Overview
UCSI’s Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmaceutical Sciences) is a multidisciplinary postgraduate degree. It is designed for the development of safe and effective medications using various fields of scientific knowledge. This includes chemistry, medicinal chemistry, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutics and formulation science. These fields are highly in demand in the pharmaceutical industry, which is worth US$300 billion a year according to the World Health Organisation. In Malaysia, the government has identified the domestic pharmaceutical industry as one of the key areas to be developed under its new economic development plan, as reported in the Mega Science Report by the Academy of Science Malaysia.
About the Programme
Research
The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences consists of qualified and experienced lecturers to guide PhD candidates in their research projects. Among the research interests of our faculty members are pharmacology, physiology, bioinformatics, medicinal chemistry, drug formulation, clinical pharmacy, and pharmacy practice The constant availability of research funding, both internal and external grants, ensures the quality and continuity of research activities in the Faculty.
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
A relevant Master’s degree or equivalent OR
Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.67 or equivalent with final year research component, to be assessed by the faculty.
A Master’s degree or an equivalent professional qualification in a relevant field, as recognised by the Senate.
English Language Requirements
For Local & International Students
IELTS
6.0
TOEFL iBT
60
TOEFL Essentials (Online)
59
MUET
Band 4.0
Pearson Test of English
59
Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests
169
Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests
Occupational English Test (OET): 250
- Applicants who are pursuing Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in other universities that use English as the medium of instruction may be exempted from taking English classes at UCSI University if the alma mater’s Registrar issues an official letter indicating so to the University. Applicants may be required to attend an interview, conducted by UCSI’s faculty experts, or sit for a written test before they are accepted for admission. Prior to the interview, the applicant is also required to submit a research idea outline.
Courses Offered
Semester 1
- Research Methodology
- PhD Research
Semester 2
- PhD Research
Notes:
The University may allow exemption for outstanding students to complete their studies within a shorter period.
Career Opportunities
The programme’s comprehensive design and delivery paves the way for careers in advance scientific research of various institutions including (i) research institutes, (ii) drug regulatory agencies, (iii) academia.
