Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons)

The Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) at International Medical University (IMU) is a four-year, MQA-accredited pharmacy degree in Malaysia that prepares students for dynamic roles in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. As Malaysia’s first and most established private medical and healthcare university, IMU delivers a curriculum that integrates pharmaceutical sciences, clinical practice, and emerging trends like digital health.

One of the key advantages of this programme is the flexible study pathway. Students can choose to complete the entire pharmacy programme in Malaysia at IMU or opt for credit transfer options to internationally recognised institutions such as the University of Otago in New Zealand or the University of Tasmania in Australia, gaining global exposure and broadening their career prospects.

IMU’s strong industry ties, alumni-mentor support, and practical training ensure that graduates are work-ready pharmacists equipped with essential clinical, research, and digital competencies. This makes it one of the best pharmacy programmes in Malaysia for students seeking a competitive edge in local or international pharmaceutical careers.

• A-Levels: BBB, ABC, or AAC in Biology and Chemistry and Physics or Mathematics (minimum B in Chemistry). Malaysians must attain minimum C in BM and English at SPM or equivalent level (except Degree level).
• STPM: BBB, ABC, or AAC in Biology and Chemistry and Physics or Mathematics (minimum B in Chemistry). Malaysians must attain minimum C in BM and English at SPM or equivalent level (except Degree level).
• Australian Matriculation: ATAR 75 including Chemistry, Biology, and Physics or Mathematics (minimum 75% in Chemistry). Malaysians must attain minimum C in BM and English at SPM or equivalent level (except Degree level).
• NCEA Level 3: Average of 75% for Chemistry, Biology, and Physics or Mathematics (minimum 75% or equivalent in Chemistry). Malaysians must attain minimum C in BM and English at SPM or equivalent level (except Degree level).
• Canadian Grade 12/13: Average of 75% for Chemistry, Biology, and Physics or Mathematics (minimum 75% or equivalent in Chemistry). Malaysians must attain minimum C in BM and English at SPM or equivalent level (except Degree level).
• Unified Examination Certificate (UEC): B4 in 5 subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Additional Mathematics, or another subject. Malaysians must attain minimum C in BM and English at SPM or UEC equivalent level (except Degree level).
• Australian University Foundation Programmes: Average of 75% for Chemistry, Biology, and Physics or Mathematics (minimum 75% or equivalent in Chemistry). Malaysians must attain minimum C in BM and English at SPM or equivalent level (except Degree level).
• Indian Pre-University: Average of 75% for Chemistry, Biology, and Physics or Mathematics (minimum 75% or equivalent in Chemistry). Malaysians must attain minimum C in BM and English at SPM or equivalent level (except Degree level).
• Ministry of Education Matriculation #: Grades BBB or ABC in 3 subjects: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics with a B in Chemistry. Programme must be completed in the same institution (not less than 1 year). Attained 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics/Additional Mathematics, and another subject at SPM/O-Level. Malaysians must attain minimum C in BM and English at SPM or equivalent level.
• International Baccalaureate (IB): Minimum 30 points overall with a minimum score of 5 each in 3 of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics with a 2 at Higher Level (HL) and 1 at Standard Level (SL). Malaysians must attain minimum C in BM and English at SPM or equivalent level (except Degree level).
• American High School Diploma with Advanced Placement (AP): Not specified.
• Foundation Studies #: IMU Foundation in Science: BBB or ABC in 3 subjects (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics) with a B in Chemistry. Attained 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics/Additional Mathematics, and another subject at SPM/O-Level. Malaysians must attain minimum C in BM and English at SPM or equivalent level. Programme must be at least 1 year and completed in the same institution. Equivalents from other institutions are subject to the Dean’s approval on a case-by-case basis.
• Degree: BSc in related field with cGPA 3.00.
• Diploma: Diploma in Pharmacy, Health Sciences, or related field with cGPA 3.5. Programme must be at least 5 semesters (2.5 years) and completed in the same institution. Must attain 2Bs each in Chemistry and Biology/Physics/Mathematics, plus credits in 3 other subjects including English at SPM/O-Level or equivalent. Malaysians must attain minimum C in BM and English at SPM or equivalent level (except Degree level).

# The duration of this programme must be a minimum of 1 year in the same accredited institution and foundation in other disciplines are accepted.

English Language Requirements:

• MUET: Band score of 3 (For Malaysian students).
• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 (Not less than 5.5 for individual bands).
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): Overall score of 169.
• Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): Overall score of 169.
• Cambridge Linguaskill: Overall score of 160.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Overall score of 59.
• Credit Transfer (IELTS):
  • Students transferring to the University of Otago are required to have an overall band of 6.0 (Not less than 6.0 for individual bands).
  • Students transferring to the University of Tasmania are required to have an overall band of 6.5 (Not less than 6.0 for individual bands).

The following categories of students* are exempted from the English requirements:

Students who graduated from other institutions where the curriculum is delivered in English Language for example:
Advanced Levels / Australian Matriculation / Australian University Foundation Year / Canadian Matriculation / International Baccalaureate / Foundation in Science / Other Pre-University Programmes from Local Higher Education Institutions
*ONLY applicable to those who are completing the entire degree at IMU, Malaysia.
**Applicable to IMU local degree only.

Semester 1:

• Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry
• Biological Science
• General Pharmacology
• Information Acquisition & Analysis
• Pharmacy & Healthcare I

Semester 2:

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Microbiology for Pharmacists
• Formulation Science
• The Gastrointestinal System
• Pharmacy & Healthcare II

Semester 3:

• Pharmaceutics I
• Pharmaceutical Analysis
• The Respiratory System
• The Cardiovascular &
• Renal Systems
• Compounding Pharmacy

Semester 4:

• The Musculoskeletal System
• Pharmaceutics Il
• The Endocrine & Reproductive Systems
• Haematology & Immunology
• Infectious Disease
• Medicine Dispensing & Counseling

Semester 5:

• Pharmaceutics III
• Complementary Medicines
• The Nervous System
• Community Pharmacy
• Pharmacy Jurisprudence & Entrepreneurship
• Elective*

Semester 6:

• Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
• Clinical Pharmacokinetics
• Cancer
• Clinical Pharmacy I
• Current Trends & Critical Appraisal
• Public Health Pharmacy
• Research Methodology

Semester 7:

• Research Project I
• Research Project II
• Industrial Placement
• Elective

Semester 8:

• Community Pharmacy Placement
• Hospital Pharmacy Placement
• Clinical Pharmacy II

*Selective Modules:
Cosmeceuticals | Radiopharmacy | Veterinary Pharmacy | Traditional Chinese Medicine | Introduction to Healthcare Data Analytics | Digital Health Applications

• Curriculum is reviewed periodically and subject to change.
• MPU modules are compulsory, imposed by the Ministry of Higher Education under the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996 (Act 555).
• Every student must pass all modules as a prerequisite for the awarding of the degree.