Make a global impact on healthcare.
A degree in pharmaceutical science will equip you for an exciting and diverse career, enabling you to make a genuine impact to human health and well-being.
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 research and industry.
What the course looks like
During the first two years, 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 is about gaining an understanding of what causes different types of 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.
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 2024). We are a global leader in pharmaceutical science education and research, and this industry-focused course will set you up for successful employment as a pharmaceutical scientist in Malaysia and the wider region.
A future-proof career
Globally, pharmaceuticals 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.
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.
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.
Bursaries
Receive a tuition fee waiver of RM10,000 for the first year of your study. Click here for details.
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.
Entry score
You will need the following entry scores for the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science:
Qualification | Score |
---|---|
Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY)* | 72.5% |
GCE A Level** | 9.5 |
ATAR | 82.5 |
Gaokao, China | 65% |
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education | 18 |
Indian School Certificate Examination | 72.5% |
All India Senior School Certificate Examination | 78.5% |
SMA3 Indonesia | Click here to find out the entry score |
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB Diploma Program) | 29 |
STPM, Malaysia | 8.8 |
UEC, Malaysia | ≤3.8 |
Program Matrikulasi (Matriculation Program), Malaysia | 2.84 |
Ontario Secondary School Diploma | 83.2% |
Sri Lankan General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) | 11 |
High School Diploma, Vietnam | 8.35 |
UNSW Foundation Studies | 7.75 |
Foundation in Science and Technology, Sunway College | 72.5% |
*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.