BSc Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences

The BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences at the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) is a three-year programme that provides interdisciplinary expertise in pharmaceutical sciences, including pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, and advanced therapeutics.

Students gain foundational knowledge alongside practical skills through research-driven learning, laboratory training, and modules in medicinal chemistry, drug formulation, and biopharmaceutics. The programme also offers research project opportunities, with options for collaboration in Malaysia or internationally.

Graduates are well-equipped for careers in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, biotechnology, and related sectors or for further academic study in medicine or pharmacy.

A Level:

• BBC in two science subjects, including Chemistry (grade B required; if not met, a test will be required). Biology is preferred as the second science subject; however, Mathematics or Physics may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Excludes Critical Thinking and General Studies.

IB Diploma:

• 26 points, with 5 and 4 at Higher Level, including Chemistry (HL) (grade 5 required; if obtained 4, a test will be required).

• Biology (HL) is preferred as the second science subject; however, Mathematics (HL) or Physics (HL) may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

STPM:

• BBC+ in two science subjects, including Chemistry (grade B required; if not met, a test will be required).

• Biology is preferred as the second science subject; however, Mathematics or Physics may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Excludes Pengajian Am.

UEC:

• 5 B3s in two science subjects, including Chemistry (grade B3 required; if not met and obtained B4, a test will be required).

• Biology is preferred as the second science subject; however, Mathematics or Physics may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Excludes Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese Language.

Australian Year 12:

• ATAR 82. Chemistry is required, with specific grade standards aligned with A Level subject requirements. A second science subject is also required; Biology is preferred, but Physics or Mathematics may be accepted as a substitute on a case-by-case basis.

• To fulfil these A Level standards, specific grade equivalents in the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE) are required.

• If the required A Level grade for Chemistry is not met within an acceptable range in the SSCE, a test will be required.

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD):

• 77% average based on 6 subjects, including Chemistry.

• Biology is preferred as the second science subject; however, Mathematics or Physics may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

• Specific grade requirements must be met if subjects are required at A Level: 75% for C and 81% for B. If Chemistry is at grade C, a test will be required.

Gaokao (NCEE) and Senior High School Diploma (China):

• 70% average in the Gaokao, including two science subjects, with Chemistry as one of the required subjects at a minimum of 75% (if not met, a test may be required).

• The second science subject should be Biology at a minimum of 73%, though Mathematics or Physics may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• In addition, a minimum of 70% overall in the Senior High School Diploma, with at least 70% in Mathematics and two Science subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.

Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE) / Indian School Certificate (CISCE) - Class XII:

• 78% average from the best four subjects, including Chemistry as one of the required subjects at a minimum of 80% (if not met, a test may be required).

• Biology is preferred as the second science subject at a minimum of 70%; however, Mathematics or Physics may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Excludes local language, Environmental Education, General Studies, and Physical Education.

Advance Placement (AP):

• 4, 4, 3, including AP Chemistry (grade 4 required; if not met, a test will be required).

• AP Biology is preferred as the second science subject; however, AP Physics or AP Calculus may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Diploma - Local Institutions:

• Entry to Year 2 is assessed on a case-by-case basis, typically requiring a minimum GPA of 3.20 out of 4.0 and good grades in Chemistry (grade equivalent to B required; if obtained at least grade C, a test will be required).

• Biology is preferred as the second science subject; however, Mathematics or Physics may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Foundation - Local Institutions:

• Acceptance is at the School’s discretion and typically requires a minimum GPA of 3.20 out of 4.0 and good grades in Chemistry (a grade equivalent to B required; if not met and at least a grade C is obtained, a test will be required).

• Biology is preferred as the second science subject; however, Mathematics or Physics may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Nottingham's Foundation Programme:

• Successful completion is required with an overall minimum average of 50%, including at least 50% in all Biology and Chemistry modules.

• Applicants who have been accepted without Biology at A Level or its equivalent must have obtained at least a grade B in Biology at SPM, GCSE, IGCSE, High School Diploma, or an equivalent qualification.

English Language Requirements:

• IELTS (Academic): 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in each element)

• TOEFL (iBT): 80 (minimum 17 in Writing and Listening, 18 in Reading, and 20 in Speaking)

• PTE (Academic): 65 (with no less than 59 in each element)

Other Qualifications:

• GCE A Level English Language & Literature: Grade C

• GCE AS Level English Language & Literature: Grade C

• SPM: CEFR level B2

• GCSE O-Level: Grade C / 4

• IGCSE (first language): Grade C / 4

• IGCSE (second language): Grade B / 6

• MUET: Band 4

• UEC: Grade B3

• IB English A1 or A2 (SL or HL): 4 points

• IB English B HL: 4 points

• IB English B SL: 5 points

• OSSD English (ENG3U/ENG4U): 75%

• CBSE/CISCE Class XII or Class X: 70% overall (confirmation of English as the medium of instruction required)

Important Notes:

• 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.

This list is not exhaustive, and eligibility will be fully determined upon the submission of a completed application.

Year 1: Core Modules

• Core Skills in Pharmaceutical Sciences

• Human Physiology

• Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry

• Introduction to Genetics and Biochemistry

• Pharmaceutics 1: Physiochemical Science and Medicines Design

Year 2: Core Modules

• Biopharmaceutics

• Concepts in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery

• Pharmaceutical Analysis and Spectroscopy

• Pharmaceutics 2: Pharmaceutical Technology

• Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics

• Medical Microbiology and Parasitology

• Consumers and Markets

• Principles of Immunology

Year 3: Core Modules

• Advanced Drug Delivery

• Commercialisation in Biotechnology

• Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design

• Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Project

Optional Modules (Year 3)

• Corporate Structuring and Governance

• Developmental Psychology

• International Business

• Molecular Pharming and Biotechnology

• Personality and Individual Differences

• Marketing Management

• Toxicology and Pharmacogenetics