Course overview
The Bachelor of Science with Honours in Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences at the 188体育网址_188体育在线-【唯一授权网站】@ of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) is a comprehensive three-year degree that equips students with interdisciplinary expertise across pharmaceutical sciences, including pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical chemistry, molecular and cellular pharmacology, and advanced therapeutics and formulation. Designed to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving healthcare and pharmaceutical landscape, the programme integrates foundational knowledge with hands-on practical skills, fostering highly skilled graduates ready for diverse career paths.
Through a modular structure, students engage in research-driven learning, laboratory training, and industry-relevant modules such as medicinal chemistry, drug formulation science, and therapeutic biopharmaceutics. The programme also offers options for research projects, with opportunities to collaborate on cutting-edge topics in Malaysia or abroad. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, biotechnology, and related sectors or for further academic pursuits in medicine or pharmacy.
Why choose this course?
- Interdisciplinary Expertise: Build a solid foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, blending chemistry, biology, and technology to address real-world challenges.
- Innovative 188体育网址_188体育在线-【唯一授权网站】@ Opportunities: Participate in innovative research projects that foster problem-solving and critical thinking skills, essential for a dynamic industry.
- Practical and Professional Focus: Develop industry-ready skills through hands-on laboratory work, group projects, and exposure to modern pharmaceutical practices.
- Global Engagement: Benefit from opportunities to collaborate internationally or undertake research at overseas institutions, enhancing cultural and professional understanding.
- Proven Success in Pharmaceuticals: Since 2011, our graduates have excelled globally in the pharmaceutical and chemistry industries. With cutting-edge knowledge, practical skills, and strong professional networks, they are well-equipped to succeed in these dynamic and ever-evolving fields.
Modules
Core modules
- Core Skills in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Human Physiology
- Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry
- Introduction to Genetics and Biochemistry’
- Pharmaceutics 1: Physiochemical Science and Medicines Design
Core modules
- Biopharmaceutics
- Concepts in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery
- Pharmaceutical Analysis and Spectroscopy
- Pharmaceutics 2: Pharmaceutical Technology
- Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics
- Medical Microbiology and Parasitology
- Consumers and Markets
- Principles of Immunology
Core modules
- Advanced Drug Delivery
- Commercialisation in Biotechnology
- Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design
- Pharmaceutical Sciences 188体育网址_188体育在线-【唯一授权网站】@ Project
Optional modules
- Corporate Structuring and Governance
- Developmental Psychology
- International Business
- Molecular Pharming and Biotechnology
- Personality and Individual Differences
- Marketing Management
- Toxicology and Pharmacogenetics
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
| A Level | BBC in two science subjects, including Chemistry (grade B required; if not met, a test will be required). Biology is preferred as the second science subject; however, Mathematics or Physics may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Excludes Critical Thinking and General Studies. |
| IB Diploma | 26 points, with 5 and 4 at Higher Level, including Chemistry (HL) (grade 5 required; if obtained 4, a test will be required). Biology (HL) is preferred as the second science subject; however, Mathematics (HL) or Physics (HL) may be considered on a case-by-case basis. |
| STPM | BBC+ in two science subjects, including Chemistry (grade B required; if not met, a test will be required). Biology is preferred as the second science subject; however, Mathematics or Physics may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Excludes Pengajian Am. |
| UEC | 5 B3s in two science subjects, including Chemistry (grade B3 required; if not met and obtained B4, a test will be required). Biology is preferred as the second science subject; however, Mathematics or Physics may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Excludes Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese Language. |
| Australian Year 12 | ATAR 82. Chemistry is required, with specific grade standards aligned with A Level subject requirements. A second science subject is also required; Biology is preferred, but Physics or Mathematics may be accepted as a substitute on a case-by-case basis. To fulfil these A Level standards, specific grade equivalents in the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE) are required. Additionally, if the required A Level grade for Chemistry is not met within an acceptable range in the SSCE, a test will be required. |
| Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) | 77% average based on 6 subjects, including Chemistry. Biology is preferred as the second science subject; however, Mathematics or Physics may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Specific grade requirements must be met if subjects are required at A Level: 75% for C and 81% for B. If Chemistry is at grade C, a test will be required. Canadian Secondary School Diplomas from other provinces are acceptable and will be assessed based on the 188体育网址_188体育在线-【唯一授权网站】@’s requirements. |
| Gaokao (NCEE) and Senior High School Diploma (China) | 70% average in the Gaokao, including two science subjects, with Chemistry as one of the required subjects at a minimum of 75% (if not met, a test may be required). The second science subject should be Biology at a minimum of 73%, though Mathematics or Physics may also be considered on a case-by-case basis. In addition, a minimum of 70% overall in the Senior High School Diploma, with at least 70% in Mathematics and two Science subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. Gaokao scores are converted from 750 to a percentage scale. |
| Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE) / Indian School Certificate (CISCE) - Class XII | 78% average from the best four subjects, including Chemistry as one of the required subjects at a minimum of 80% (if not met, a test may be required). Biology is preferred as the second science subject at a minimum of 70%; however, Mathematics or Physics may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Excludes local language, Environmental Education, General Studies, and Physical Education. |
| Advance Placement (AP) | 4, 4, 3, including AP Chemistry (grade 4 required; if not met, a test will be required). AP Biology is preferred as the second science subject; however, AP Physics or AP Calculus may be considered on a case-by-case basis. |
| Diploma - Local Institutions | Entry to Year 2 is assessed on a case-by-case basis, typically requiring a minimum GPA of 3.20 out of 4.0 and good grades in Chemistry (grade equivalent to B required; if obtained at least grade C, a test will be required). Biology is preferred as the second science subject; however, Mathematics or Physics may be considered on a case-by-case basis. |
| Foundation - Local Institutions | Acceptance is at the School’s discretion and typically requires a minimum GPA of 3.20 out of 4.0 and good grades in Chemistry (a grade equivalent to B required; if not met and at least a grade C is obtained, a test will be required). Biology is preferred as the second science subject; however, Mathematics or Physics may be considered on a case-by-case basis. |
| Nottingham's Foundation Programme | Successful completion is required with an overall minimum average of 50%, including at least 50% in all Biology and Chemistry modules. |
Applicants who have been accepted without Biology at A Level or its equivalent must have obtained at least a grade B in Biology at SPM, GCSE, IGCSE, High School Diploma, or an equivalent qualification.
This list is not exhaustive, and we accept a wide range of qualifications. Eligibility will be fully determined upon the submission of a completed application.
IELTS (Academic): |
IELTS: 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in each element) |
TOEFL (iBT): |
80 (minimum 17 in Writing and Listening, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking) |
PTE (Academic): |
65 (with no less than 59 in each element) |
GCE A Level English Language & Literature: |
Grade C |
GCE AS Level English Language & Literature: |
Grade C |
SPM: |
CEFR level B2 |
GCSE O-Level: |
Grade C / 4 |
IGCSE (first language): |
Grade C / 4 |
IGCSE (second language): |
Grade B / 6 |
MUET: |
Band 4 |
UEC: |
Grade B3 |
IB English A1 or A2 (SL or HL): |
4 points |
IB English B HL: |
4 points |
IB English B SL: |
5 points |
OSSD English (ENG3U/ENG4U) (No fast-track route): |
75% |
CBSE/CISCE Class XII or Class X: |
70% overall (confirmation of English as the medium of instruction required) |
- IELTS (Academic), TOEFL iBT, and PTE (Academic) test results must be less than two years old.
- IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted.
- IELTS Academic Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and PTE Academic Online are not accepted.
- MUET results are valid for five years from the release date.
- OSSD English (ENG3U/ENG4U) with the required grades will only be accepted if applicants have completed all 30 credits from standard OSSD courses, not through credit exemptions. Fast-track routes are not accepted.
- CBSE/CISCE Class XII or Class X English with the required grades will only be accepted if applicants provide a confirmation letter stating that English was the medium of instruction throughout schooling from Class X to Class XII.
Foundation progression options
The Nottingham's Foundation Programme is a 1-year pre-university course that prepares students for direct progression to UNM’s undergraduate degrees. It builds a strong academic foundation while enhancing language, critical thinking, and study skills. Students can also explore elective modules tailored to their chosen degree pathway.
Learning and assessment
How you will learn
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
- Practical classes
- Field trips
- Supervision
- Lab sessions
- Computer labs
How you will be assessed
- Coursework
- Group coursework
- Examinations
- Presentation
- 188体育网址_188体育在线-【唯一授权网站】@ project
- Poster presentation
- Practical write-ups
- Essay
Fees
| Residency | Fees |
|---|---|
| Malaysian students | RM52,000 per year |
| International students | RM58,000 per year |
Where you will learn
Malaysia Campus
Semenyih Campus is 48km from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and just 45 minutes’ drive from the famous city centre with its iconic Petronas Twin Towers. On arrival, you are immersed in the green jungle backdrop that Malaysia provides with wildlife, sunshine and campus lake.
The campus is home to our business, education, science and engineering schools, which sit alongside a sports centre, library and student accommodation. The 188体育网址_188体育在线-【唯一授权网站】@ has everything a modern day student could wish for with the added bonus of being located in central Asia allowing you to travel further afield in your free time.
Public transport is plentiful with free shuttle services operating on some routes. Taxi/Grab services in Malaysia are very reasonable and used widely by the student community.
Careers
Laying a solid foundation in this field, this programme enables our graduates to pursue careers in various roles and industries.
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Manager
- Formulation Scientist
- Analytical Chemist
- Quality Control Management
- Product Specialist
Are you ready to embark on an exciting career journey after graduation? At the 188体育网址_188体育在线-【唯一授权网站】@ of Nottingham Malaysia, our Careers Advisory Service is here to support your career aspirations. We offer a range of professional services, including résumé writing assistance and interview preparation, to equip you with the tools needed to excel in today’s competitive job market. Contact careers@nottingham.edu.my to learn more.
Frequently asked questions
This content was last updated on 17 February 2025. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.