Research overview
Our PhD degrees are offered full-time and part-time. Part-time is available to Malaysian students only. The full-time PhD would normally take three years of full-time research with a further year for writing up. Our MPhil degree may be awarded after one year of study – followed by a one year write-up period – if you or the University decides that this is a more appropriate qualification.
Why choose this programme?
Research is crucial to the pharmaceutical industry and our academic staff are at the leading edge of scientific and healthcare developments. The current research areas reflect the breadth of expertise of our staff, the acquisition of research funds and recent applications for grants. We offer high-quality doctoral training to postgraduate students who wish to pursue an MPhil or PhD. As a research student, you will work under a supervisor who will assist you in your research and thesis design.
Course content
Our MPhil and PhD degrees are based on research in the School of Pharmacy. Some of the areas in which postgraduate degrees can be studied are given below. Some of the areas in which postgraduate degrees can be studied are given below.
- Non-communicable diseases (cancer, obesity and diabetes, resistant hypertension and dyslipidemia)
- Drug-induced hypersensitivity
- Drug and herb interactions and CYP polymorphisms
- Medicinal mushrooms
- Environmental health
- Infection and Immunity (vaccine and vaccine safety, antimicrobial research, paedagogy in science)
- Biological evaluation and mode of action of natural products
- Nanotechnology and Nanoparticle Sensing System
- Personalised Medicines
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Pharmacy Practice and Health Optimisation
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
PhD
A master’s degree (or international equivalent), plus an upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in pharmacy or a related scientific discipline. Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard.
Or
A first-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in pharmacy or a related scientific discipline. Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard.
MPhil
An upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in pharmacy or a related scientific discipline. Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard.
Applicants must hold a degree from a recognised university. We welcome students from all academic backgrounds and consider a wide range of qualifications. For certain programmes, prior qualifications must be in related fields. As part of the admissions process, applicants may be invited to attend an interview if further evaluation is deemed necessary.
Eligibility can only be confirmed upon submission of a complete application
English language requirements
IELTS (Academic): |
6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each element) |
TOEFL (iBT): |
90 (minimum 19 in Writing and Listening, 20 in Reading and 22 in Speaking) |
PTE (Academic): |
71 (with no less than 65 in each element) |
| MUET: | Band 4.5 |
- 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.
Careers
Career opportunities
Our programmes provide you with an opportunity to embark on an area of research of your interest, allowing you to focus on this niche area of knowledge and make an important contribution to science. Becoming a MPhil/PhD student at our school means joining a thriving research community and exploring world-changing issues at the forefront of science and healthcare. It also means developing skills prized by academia and the biotechnology, healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Recent MPhil/PhD graduates from the School of Pharmacy at the Malaysia Campus generally pursue careers in academia or research, working for government departments, international research organisations, and universities or as experts and consultants in their field of expertise.
Career advice
The University’s Career Advisory Services (CAS) support students with the necessary skills and career opportunities using its strong relationship with various employers and industries. The CAS will provide students with essential resources and guidance for career choices offering many opportunities to develop the skills needed to plan and manage your future. Our Careers Advisory Service will work with you to improve and maximise your employability skills as well as provide essential resources and guidance that will assist you with job/course applications. They will facilitate searches for appropriate work experience placements and connect you to a wide range of prospective employers and training opportunities.
