DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

Our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Pharmaceutical Sciences programme in Malaysia offers rigorous research training in a diverse range of scientific disciplines essential to the success of modern pharmaceutical scientists in various sectors, such as the pharmaceutical industry, government, and academia. As a PhD student, you will engage in advanced research within a highly multidisciplinary environment. This collaborative atmosphere fosters a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives, enhancing your research capabilities and broadening your scientific horizons. 

Throughout the programme, you will develop a deep understanding of the scientific principles and methodologies necessary for conducting cutting-edge research in areas related to human health and disease. Our curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including drug discovery, drug development, pharmacology, pharmaceutical analysis, drug delivery systems, and pharmaceutical biotechnology.

To ensure quality supervision, only a select number of students are admitted each intake. We recommend applying early to join our impactful community of research professionals.

Duration

3 to 6-year (Full Time)4 to 8-year (Part Time)

Study options

Full Time or Part Time

As a doctoral student in pharmaceutical science, you will embark on a research journey that will deepen your understanding of the field and make significant contributions to knowledge. Our programme is designed to provide you with a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment, allowing you to thrive as a researcher and innovator.

Note: All information is subject to change. Readers are responsible for verifying information that pertains to them by contacting the university.

Research Methodology

In their first year, students must complete the following modules (totalling 6 credit hours): Research Method for Science and either Qualitative Research Methods or Quantitative Research Methods.

Key Research Areas

At Taylor's University, we believe research can help shape the future. Our postgraduate research programmes cover a broad range of topics with the aim to help shape the future in the aspects of society, technology, economy, and environment.

Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice

• Community pharmacy
• Digital Health and Innovation
• Disease burden studies
• Legislative and regulatory pharmacy
• Medication safety and optimization
• Pharmacoeconomics
• Pharmacoinformatics
• Quality of life studies
• Social and administrative pharmacy

Pharmaceutical Technology

• Bioequivalence studies
• Controlled-release drug delivery systems
• Fast-dissolving drug delivery systems
• Pre-formulation studies
• Transdermal/Topical drug delivery systems

Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Phytochemistry

• Analytical method development and validation
• Computational medicinal chemistry
• Design and development of herbal formulations
• Extraction of herbal drugs
• Isolation and characterization of herbal constituents
• Medicinal chemistry (organic synthesis)

Pharmacology

• Antimicrobials
• Anti-inflammation
• Cancer Pharmacology
• Diabetes Pharmacology
• Pharmacology and Toxicology of herbal extracts
• Stem cells and exosomes

Pharmacy Education

• Interprofessional Education
• Innovation in teaching and learning

FUTURE CAREERS

When you've successfully completed this Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Science programme, you could embark on any of these exciting careers, including:

• Academic Pharmacist
• Community Pharmacist
• Hospital Pharmacist
• Industrial Pharmacist
• Regulatory Pharmacist
• Toxicologist
• Veterinary Pharmacist

We offered two entry pathway for this PhD programme, which is normal mode and prior to publication mode. Our PhD by Prior Publication mode provides a unique pathway for you to achieve a Doctoral award based on your existing body of work. We recognise the value of your prior publications and include them as a significant part of your submission for the Doctoral award.

Normal Mode

Pre-requisites

• Master's Degree in Pharmacy
  Master's degree in Pharmacy or relevant science discipline OR
  
   
• Bachelor's Degree
  A Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy or relevant science discipline with CGPA 3.67 and registered as a Masters candidate and achieve outstanding performance in research and conversion assessment with Senate approval; OR
  
   
• Equivalent Qualifications
  Any other equivalent qualifications which is recognized by the Malaysian Government.

International Students

English Requirement: IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 60 (Internet Based Test) (May join IEN preparatory course and achieve the IELTS score) The validity of the IELTS or equivalent is within 2 years from the date of the examination.

Accelerated PhD Programme

Bachelor's degree candidates who are registered for master's degree programmes may apply to convert to the doctoral degree programmes subjected to the following conditions:

1. Within 1 year for full time and within 2 years for part-time candidates;
2. Having shown competency and capability in conducting research at doctoral level through rigorous internal evaluation.
3. Approval of the Taylor's University Senate.

Note: 

• Any of the above conditions would require student's research proposal to be approved. 
• All information is subject to change. The above entry requirements serve as a guideline. Readers are responsible to verify the information by contacting the university's Admissions Department

Prior Publication Mode

You will need to fulfil one of the below:

• Obtain a master's degree in the field or related fields accepted by the HEP Senate
• Obtain other qualifications equivalent to a master's degree recognised by the Government of Malaysia
• Candidates without a related qualification in the field/s or working experience in the relevant fields must undergo appropriate prerequisite courses determined by the HEP

In addition to the above criteria, those who want to join Doctoral Degree by Retrospective or Prior Publication mode must include the below to the formal application:

• Minimum of 5 publications or equivalent works in alignment with the theme of the specialisation
• An executive summary of the above publications to demonstrate the applicant’s contribution to knowledge in the field
• A list of scholarly published work

The minimum language proficiency of the candidates must be determined by the HEP consistent with applicable programme standards or based on the needs of the programme, i.e., learning outcomes and the medium of instruction.

A Selection Committee must be established to review the formal application for PhD by Retrospective or Prior Publication and recommend to the Senate to obtain approval.

Criteria for published works

• Published work must encompass high-quality journals, monographs, books, research-based chapters in books, electronic publications which have not been used to obtain other awards or deemed a part of those awards.
• The publications must be published within a period not exceeding ten (10) years from the date of submission.
• For the five (5) nominated publications, the candidate must be the principal author with the contributions of others clearly defined.

Note: All information is subject to change. Readers are responsible for verifying information that pertains to them by contacting the university.

STUDENT PASS / VISA REQUIREMENTS (INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS)

All international students who plan to study full-time in Malaysia are required to obtain a Student Pass (Student Visa) before starting their studies.

• You must receive an official Offer Letter from the university before applying for a student pass

• The university will submit your Student Pass application through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) on your behalf

• A Visa Approval Letter (VAL / eVAL) is required before travelling to Malaysia

• Studying on a tourist or social visit visa is not permitted

• Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months from your intended intake date

• Visa processing time depends on EMGS and Malaysian Immigration approval

• After arriving in Malaysia, all students must complete a medical check-up at an EMGS-registered clinic

• Your Student Pass will be issued only after medical clearance and document verification

• Continuing students must renew their Student Pass before it expires

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR STUDENT PASS APPLICATION

The following documents are commonly required for all international students:

• Valid passport (clear scanned copy of all pages, including blank pages)

• Passport-size photograph with a white background

• Official Offer Letter from the university

• Academic certificates and transcripts related to your programme

• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent), if required

• Proof of acceptance or tuition fee payment (if requested by the university)

• Student Pass / Visa processing fee as determined by EMGS

• Completed EMGS Health Declaration Form (if applicable)

Please note: All documents not originally in English must be submitted together with certified English translations.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

Some students may be asked to provide extra documents depending on their situation:

• Release Letter and Visa Cancellation Letter (for students transferring from another institution in Malaysia)

• School Leaving Certificate (for foundation or diploma applicants)

• Sponsorship or Scholarship Letter (if your studies are funded)

• Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses

• Statutory Declaration (if there are name differences across documents)

• Resume or Character Reference Letter (commonly required for applicants above 23 years old)

• Police Clearance Certificate (if requested by EMGS or embassy authorities)

• Copy of previous Malaysian visa or Resident Pass (if applicable)

AFTER ARRIVING IN MALAYSIA

Once you arrive in Malaysia, you will need to:

• Complete a medical examination at an EMGS-approved clinic

• Submit your passport for Student Pass endorsement

• Receive a temporary Special Pass (if applicable) while your Student Pass is being processed

• Collect your Student Pass and complete university registration

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Student Pass requirements are set by Malaysian Immigration and EMGS and may vary by nationality
• The university’s International Office will guide you through each step of the process
• Students are strongly advised to prepare documents at least 2–3 months before intake
• Requirements may change, so always follow the latest instructions provided by the university