Why PHARM?
- Gain a strong foundation in clinical pharmacy and pharmaceutical science, preparing you for careers and further studies in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, life sciences and allied healthcare
- Broaden your knowledge of healthcare and science with electives in Medical Forensics, Complementary Medicine & Traditional Chinese Medicine or Nutrition & Dietetic Science
- Learn directly from practising pharmacists, build practical clinical skills, and gain real-world industry experience through 6-month internships and industry-based capstone projects
- Get a university head start through the NP-NUS Pathway
- Apply for Pharmacy Technician Sponsorships offered by healthcare institutions
What is the Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science about?
Discover how medicines are developed, tested and used to improve lives with NP’s Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science (PHARM). Gain expertise in drug discovery, pharmacy practice and patient care, while developing essential skills in patient counselling, medication management and safe dispensing practices.
PHARM combines biology, chemistry and pharmaceutical science with exposure to emerging areas such as biotechnology, biologics, health informatics, pharmacy automation and robotics, telepharmacy, and personalised medicine. You will also explore how AI and genetics are transforming pharmacy practice, enabling more personalised treatments.
How can you broaden your learning at PHARM?
Explore your interests with electives in:
- Medical Forensics: Explore how DNA, drugs and toxins are analysed to uncover clues in forensic investigations.
- Complementary Medicine & Traditional Chinese Medicine: Evaluate alternative therapies and traditional healing practices.
- Nutrition & Dietetic Science: Uncover the science behind nutrients, supplements and weight management.
What industry experience will you gain?
Put your skills into practice through a six-month internship at leading healthcare institutions such as Singapore General Hospital, National University Hospital and Alexandra Hospital, or with pharmaceutical and research organisations such as Lonza, GSK and A*STAR.
You’ll also develop practical clinical skills under the guidance of practising pharmacists and apply your learning through immersive tools such as the award-winning Virtual Community Pharmacy.
How can PHARM give you a university head start?
Get a head start on your university journey through the NP–NUS Pathway. Selected students can take university-level modules while studying at NP, which may count towards the NUS Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or Bachelor of Science (Pharmaceutical Science), allowing you to fast-track your degree.
From PHARM to Top Uni Courses
PHARM graduates have progressed to sought-after degrees in medicine, pharmacy and dentistry. Hear how their experiences at NP prepared them for their next step.
PHARM gave me a strong foundation in clinical knowledge while developing the interpersonal skills essential in healthcare. Together with the guidance of supportive lecturers, these experiences prepared me well for my next step at NUS Medicine.
Learning how medications work and applying that knowledge in real-life projects showed me that science is ultimately about people. Leading community service initiatives with Red Cross Youth further strengthened my commitment to serving others and inspired me to pursue medicine.
I entered NP knowing little about pharmacy and unsure if I had made the right choice. Through the curriculum, guidance from my lecturers and clinical exposure during my Raffles Hospital internship, I gained confidence and discovered my passion for the field.
From working on a project with SGH to my internship and overseas programme, PHARM gave me opportunities to learn beyond the classroom and gain first-hand insights into Singapore’s healthcare setting.
Hands-on lab work and industry exposure deepened my understanding of pharmacy and prepared me well for further studies. Creating patient information materials for seniors and visiting companies such as Merck also showed me how pharmacy connects with communities and industry.
My passion for healthcare grew during my time at NP, where hands-on lab work, patient-care modules and my six-month internship at Raffles Hospital deepened my understanding of both the science behind medicines and the human side of healthcare. My lecturers’ industry experience and guidance also gave me a strong foundation for further studies.
Impactful Internships
My internship at Tan Tock Seng Hospital and NCID broadened my understanding of hospital pharmacy beyond dispensing. Through inpatient and outpatient rotations, I participated in tuberculosis ward rounds, HIV care, clinical checks, and patient counselling, gaining valuable insights into the pharmacist’s role in delivering safe, patient-centred healthcare.
During my internship at SGH, I shadowed pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, gaining firsthand insight into patient care. Through medication reconciliation and dispensing activities, I saw how pharmacy professionals contribute to safe and effective treatment, which strengthened my passion for pursuing a career in healthcare.
At A*STAR’s Cultivated Technologies platform, I conducted laboratory investigations to support ingredient development for consumer care and food preservation. Through laboratory assays and data analysis, I strengthened my research skills, gained confidence in managing projects independently and deepened my appreciation for scientific research.
My internship at Ecolab gave me valuable hands-on laboratory experience in chemical analysis and quality control testing. I applied my academic knowledge to real-world tasks while strengthening my technical skills, confidence and adaptability in a professional setting.
Further Studies
As a PHARM graduate, you can pursue further studies in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science at NUS, as well as other healthcare degrees such as Medicine and Dentistry.
You can also explore related fields such as life sciences, biological sciences and allied health, or pursue degrees in areas ranging from business and psychology to the arts and social sciences.
For related degree programmes at overseas universities, you may also enjoy module exemptions, including:
Australia
- Monash University
- Queensland University of Technology
- RMIT University
- The University of Melbourne
- The University of Queensland
- The University of Sydney
- The University of Western Australia
New Zealand
- The University of Auckland
- University of Otago
Claudia Heng
Class of 2022
Pursuing Medicine at NUS’ Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.
Nicolette Koh
Class of 2022
A recipient of the Ngee Ann Polytechnic Outstanding Achievement Award. Pursuing a degree in Pharmacy at NUS.
Careers
Your PHARM diploma will open doors to many careers, including:
Clinical Pharmacy
- Pharmacy Technician
Research
- Laboratory/Research Technologist
- Clinical Trial Associate/Coordinator
Quality and Industry
- Quality Assurance
- Quality Control Analyst
Commercial and Business
- Healthcare Product Executive
- Pharmacy Sales Executive
- Regulatory Executive
Vernice Vee
Class of 2020
Pharmacist at Singapore General Hospital
Song Meow Ying
Class of 2021
Pharmacist at National University Hospital
Lee Yan Fang
Class of 2021
Occupational Therapist at Fei Yue Community Service Early Intervention Centre
Entry Requirements
AGGREGATE TYPE ELR2B2-C
To be eligible for consideration, candidates must have the following GCE ‘O’ Level examination (or equivalent) results.
| Subject | 'O' Level Grade |
|---|---|
| English Language | 1-7 |
| Additional Mathematic /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 |
Applicants must also fulfil the aggregate computation requirements for the ELR2B2-C Aggregate Type ( English Language, 2 relevant subjects and 2 other best subjects) listed at www.np.edu.sg/ELR2B2.pdf.
For students with other qualifications, please refer to the NP website for the entry requirements and admissions exercise period.
What You Will Learn
PHARM in 60 Seconds
Highlights
Pharmacy Practice Goes Virtual
Step into a realistic 3D pharmacy and tackle authentic patient scenarios through NP’s Virtual Community Pharmacy. Apply your knowledge through interactive, gamified activities and get instant feedback as you learn.
