Master of Science (Pharmacology) by Research Mode is a graduate program focused on advanced research in the field of pharmacology. This program is designed for students who wish to gain in-depth knowledge of how drugs interact with biological systems, with a focus on therapeutic mechanisms, drug development, and the understanding of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. The research-based nature of the program allows students to develop their scientific research skills and contribute to the field of pharmacology.

The program offers a wide variety of research opportunities, including:

• Drug Mechanisms and Action: Researching how drugs work at the molecular, cellular, and systemic levels to achieve their therapeutic effects.
• Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics: Studying the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of drugs and understanding their mechanisms of action in the body.
• Toxicology: Investigating the toxic effects of drugs and chemicals on biological systems, including the study of drug-induced organ toxicity, carcinogenesis, and drug safety.
• Pharmaceutical Biotechnology: Research in the development of new drugs, biologics, and therapeutic agents, including gene therapies and monoclonal antibodies.
• Clinical Pharmacology: Studying the clinical application of pharmacological principles, including drug interactions, side effects, and patient-specific factors that influence drug efficacy and safety.
• Neuropharmacology: Investigating the effects of drugs on the nervous system, focusing on areas such as neurodegenerative diseases, mood disorders, and pain management.
• Cardiovascular Pharmacology: Exploring drugs that target cardiovascular diseases, such as antihypertensives, antiarrhythmic drugs, and lipid-lowering agents.
• Cancer Pharmacology: Researching pharmacological agents used in cancer therapy, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies.
• Pharmacogenomics: Investigating how genetic variations influence drug response and the development of personalized medicine based on genetic profiles.
• Herbal and Traditional Medicine: Researching the pharmacological properties of plant-based medicines and their role in the treatment of various diseases.

Expertise available in the following School:
School of Medical Sciences
https://medic.usm.my/

Applicants should possess the following:

A MBBS/MD or equivalent degree, BSc in Medical Sciences/Biotechnology/Biology/ Chemistry/Physics or other related fields from a recognised university.

A) CGPA of at least 2.75/4.00; or
B) CGPA of 2.50 - 2.74/4.00 with; or

• Research experience – 1 year; or
• Professional experience in related field- 1 year; or
• One(1) academic publication in related field; or
• Grade B for major/ elective courses; or
• Grade B+ for final year project.

C) CGPA of 2.00 - 2.49/4.00 (Honours degree) with; or

• Research experience - 5 years; or
• Professional experience in related field - 5 years, AND
• One (1) academic publications  in related field; or
• Grade B for major/elective courses; or
• Grade B+ for final year project.

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

• A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or
• A minimum score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
• A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
• A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English: Advance (CAE)/Proficiency (CPE) /Preliminary (PET) /First (FCE)/ Linguaskill Online; or
• A minimum score of 47 for Pearson Test of English (PTE); or
• A minimum of Band 107 for CIEP Level (ELS); or
• A minimum of Band 3.5 for Malaysian University English Test (MUET)

Exemption CAN BE CONSIDERED to candidate if:

• English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; or
• Candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and/or Master degree level is English (statement of proof required)

• Full-time: Min 2 semesters / Max 6 semesters
• Part-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 12 semesters

** Fees are subject to change

** New fees to be imposed starting from Academic Session 2025/2026 (October 2025 intake onward)

** Fees are subject to change