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Last Updated: 26 Jun 2025

Pharmaceutical Science

Unravel the mystery of medications and therapies, and make a significant impact on patient well-being through the science of pharmaceuticals. This programme provides students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills, from drug discovery to clinical applications. It prepares students to excel in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, equipping them for a fulfilling career in a field dedicated to enhancing healthcare outcomes.

Course code : R22
Republic Polytechnic
Admission type: JAE , DAE , JPAE , Poly EAE , PFP
2025 JAE ELR2B2-C net aggregate: 10-17
Course duration : 3 years

Applicants with mild visual impairment may encounter difficulties meeting the course requirements and expectations, and may be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine their suitability for admission.

Course details

Field of study Applied Sciences
Track/Specialisation

This course offers the following tracks or specialisation:

  • Major in Patient Care Practice
  • Major in Pharmaceutical Industry Practice
Certification offered

Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science

Learn more about the course

Minimum entry requirement

You must meet the respective examination requirements in order for us to consider your application.

For N(A)-Level students seeking admission through PFP

This course is under the Sciences cluster

Subject Grade
English Language Syllabus A 1-3
Mathematics Syllabus A / Additional Mathematics 1-3

Any 1 relevant subject:

  • Design and Technology
  • Food and Nutrition/Nutrition and Food Science
  • Science (Chemistry, Biology)
  • Science (Physics, Biology)
  • Science (Physics, Chemistry)
1-3

Any 2 other subjects excluding CCA

1-4
For O-Level students seeking admission through JAE
Subject Grade
English Language 1-7
Additional Mathematics or Mathematics 1-6

Any one of the following subjects

  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemistry
  • Food & Nutrition/Nutrition & Food Science
  • Physics
  • Science (Chemistry, Biology)
  • Science (Physics, Biology)
  • Science (Physics, Chemistry)
1-6

Course modules

General modules
  • Innovation and Practice
  • Singapore, the World and I
  • Effective Workplace Communication
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills
  • Designing Your Life (Personal Growth I)
  • Designing Your Life (Future-Ready I)
  • Designing Your Life (Personal Growth II)
  • Designing Your Life (Future-Ready II)
  • Designing Your Impact
Discipline modules
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • General and Physical Chemistry
  • Organic and Inorganic Chemistry
  • Laboratory Practices and Safety
  • Molecular Cell Biology and Biochemistry
  • Mathematics for Applied Science
  • Sustainability and Climate Change
  • Microbiology
  • Data Analytics
  • Good Dispensing Practice
  • Healthcare Regulations and Ethics
  • Principles of Chemical and Biological Drug Action
Major modules

Major in Patient Care Practice

  • Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy
  • Integrative Medicine and Nutrition
  • Minor Ailments and Preventive Health
  • Pharmaceutics and Compounding Techniques
  • Health Products Supply Chain
  • Digital Health Innovations and Applications
  • Healthcare Professionalism and Patient Counselling Skills
  • Advanced Pharmacotherapy
  • Medication Safety and Sustainability

Major in Pharmaceutical Industry Practice

  • Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy
  • Minor Ailments and Preventive Health
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Current Good Manufacturing Practice
  • Pharmaceutics and Compounding Techniques
  • Pharmaceuticals and Biologics Manufacturing Science
  • Health Products Supply Chain
  • Clinical Development to Commercial Success
  • Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry
Elective modules

Option A

  • Select Elective modules totalling 12 Modular Credits (MCs) from the list of modules in applicable Minor programmes and/or from the List of Electives

Option B

  • Select a Minor Programme

Option C

  • Select a CET-based Certificate programme and/or Elective module(s) from the list of modules in applicable Minor programmes or from the List of Electives (only for eligible students)

List of Electives for Major in Patient Care Practice:

  • Immunology
  • Genetics
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Current Good Manufacturing Practice
  • Pharmaceuticals and Biologics Manufacturing Science
  • Clinical Development to Commercial Success
  • Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry

List of Electives for Major in Pharmaceutical Industry Practice:

  • Immunology
  • Genetics
  • Integrative Medicine and Nutrition
  • Digital Health Innovations and Applications
  • Healthcare Professionalism and Patient Counselling Skills
  • Advanced Pharmacotherapy
  • Medication Safety and Sustainability
Industry orientation programmes

Option 1: One-Semester Industry Immersion Programme

  • Project

And select one module from the list below:

  • Industry Immersion Programme
  • Entrepreneurial Immersion Programme
  • Corporate Innovation Immersion Programme

Option 2: Two-Semester Industry Immersion Programme

  • Industry Immersion Programme
  • Industry Immersion Programme II

Internship

Internship duration 20 weeks or 36 weeks
Internship timeframe Year 3

Career prospects

You can explore the following career options upon graduation:

  • Assistant Biotechnologist
  • Assistant Formulation Scientist
  • Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Healthcare Product Specialist
  • Laboratory Technologist
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Executive
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Pharmacy Retail Executive
  • Pharmaceutical Research Technologist
  • Procurement Executive (Healthcare)
  • Quality Assurance Assistant/Executive
  • Quality Control Analyst
  • Regulatory Affairs Executive

Use resources and interactive tools that are available on MySkillsFuture Portal to explore various education and career pathways.

How to register

Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE)

You may register using the JAE Internet System (JAE-IS). Learn the process and how to apply.

Direct Admissions Exercise (DAE)

You may apply through the respective polytechnics’ websites. Learn the process and how to apply.

Joint Polytechnic Admissions Exercise (JPAE)

You may register using the JPAE Portal. Learn the process and how to apply.

Polytechnic Early Admissions Exercise (Poly EAE)

You may register using the Poly EAE Portal. Learn the process and how to apply.

Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP)

You may register using the PFPAE Portal. Learn the process and how to apply.