Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science (Monash Malaysia)

KPT/JPT (N/0916/6/0003) 2/28 - MQA/PSA 16429

Make a global impact on healthcare.

A Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science will equip you with the knowledge and skills to contribute significantly to healthcare worldwide. The degree prepares you for an exciting and diverse career, enabling you to make a genuine impact on human health and well-being through cutting-edge pharmaceutical research.

You’ll learn about the chemistry, biology, and technology of medicines and other chemical formulations by researching and developing more reliable, accessible, and effective treatments and products.

Guided by researchers at the international forefront of their fields, you will develop the knowledge and practical skills critical to the discovery and development of new drugs and therapies, leading to exciting careers in both pharmaceutical research and industry.

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Course Map

Handbook

Course guide

At a glance

Course structure

Why Monash?

Career paths

Entry requirements

Duration

3 years

Intake

February

Fees

In 2027, the annual tuition fees for the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science course are:

• RM52,800 for Malaysian students
• RM63,360 for international students.

General fees

• Application (once only) - RM100
• Registration (once only) - RM200
• General amenities (per semester) - RM100
• International student pass application - Click here.

What the course looks like

During the first two years of the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, you will develop an understanding of the foundations of pharmaceutical science and of the relationships between the different disciplines and their distinct roles in drug discovery and development. In your third year, you will have the opportunity to choose elective units that excite and inspire and represent the state-of-the-art in pharmaceutical science education.

You will then develop specialist knowledge and techniques and an understanding of the application of pharmaceutical methods and professional practices required in the workplace.

In the final year, you will gain practical skills through a major research project or industry placement and be ready for a career in pharmaceutical research, the biomedical industry and many other fields both nationally and internationally that require advanced chemical formulation skills.

Areas of study

Drug discovery biology

You'll have the opportunity to align your interests with particular aspects of the drug discovery pipeline. You might be attracted to drug discovery biology, which focuses on understanding the causes of different diseases and how current medicines work at a molecular level to treat them. You'll receive hands-on experience designing experiments to identify and assess new biological targets for the development of novel drugs.

Medicinal chemistry

You'll integrate your knowledge of how drugs work into the design of new medicines in medicinal chemistry, which represents the intersection of biology and chemistry. You'll learn contemporary approaches to the design of new bioactive molecules and their development into potential medicines from conception through to their clinical use. By applying the principles and techniques of organic chemistry, medicinal chemists discover and develop compounds that prevent, treat, or cure disease.

Pharmaceutical formulations

Formulation science enables you to understand the principles of designing pharmaceutical products and how medicines are absorbed and travel around the body to the site of action. Drawing on techniques used in the pharmaceutical industry, we'll teach you how to formulate chemical products in a wide range of applications, such as consumer products, cosmetics, paints, and food. This area of study provides a strong foundation in pharmaceutical technology and advanced chemical formulation skills.

More information The Monash University Handbook has detailed information about the course structure and requirements.

Ranked #2 in the world

Monash University is ranked #2 in the world for pharmacy and pharmacology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026), reflecting our excellence in pharmaceutical science education and research. We are a global leader in pharmaceutical science education and research, and this industry-focused course will prepare you for successful employment as a pharmaceutical scientist in Malaysia and the wider region.

A future-proof career

Globally, the pharmaceutical industry is a growth sector, and your skills will always be relevant. According to the Economy Research Institute's Expert Salary Database, the salary potential for pharmaceutical scientists in Malaysia is expected to increase by 22% over the next five years. With your specialist knowledge and practical skills, you’ll be equipped to pursue diverse career opportunities in healthcare, pharmaceutical development, and regulatory affairs.

Hands-on learning

Our unique curriculum equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute effectively across the entire continuum of the pharmaceutical business. With a focus on practical, hands-on learning, you will have the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research, develop critical thinking skills, and work on real-world projects that make a tangible impact.

Industry-standard instrumentation

You'll have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced laboratories and equipment, where you'll learn how to design and conduct experiments and how to interpret and effectively communicate your data. These facilities reflect the latest advancements in pharmaceutical technology and provide hands-on training that mirrors the professional environment of top pharmaceutical companies.

Expert guidance

Our faculty consists of industry-leading experts with extensive experience in the pharmaceutical sector, who are passionate about sharing their knowledge with the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists. With their mentorship and guidance, you'll receive the highest quality education and be well-prepared for successful careers in the field.

Practical experience

The course culminates in a major research project supervised by experts in the field and an industry placement scheduled for four weeks of full-time work in your third year. You’ll also undertake a Professional Experience unit that will prepare you to enter the job market. You will gain real-world experience and build your professional network. This practical component ensures you graduate well prepared to enter the pharmaceutical sector with both academic and professional experience.

A degree in Pharmaceutical Science at Monash prepares you for diverse roles in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and biotechnology industries. You’ll develop strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills that make you highly employable in Malaysia and beyond.

Pharmaceutical science graduates commonly become specialists or scientists in:

• analytical development
• bioassay development
• cosmeceuticals
• drug product development
• formulation
• manufacturing
• medicinal chemistry
• nutraceuticals
• pharmaceutical chemistry
• pharmaceutical development
• pharmacovigilance
• preclinical and translational pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
• quality assurance
• quality control
• regulatory affairs.

You can also become a:

• biomedical researcher
• clinical research associate
• forensic scientist
• paints and protective coatings scientist
• patent attorney
• pharmaceutical salesperson
• pharmaceutical and medical science liaison
• skincare and cosmetics developer.

Graduates can also pursue postgraduate research or advance into leadership and innovation roles within the global pharmaceutical sector. Monash equips you with the expertise to make an impact in drug discovery, formulation, and healthcare development.

To enter Monash University, students must satisfy particular academic, English language and age requirements.

Entry score

You will need the following entry scores for the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science:

*The undergraduate entry requirements published are for students who commence the MUFY program in 2024.

**The Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA) accepts a minimum D Grade in A Level to be equivalent to the STPM Pass grade. For more information, please click here.

Prerequisites

Chemistry and Higher level mathematics (Australian Year 12 equivalent) are Monash University’s formal prerequisites.

Courses with maths and science prerequisite subjects

If the course you are applying for requires maths and/or science as prerequisite subjects, you can meet the requirements in the following ways:

• Australian Year 12 or International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme: You must meet the maths and/or science prerequisite subject required for your chosen course as specified above.
• Other qualifications recognised by Monash: If you have completed maths and/or science subjects in the relevant discipline at the required grade level, it is assumed that you have knowledge equivalent to the Australian Year 12 (VCE equivalent) prerequisite subject required for your chosen course. It is strongly recommended that you check that you have covered the assumed knowledge required for your course by completing the Assumed Knowledge Skills Analysis. This online activity includes multiple-choice questions based on your prior studies and helps you identify areas for revision, so you can start your course feeling confident and prepared. Once you accept your Monash offer and set up your student account you can complete the Assumed Knowledge Skills Analysis before starting your course.

These guidelines do not apply to the Bachelor of Medical Science or Doctor of Medicine.

Related courses

• Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
• Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science (Honours)
• Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (BMedSc/MD)
• Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours)
• Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Get in touch

For more information about this degree, contact us.