Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science (R22)

What You Will Learn

Find your purpose, create life-changing medications and improve countless lives.

Looking to embark on a career which can create positive health outcomes and possibly save lives? You could be that hero! Learn how to develop new drugs and therapies, pick up critical pharmaceutical knowledge and hone your people skills. Make an impact in the healthcare or pharmaceutical industry!

  • Industry-Aligned Curriculum: Tailored to match current industry standards, this programme prepares you for dynamic careers in pharmaceuticals, healthcare and research
  • Authentic Hands-On Learning: Gain real-world experience by mastering drug formulation, production and analysis through practical, hands-on training in state-of-the-art facilities
  • Clinical Skills Mastery: Develop crucial pharmacy practice skills, including medication dispensing, patient counselling and effective patient care, ensuring you are ready for impactful roles in healthcare settings
RP provided a strong foundation in pharmaceutical science, honing my critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The supportive environment and dedicated lecturers prepared me well for my current studies in Pharmacy at the National University of Singapore. I'm grateful for the invaluable experiences and guidance from RP.
Benny Lim Hong Kiat
2021 Graduate

General Modules

Discipline Modules

Major Modules

Choose one of the Majors below:

Major in Patient Care Practice

Major in Pharmaceutical Industry Practice

Elective Modules

Customise your learning pathways by selecting ONE of the following options:

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 below

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 below (only for eligible students)

List of Electives for Major in Patient Care Practice:

List of Electives for Major in Pharmaceutical Industry Practice:

Learn how you can customise your learning pathways here

Industry Orientation Programme

Option 1: One-Semester Industry Immersion Programme

And select one module from the list below:

Option 2: Two-Semester Industry Immersion Programme

GCE O-level

Aggregate TypeRange of Net ELR2B2 for 2025 JAEMinimum Entry Requirements/Grade
ELR2B2-C 10 to 17
  • English Language: D7
  • Mathematics (Elementary/Additional): C6
  • Any one of the following subjects: C6
    - Biology
    - Biotechnology
    - Chemistry
    - Food & Nutrition / Nutrition & Food Science
    - Physics
    - Science (Chemistry, Biology)
    - Science (Physics, Biology)
    - Science (Physics, Chemistry)

Nitec/Higher Nitec

Minimum net GPA Relevant Qualifications
Nitec ≥ 3.5
  • NT39 Chemical Process Technology/ Chemical Process Technology (Biologics)/ Chemical Process Technology (Petrochemicals)/ Chemical Process Technology (Pharmaceuticals)/ Chemical Process Technology (Process Instrumentation)
  • NT45 Nursing
  • NT58 Applied Food Science
  • NT64 Medical Manufacturing Technology
  • NT69 Community Care & Social Services
  • NT77 Opticianry
Higher Nitec ≥ 2.0
  • IT58 Biotechnology/Biochemical Technology
  • IT59 Chemical Technology
  • IT62 Paramedics & Emergency Care
  • IT79 Elder Care
  • IT98 Bio-Chemical Technology

GCE A-Level

Minimum Entry Requirements

For more details on admission using Singapore Cambridge GCE A-levels qualifications, please refer to this webpage.

Note:

Admission to RP is based on academic merit and subjected to available vacancies of our diploma programmes. Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee that applicants will be offered a placement in the diploma programme. These requirements are set in place to ensure fairness to all applicants.

Career Opportunities

Through rigorous training in biomedical science, chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, and clinical pharmacy, you will be prepared to excel in both industry-focused roles and patient care settings.

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

Further Studies

RP graduates are well-placed to embark on meaningful careers immediately after graduation. You could even improve your employability by taking part-time courses or SkillsFuture Work-Study Programmes (WSPs).

What’s more, every RP diploma is recognised and has a pathway leading to a relevant degree with top local and overseas universities. You may complete your degrees in just over two or three years in a four-year programme.

Skills Deepening

After graduating from DPHM, you can choose to deepen your skills and knowledge in a chosen field before embarking on your career. You could either sign up for part-time courses or pursue WSPs. Please visit our lifelong learning page to find out more.

Undergraduate Studies

As a DPHM graduate, you can pursue degree programmes in a wide range of areas such as pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, medicine, dentistry, nursing, life sciences, biological sciences, and physiotherapy in local universities such as the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University and Singapore Institute of Technology.

Top universities overseas also welcome our graduates with advanced standing of up to 1.5 years. They include:

  • Deakin University (Australia) 
  • Griffith University (Australia)
  • Monash University (Australia)
  • The University of Queensland (Australia)
  • University of Otago (New Zealand)
  • University of South Australia (Australia)

Last updated on 04 Feb 2025