Best Private Universities for Top Pharmacy Programme in Malaysia

Simulated Community Pharmacy Lab at UCSI University

Best Pharmacy Programme at Top Ranked Private Universities in Malaysia

  • List of affordable top private universities in Malaysia offering the Pharmacy programme
  • Course details, Entry Requirements and Career Prospects for Pharmacy

So have you been wondering about a career in Pharmacy? There are many questions running through your mind about the job demand, entry requirements, which universities in Malaysia are best for Pharmacy? and if this course suits you? This article will address most of your concerns. Please do fill up the enquiry form for a more in-depth consultation.

Pharmacy is about using medications safely and effectively. A Pharmacist is a professional who manages this process. While Doctors diagnose the disease or illness, it is the Pharmacist who are experts in drugs and medications. Their service is very important to both patients and the health care community.  In addition to dispensing prescriptions, they must understand the chemistry, drug reactions, patient’s history, the effects and side effects of drugs. To study this course, students need to choose universities where the degree programme is recognised by the Malaysian Pharmacy Board.

Students who have just completed their high school would need to go for a Science Pre-University Programme before entering into a top private university for Pharmacy in Malaysia. Entry requirements for pharmacy are higher than for other science courses. Furthermore, foreign branch campuses like Monash and  Nottingham would have more stringent requirements.

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Which are the Best Private Universities in Malaysia that’s Affordable to Study Pharmacy?

EduSpiral advised us that the Foundation in Science going into Pharmacy would be our best choice because our STPM results didn't meet the requirements. Leow En Qi and Sin Jie, graduated from Pharmacy at UCSI University
EduSpiral advised us that the Foundation in Science going into Pharmacy would be our best choice because our STPM results didn’t meet the requirements.
Leow En Qi and Sin Jie, graduated from Pharmacy

Studying Pharmacy at a private university in Malaysia can be expensive for some students. Without sacrificing on quality, students should look at affordable universities that have years of experience, facilities, qualified lecturers and an English-speaking student environment.

The fees for the Pharmacy programme at some private universities can be quite low but the facilities that they offer are lacking. It is better to invest in a reputable private university that provide better facilities and a overall university experience.

Top private universities in Malaysia that you can consider studying the Pharmacy degree course are:

  1. MAHSA University
  2. Taylor’s University
  3. UCSI University

Other universities that you can opt for if you have the finances are Monash University, University of Nottingham and International Medical University (IMU).

All of their courses are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and recognised by the Malaysian Pharmacy Board.

What is Pharmacy?

Pharmacy students at UCSI are given plenty opportunities to interact with the public to improve on their communication skills
Pharmacy students at UCSI are given plenty opportunities to interact with the public to improve on their communication skills

One might ask, “What is Pharmacy about?”. Pharmacy is about using medications safely and effectively. A Pharmacist is a professional who manages this process.

Pharmacists are experts in drugs and medications and their service is of paramount importance to both patients and the health care community. In addition to dispensing prescriptions, they must understand the chemistry, drug reactions, patient’s history, the effects and side effects of drugs.

A pharmacist is an integral part of any health care system. Pharmacists are experts in drugs and medications and their service is of paramount importance to both patients and the health care community.

In addition to dispensing prescriptions, they must understand the chemistry, drug reactions, patient’s history, the effects and side effects of drugs.

Unlike earlier times, pharmacy is a field that requires its practitioners to be flexible in their job and adaptable to the changing nature of the healthcare industry. Firstly, the worldwide trend is moving towards specialisation in the distribution of medication and pharmaceutical care is influencing pharmacy practice in this region of the world.

Secondly, the changing environment in retail pharmacy sector from individually owned pharmacy shops to nationwide chain stores is demanding an adaptability of pharmacy graduates. Thirdly, the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in Malaysia is in dire need of experts in industrial pharmacy.

In Malaysia, job opportunities abound for pharmacists. Besides employment in traditional venues such as hospitals and private clinics, pharmacy graduates are engaged in other areas such as research and development, drug enforcement and academia. In all these areas, pharmacists play an important role in the health of the country.

In all these areas, pharmacists play an important role in the health of the country.

How Long is the Duration of a Pharmacy Degree?

A Bachelor of Pharmacy degree programme in Malaysia will take 4 years to complete. Subsequently, you will need to go for a 1-year housemanship or Provisionally Registered Pharmacists (PRP) training .

Compulsory Training for Pharmacy in Malaysia Shortened to 1 year

Furthermore, Pharmacy graduates can now go through their training outside of government hospitals and facilities. This was announced recently by the Health Ministry to help increase the pharmacist-people ratio for the next three years.
Pharmacy graduates can undergo their Provisionally Registered Pharmacists (PRP) training at private pharmacy facilities, such as private hospitals, R&D industries and community pharmacies that are accredited by the Malaysian Pharmacy Board.In September 2011, PRP was shortened from a three-year period to only one year.

Accreditation

All Pharmacy programmes in Malaysia must be accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and approved by the Malaysian Pharmacy Board.

What are the Entry Requirements to Enter the Pharmacy Programme at a Private University in Malaysia?

The entry requirements below are for most private universities in Malaysia however each university may have different requirements so do check with the particular university of interest for their requirements.

In addition, some universities will require an interview as well.

  • ​A- Level
    • 3B or 2A1C or 1A1B1C in Biology and Chemistry and Physics or Mathematics with minimum “B” in Chemistry
    • With reference to the Score system of the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) carried out at United Kingdom for A-level result with score of A+ = 140, A=120, B=100 and C=80
    • 3B proposed by LFM is equal to the total score of 300 with B for Chemistry course
  • STPM
    • 3B or 2A1C or 1A1B1C in Biology and Chemistry and Physics or Mathematics with minimum “B” in Chemistry
    • Overall CGPA minimum 3
  • ​Matriculation or Pre-Study in Medicine and Pharmacy
    • CGPA 3.0 and above with minimum “B” in Chemistry
    • Minimum 1 year of study
    • Pass SPM with minimum 5B in Biology and Chemistry and Physics and Mathematics (or Additional Mathematics) and other one subject at School Certificate level or equivalent
  • ​Foundation in Sciences
    • CGPA 3.0 and above with minimum B in Chemistry
    • Minimum 1 year of study
    • Pass SPM with minimum 5B in Biology and Chemistry and Physics and Mathematics (or Additional Mathematics) and other one subject at School Certificate level or equivalent
  • ​Diploma
    • Diploma in Science (Chemistry or Biology or Physics) CGPA 3.75 and above including B in Chemistry subject

OR

  • Diploma in Pharmacy CGPA 3.5 and above
    • Minimum 1 year of study
    • Pass SPM with minimum 5B in Biology and Chemistry and Physics and Mathematics (or Additional Mathematics) and other one subject at School Certificate level or equivalent
  • ​First Degree in Science
    • First Degree in Science CGPA 2.75 and above (CGPA 2.75 = Gred C+)
  • UEC
    • Pass UEC with minimum Grade B4 in 5 subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Additional Mathematics or one other subject.
  • Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) /Tertiary Entrance Education (TEE) /South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) /New South Wales Higher Education Certificate (HSC) (Year 12) /Northern Territory Certificate of Education (NTCE) (Year 12) /Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) (Year 12) /Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY)
    • Aggregate 80% include Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Mathematics in which minimum “B” in Chemistry or equivalent

OR

  • TER/ UAI/ ENTER/ ATAR 80 include Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Mathematics in which minimum “B” in Chemistry or equivalent
  • South Australian Matriculation (SAM)/ Western Australian Curriculum Council/ University of New South Wales Foundation/ Trinity College Foundation/ Higher School Certificate-Sydney Australia
    Aggregate 80% include Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Mathematics in which minimum “B” in Chemistry or equivalent

OR

  • TER/ UAI/ ENTER/ ATAR 80 include Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Mathematics in which minimum “B” in Chemistry or equivalent
  • Canadian Pre-U (CPU)/ Canadian International Matriculation Program (CIMP)
    • Aggregate 80% include Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Mathematics with minimum “B” in Chemistry or equivalent
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)
    • Pass IB with minimum 30 points (exclusive of bonus points) for two Science or Mathematics subjects at Higher Level (HL) and another one Science subject at Standard Level (SL) with minimum 4 points for Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Mathematics
  • Other International Qualifications Deemed Equivalent to STPM/A-Level by Malaysian Qualifications Agency
    • Aggregate 80% for three subjects (Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Mathematics) with minimum “80%” in Chemistry or equivalent

What are the Career Options for Pharmacy Graduates in Malaysia?

  • Community pharmacy
  • Industrial pharmacy
  • Hospital & clinical pharmacy

What will You Study in the Pharmacy Programme?

The Pharmacy Degree programme is geared towards the patient as the major focus for the application of knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences. The programme will equip students with the scientific, clinical and professional knowledge as well as strong communication skills to positively impact the healthcare system.

The Pharmacy degree will cover four main areas:

  1. Physiology and Pharmacology
  2. Pharmaceutical Chemistry
  3. Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology
  4. Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice

Affordable Pharmacy Diploma & Degree Recognised by Malaysian Pharmacy Board at MAHSA University

Founded in 2009, MAHSA University is a top Malaysian university famous for health science programmes and is also excellent for business and engineering courses.
Founded in 2009, MAHSA University is a top Malaysian university famous for health science programmes and is also excellent for business and engineering courses.

Founded in 2005, MAHSA University offers top programmes in Diploma in Pharmacy and the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons). The Diploma in Pharmacy and the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) at MAHSA University is approved by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia and recognized by the Pharmacy Board Malaysia and Ministry of Health, Malaysia. Students have access to some of the best pharmacy education facilities at MAHSA University’s new 48-acre campus at Bandar Saujana Putra, Selangor.

Students after SPM or O-Levels wanting a top rated education in Pharmacy may go for the Foundation in Science at MAHSA University before continuing on to the 4-year Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons).

MAHSA’s pharmacy programmes are built on a foundation of experience, taught by highly skilled

practitioners, constantly updated and includes creative virtual and real world experiences to equip you for modern practice.There is an increasing demand for pharmacy services globally, due to increased demand for patient services, number of prescriptions each year and the increasing number of medicine available in the market.

Diploma in Pharmacy Course in Malaysia at MAHSA University

MAHSA University is best known in Malaysia for their medical, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, biomedical and health science courses.
MAHSA University is best known in Malaysia for their medical, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, biomedical and health science courses.

Diploma in Pharmacy is a 3-year programme in which students will gain a strong foundation in biological, chemical and pharmaceutical sciences in the first year, before proceeding onto more advanced topics and 2 semesters in hospital pharmacy training.

Graduates will be able to gain employment as Pharmacy Assistants in public and private hospitals, health clinics, pharmaceutical laboratories and manufacturing facilities. The graduates may also continue their educational pursuit of a professional degree in pharmacy.

The Diploma in Pharmacy programme received its full MQA accreditation in March 2009.

Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) Programme in Malaysia at MAHSA University

MAHSA University students are taught by qualified and highly experienced lecturers and professors
MAHSA University students are taught by qualified and highly experienced lecturers and professors

MAHSA University’s Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) is a 4-year undergraduate programme for individuals who want to devote themselves to the advancement of health through the dispensation of medicines.
Graduates can then take the professional examinations and be qualified as pharmacists in hospitals and medical centres, or choose to go into production, marketing and distribution, research and development, or education.

The subjects that will be explored during the course of this programme include anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, pharmaceutical research, microbiology, quality use of medicines, cellular physiology, genetics, cytology and histology, chemistry, pharmacy, and integrated patient care.

At the end of the programme, students will have procured for themselves the ability to know and differentiate among the myriad medicines and pharmaceutical products in the market, prepare medicines and medications by correctly interpreting physician’s prescriptions, detect therapeutic incompatibilities, monitor and manage the distribution of controlled drugs, and other important duties for which they have to be held accountable.


Top Pharmacy Degree Programme at UCSI University

EduSpiral provided us with in-depth information about UCSI University and also took us around for a campus tour and to find accommodation. It really helped us to make a good decision about our future.
EduSpiral provided us with in-depth information about UCSI University and also took us around for a campus tour and to find accommodation. It really helped us to make a good decision about our future.
En Qi, Pharmacy student

Established in 1986, UCSI University has offered the Pharmacy programme since 2000 as a 2+2 with Curtin University, Australia. In 2005, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UCSI University offered its own Pharmacy degree programme. To accommodate its rapid growth and expansion, the School has since moved twice before its current five fully-equipped laboratories that are dedicated to learning, teaching and research.

The Pharmacy degree at UCSI University is accredited by MQA and is recognised by the Malaysian Pharmacy Board. Graduates have been able to find work overseas as well. Together with its cutting-edge facilities, the 4-year Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons.) degree offers quality learning experience under the tutelage of dedicated teaching staff using innovative teaching methods, and who, being actively involved in research, provide students with opportunities to participate in various research projects.

At the Faculty, student are provided early exposure to various pharmacy-linked experiences such as industrial training, public health campaigns, community clerkship, hospital pharmacy clerkship and also to Problem-based Learning(PBL). Besides the formal lecture mode, student also receive invaluable practical guidance from our external partners, experienced industrial speakers, appointed pharmacists and doctors incorporated under the various Faculty departments.

Programme Overview of the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) at UCSI University

Simulated Community Pharmacy Lab at UCSI University
Simulated Community Pharmacy Lab at UCSI University

The School of Pharmacy at UCSI University strives to maintain updated curriculum to meet the rapidly changing demands of the Pharmacy industry in Malaysia. The early part of this curriculum focuses students on the fundamental knowledge in pharmacy as the foundation for later years.

The curriculum is unique in that it starts off with integrated courses where four main disciplines are being taught in each body system. Students appreciate this mode of learning as it enhances their understanding. This will serve as a strong foundation later as they practice as pharmacists.

The courses in the programme are arranged into four main disciplines within the School of Pharmacy as listed.

  • Physiology & Pharmacology
  • Pharmaceutical Chemistry
  • Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology
  • Clinical Pharmacy

The duration of the programme is 4 years as required by the Board of Pharmacy Malaysia. In each year there are two long-semesters consisting of 14 weeks of instruction with 2 weeks of examinations, and one short-semester consisting of 7 weeks of instruction with 1 week of examinations. The long-semesters start in January and May, while the short-semester starts in September.

Pharmacy Practice Lab at UCSI University
Pharmacy Practice Lab at UCSI University

In the months of November & December students undergo industrial training under the Co-Operative Placement Scheme to learn and to familiarize themselves with real life working environment.

In addition, students also undertake a research and development project in their final year.

The number of contact hours per subject per week depends on the credit and teaching methodology of each subject. Each credit is approximately equivalent to 1 hour of class, or 2 hours of labs per week.

UCSI University School of Pharmacy assesses its students based on the main objective of training competent pharmacists. The ethics, communication, knowledge, analytical and critical thinking skills are incorporated into its assessments. The assessment methods include various assignments, practical & visitation reports, oral presentations, research project viva, patient counseling, tutorials, problem based sessions and finally the examinations.


Premier Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) Course at Taylor’s University in Malaysia

Pharmacy facilities at Taylor's University
Pharmacy facilities at Taylor’s University

The 4-year Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) degree programme at Taylor’s University equips students with scientific, clinical and professional knowledge as well as strong communication skills, giving them the ability to positively impact the healthcare system. The pharmacy programme at Taylor’s University is geared towards the patient as the major focus for the application of knowledge of the pharmaceutical sciences. There are four main areas within the pharmacy programme at Taylor’s: Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Delivery and Pharmacy Practice.

The Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) programme at Taylor’s University is recognised by the Malaysian Pharmacy Board.

Taylor’s University is one of the best universities in Malaysia for you to study the pharmacy programme. Students after SPM or O-Levels  may enter Taylor’s Foundation in Science for 1 year before continuing on to the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) degree programme at Taylor’s University.

The pharmacy programme at Taylor’s University is geared towards the patient as the major focus for the application of knowledge of the pharmaceutical sciences. There are four main areas within the pharmacy programme at Taylor’s: Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Delivery and Pharmacy Practice.

360° Learning Experience

Taylors University offers a conducive environment for students to excel in their studies
Taylors University offers a conducive environment for students to excel in their studies
  • Early exposure to real world experience through field visits, study trips, and campaigns, as well as internship and research opportunities, prepares students for their future careers.

Highly-qualified Faculty

  • Classroom teaching is influenced and informed by faculty members who are experienced in the field of pharmacy (public or private sectors) and continuously undertake research in their respective fields.
  • Students obtain a broad understanding and perspective of the subject matter, due to the good mix of local and international lecturers.
  • Over 70% of the lecturers are Ph.D. holders and many undertake research in their respective areas of interest, contributing to the enhancement of knowledge delivered in the classroom.

In-depth Knowledge

Pharmacy facilities at Taylor's University
Pharmacy facilities at Taylor’s University
  • The curriculum provides an in-depth insight in pharmaceutical sciences, physiology and pharmacy practice. Emphasis is placed on clinical skills, specifically with response to symptoms and differential diagnosis built on the application of scientific principles.

Comprehensive Placement

  • Exposure to the three major healthcare areas in pharmacy, via 5-week placement in Community Pharmacy, 15-week of Hospital Pharmacy and 3-week placement in Industrial Pharmacy.

8 thoughts on “Best Private Universities for Top Pharmacy Programme in Malaysia

  1. Hello,

    What are the other career alternatives for a student who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree (Hons) in Pharmacy, but has interests in teaching?

    Apart from furthering post-graduate courses to become a university lecturer, or to teach science subjects at schools, are there other options, for example, teaching/mentoring interns at hospitals?

    Thank you in advance.

  2. Hello,

    What are the other career alternatives for a student who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree (Hons) in Pharmacy, but has interests in teaching?

    Apart from furthering post-graduate courses to become a university lecturer, or to teach science subjects at schools, are there other options, for example, teaching/mentoring interns at hospitals?
    What are the criteria required?

    Thank you in advance.

  3. is it still hav career opportunity for pharmacist?
    bcus it seems like pharmacist in malaysia nowadays are overflow

  4. If comparing pharmacy degree between IMU and UCSI, which university is better as the tuition fees for pharmacy in IMU is about double of in UCSI.

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