Pharmacy vs Pharmaceutical Science : What's difference?
Pharmacy vs Pharmaceutical Science
For students interested in the medical and pharmaceutical industry, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science are two frequently confused fields. While both are related to medicines, they differ significantly in curriculum, career outcomes, work nature, and future development. This article provides a comprehensive comparison to help you choose the best path for your interests and goals!
1. What is Pharmacy?
Pharmacy is a practice-oriented discipline focused on drug formulation, dispensing, and patient medication guidance. Graduates typically become pharmacists, with key responsibilities such as:
- Dispensing medicines and explaining usage to patients
- Checking for drug interactions
- Collaborating with doctors and healthcare teams
- Working in community, hospital, or industrial pharmacies
Core subjects: Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutics, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacy Law & Ethics, Patient Care & Counselling.
Entry requirements: Usually require Biology, Chemistry, or Physics as core subjects. In Malaysia, A-Level/STPM/UEC or equivalent with specific grades is needed.
2. What is Pharmaceutical Science?
Pharmaceutical Science is more research and industry-oriented, focusing on drug discovery, design, development, manufacturing, and quality control. The emphasis is on the drug itself—how to synthesize, analyze, and improve drug molecules for better efficacy and safety.
Core subjects: Drug Design, Drug Synthesis, Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, Pharmacokinetics & Metabolism, GMP & Quality Control.
Entry requirements: Also require a science background, but usually no clinical exposure. Entry is often less stringent than Pharmacy.
3. Pharmacy vs Pharmaceutical Science: Key Differences
| Aspect | Pharmacy | Pharmaceutical Science |
|---|---|---|
| Discipline Focus | Clinical, patient-oriented | Lab, research-oriented |
| Career Goal | Become a registered pharmacist | R&D, QC, or lab roles in pharma industry |
| License Required | Yes | No |
| Workplace | Pharmacies, hospitals | Pharma companies, labs |
| Internship | Mandatory clinical internship | Optional lab/industry internship |
| Salary | Higher starting, stable | Lower starting, more growth potential |
4. Career Pathways
Pharmacy graduates can become:
- Registered Pharmacist (hospital/community)
- Medical Representative (pharma company)
- Regulatory Affairs Officer (government/health agencies)
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Further studies: Master/PhD in Clinical or Hospital Pharmacy
Pharmaceutical Science graduates can become:
- Drug Development Scientist
- QC/QA Officer
- Pharmaceutical Analyst
- Production Executive
- Further studies: Master/PhD in Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Biotechnology
5. Who Should Choose Pharmacy? Who Should Choose Pharmaceutical Science?
- Pharmacy: Enjoys communicating with people, interested in healthcare, wants a stable job, can handle strict regulations
- Pharmaceutical Science: Loves chemistry/biology, prefers research, wants to work in pharma/biotech/cosmetics/food, interested in postgraduate research
6. Recommended Universities (Malaysia/China/International)
- Malaysia: Monash University Malaysia, University of Nottingham Malaysia, IMU, Taylor's University
- China: China Pharmaceutical University, Fudan University, Peking University Health Science Center, Zhejiang University
- International: University of Sydney, Monash University (Australia), UCL, University of Manchester, University of Toronto, UBC
7. Which Has Better Job Prospects?
Pharmacy offers more stable employment, especially in Southeast Asia, with high demand for pharmacists. However, it requires passing exams, registration, and direct patient interaction. Pharmaceutical Science offers greater growth potential in R&D and industry, but is more competitive and often requires further study for advancement.
8. How to Decide?
| If you want to… | Recommended Path |
|---|---|
| Become a registered pharmacist | Pharmacy |
| Work in pharma R&D/industry | Pharmaceutical Science |
| Enjoy patient interaction | Pharmacy |
| Love lab research | Pharmaceutical Science |
| Want guaranteed internship | Pharmacy |
9. FAQ
- Is Pharmacy harder than Pharmaceutical Science? Yes, Pharmacy is generally more rigorous in coursework and internship.
- Can Pharmaceutical Science graduates become pharmacists? No, you must study Pharmacy and obtain a license.
- Do Pharmacy graduates have to open a pharmacy? No, they can also work in hospitals, pharma companies, or regulatory agencies.
- Can you switch between the two? Some overlap exists, but switching requires school approval and extra courses.
Jul 16,2025