Course overview
The Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) programme at the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) is a globally recognised degree designed to prepare you for a rewarding career as a registered pharmacist in the UK. Over four years, this full-time programme provides an integrated curriculum that combines scientific, clinical, and professional expertise.
Students benefit from professional placements in hospitals, community pharmacies, and other healthcare settings, gaining hands-on experience and patient interaction. With opportunities to conduct research and explore cutting-edge pharmaceutical innovations, including personalised medicine and advanced delivery systems, the MPharm programme ensures you graduate as a competent, patient-focused pharmacist. This degree is your gateway to a fulfilling and impactful career in healthcare and beyond. The University of Nottingham ranks 12th globally for Pharmacy and Pharmacology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024), showcasing its leadership in pharmaceutical education, innovation, and research excellence.
Why choose this course?
- Globally Recognised Qualification: Earn an MPharm degree accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and Pharmacy Board of Malaysia (PBM), qualifying you for UK pharmacist registration and global career opportunities.
- Integrated Learning Approach: Experience the “Drug, Medicine, and Patient” teaching blocks, combining scientific foundations, clinical application, and professional practice for a holistic pharmacy education.
- Professional Placements: Gain real-world experience through placements in hospitals, community pharmacies, and healthcare settings, developing practical skills and patient interaction expertise.
- Research Opportunities: Conduct a research project that enhances your scientific inquiry and data analysis skills, fostering innovation and critical thinking.
- Cutting-Edge Curriculum: Stay ahead with modules on advanced pharmaceutical practices, including personalised medicine, innovative drug delivery systems, and health promotion campaigns.
Modules
Year 1
Core modules
- Fundamentals of Pharmacy
- Human Life Cycle
- Digestive System
Throughout the course, you will be completing professional competency and medicine pathway activities.
Year 2
Core modules
- Infections 1 and 2
- Dermatology
- Autoimmune and Allergy
- Respiratory
- Cardiovascular
- Endocrine
- Renal
Year 3
Core modules
- Cancers
- Pain
- Central Nervous System
- Prescribing Competencies and Practice
- Research Project
Year 4
Core modules
- Advancing therapies, practice and care 1 and 2
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.
Entry requirements
| A level | ABB, including Biology, Chemistry, and either Physics or Mathematics. |
| IB Diploma | 30 points, with grades of 6, 5, 5 at Higher Level, including Biology, Chemistry, and either Physics or Mathematics. |
| STPM | ABB, including Biology, Chemistry, and either Physics or Mathematics, excluding Pengajian Am. |
| UEC | 3 As, including Biology and Chemistry, plus grade B3 in Advanced Mathematics and Physics, excluding Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese Language. |
| Australian Year 12 | ATAR 89. Applicants are required to meet specific grade standards in Biology, Chemistry, and either Physics or Mathematics, aligned with A Level subject requirements. To fulfil these A Level standards, specific grade equivalents in the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE) are required. |
| Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) | 81% average based on 6 subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, and either Physics or Mathematics. Applicants must also meet specific grade requirements for subjects required at A Level: 81% for a B and 85% for an A.
Canadian Secondary School Diplomas from other provinces are acceptable and will be assessed based on the University’s requirements. |
| Gaokao (NCEE) and Senior High School Diploma (China) | 75% average in the Gaokao, with 80% in one subject and 75% in two other subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, and either Physics or Mathematics. Additionally, a minimum of 75% overall in the Senior High School Diploma, with 75% in Biology, Chemistry, and either Mathematics or Physics.
Gaokao scores are converted from 750 to a percentage scale. |
| Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE) / Indian School Certificate (CISCE) – Class XII | 84% average from the best four subjects, including 90% in one subject and 80% in two other subjects, with required subjects including Biology, Chemistry, and either Physics or Mathematics. Excludes local language, Environmental Education, General Studies, and Physical Education. |
| Advance Placement (AP) | 5, 4, 4, including AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and either AP Physics or AP Calculus. |
| Diploma – Local Institutions | Entry to Year 2 is not permitted. Entry to Year 1 will be considered on a case-by-case basis, typically requiring a minimum GPA of 3.50 out of 4.0 in a Diploma in Pharmacy, Diploma in Health Sciences, or an equivalent qualification. Applicants must have achieved good grades (equivalent to at least a grade B) in Biology, Chemistry, and either Physics or Mathematics. The Diploma must be of 2.5 years’ duration and must be fully completed at a single institution. |
| Foundation – Local Institutions | Acceptance is at the School’s discretion, requiring a GPA of 3.50 out of 4.0 and good grades (equivalent to at least a grade B) in Biology, Chemistry, and either Physics or Mathematics. The programme must be a one-year foundation programme completed at a single accredited institution. |
| Nottingham’s Foundation Programme | Successful completion is required, with an overall minimum average of 70%, including at least 70% in all Biology and Chemistry modules, and at least 60% in Mathematics. All progressing Foundation candidates into the Master of Pharmacy (Honours) programme are also required to meet the English language requirement as stipulated by the School of Pharmacy at the Malaysia Campus. |
All applicants with a Matriculation, Foundation, or Diploma qualification must have obtained 5 Bs, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and either Mathematics or Additional Mathematics, in their 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.
English language requirements
IELTS (Academic) |
7.0 (with no less than 6.0 in each element) |
TOEFL (iBT) |
100 (minimum 19 in Writing and Listening, 20 in Reading and 22 in Speaking) |
PTE (Academic) |
76 (with no less than 65 in each element) |
GCE A Level English Language or English Literature |
Grade B |
GCE AS Level English Language or English Literature |
Grade B |
SPM |
CEFR level C1 |
GCSE O-Level |
Grade B / 6 |
IGCSE (first language) |
Grade B / 6 |
IGCSE (second language) |
Grade A / 7 |
IB English A1 or A2 (Standard or Higher Level) |
5 points |
IB English B (Higher Level) |
5 points |
IB English B (Standard Level) |
6 points |
OSSD English (ENG3U/ENG4U) (No fast-track route): |
81% |
CBSE/CISCE Class XII or Class X: |
80% 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.
Careers
Laying a solid foundation in this field, this programme enables our graduates to pursue careers in various roles and industries.
- Hospital/Community Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Industry Scientist
- Regulatory and Compliance Specialist
- Medical Product and Healthcare Solutions Specialist
- Clinical/Healthcare Pharmacy Specialist
- Pharma Innovation Specialist
Are you ready to embark on an exciting career journey after graduation? At the University 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.
