustainable environment, enriching education, and wide-range of resources to ensure the well-being of graduates.
The School of Pharmacy at the University of Nottingham Malaysia is ranked in the top ten according to QS Subject Rankings 2023, proving the quality of their Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science related programmes. The programmes offer comprehensive curriculums which include case-based learning as well as simulated learning. Depending on the respective programmes and courses, students also have the chance to partake in field trips or clinical placements.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2024) |
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) | 4 years | September | Local Students: RM 212,000 International Students: RM 240,000 |
BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences | 3 Years | September | Local Students: RM 141,000 International Students: RM 166,500 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
3. International Medical University
International Medical University, also widely known as IMU, is one of the most distinctive private medical and health sciences universities in Malaysia. IMU carries the status of being Malaysia’s first private medical university with over thirty years in Malaysia’s healthcare education making them a very notable institution in Malaysia.
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science related programmes by International Medical University in Malaysia would offer the opportunity for students to engage in an extensive healthcare professional network with the student community at the institution together with the chance for pursuing international degrees from abroad universities. With that being said, students will also be involved with IMU’s mentorship programmes through respective enriching practical study programmes.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2024) |
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) (BPharm) | 4 Years | July, September | Local Students: RM 208,000 International Students: RM 216,000 |
BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry | 3 Years | February, May, July, September | Local Students: RM 126,000 International Students: RM 132,000 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
4. Taylor’s University
Taylor University prides itself in being acknowledged as an education institution that offers top-notch faculty, innovative teaching methods, and state-of-the-art facilities to enhance the educational experience for its students. Taylor’s University is also one of the most well-known private universities in Southeast Asia and Malaysia with consistent place in top rankings.
Taylor’s University School of Pharmacy encourages all-rounded learning extending beyond classroom learning where students of the school are offered the chance to experience practical application via various community initiatives along with research-based curriculums with patient-centric emphasis, field trips, as well as a Pharmaceutical Industry Student Adoption (PISA) programme to ensure employment of Pharmacy graduates.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) |
Duration | 4 Years |
Intake | September |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 187,618 International Students: USD 46,674 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
5. UCSI University
UCSI University started out as a computer training institute and has since grown into one of Malaysia’s private higher education institutes providing transformative education to nurture professionalism, integrity, grit, and passion, to its graduates. UCSI also offers a broad range of credentials through collaborations with prestigious universities throughout the globe.
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science related programmes extended by UCSI University encourages students with the heart to serve the community with their forthcoming expertise. Aside from their comprehensive syllabus, their programmes are equipped with the possibility for research attachments at foreign international universities as well as the chance of experiential learning at top Pharmaceutical industries and hospitals in Malaysia.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2024) |
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) | 4 Years | September | Local Students: RM 151,740 International Students: RM 204,648 |
Bachelor of Formulation Science (Honours) | 3 Years | January, September | Local Students: RM 88,640 International Students: RM 103,180 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
For more information regarding the university, programme offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
About The Author
Hannah Hir
Hannah appreciates various art forms, especially Asian literature, film and music. Most of her favorite Malaysian kuihs are green-coloured.