WAEC Subject Combinations for Pharmacy (Pharmaceutical Sciences)

Pharmacy is a vital profession focused on the preparation and dispensing of medical drugs. If you aspire to become a pharmacist, you must apply to study Pharmaceutical Science, which spans five years. One of these years is dedicated to an internship, where you can specialize in areas such as community pharmacy, industrial pharmacy, or healthcare.

Upon graduation, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), a degree that qualifies you to practice as a licensed pharmacist.

Core WAEC Subjects Required for Pharmacy

To pursue a degree in Pharmacy, your WAEC subject combination must include core science subjects. Here are the essential ones you need:

  1. English Language
    Effective communication is critical for pharmacists, making English a must.
  2. Mathematics
    You need a strong foundation in math, especially for dosage calculations and pharmaceutical measurements.
  3. Biology
    Biology helps you understand how drugs interact with the human body, an essential part of pharmaceutical studies.
  4. Chemistry
    As the core science of drug preparation, Chemistry is a non-negotiable requirement.
  5. Physics
    Physics supports your understanding of drug mechanisms and physical interactions within the body.

Additional WAEC Subject Combinations

Along with the core subjects, you may be required to choose two from the following subjects:

  • Computer Science
  • Data Processing
  • Civic Education

Other Electives Based on Strength and Preferences

Depending on your strengths and the specific requirements of the university you are applying to, you may also choose from the following electives:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Economics
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Geography

School Requirements for Pharmacy

To gain admission into a Pharmacy program in Nigeria, candidates must have credit-level passes in at least five (5) subjects, which must include:

  • English Language
  • Mathematics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study Pharmacy without Mathematics?

No, Mathematics is a fundamental requirement for studying Pharmacy in most institutions due to its importance in drug calculations.

What is the most important subject in Pharmacy?

Chemistry is arguably the most important subject for Pharmacy, as it forms the basis for understanding drug formulation and interactions.

What are the subjects required for medicine in WAEC?

For Medicine, you’ll need English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics—similar to Pharmacy, but with some specific differences in higher education courses.

Is Pharmacy harder than Medicine?

Both fields are challenging in different ways. Pharmacy focuses more on drug science and chemistry, while Medicine covers broader aspects of diagnosing and treating diseases.

Can I study Pharmacy without Chemistry?

No, Chemistry is essential for understanding how drugs are created, combined, and how they work in the body.

How many years does it take to study Pharmacy?

Pharmacy is a five-year course, which includes one year of internship training.

Which type of Pharmacy course is best?

This depends on your career goals. Community pharmacy, industrial pharmacy, and clinical pharmacy are common specializations, each with its own unique benefits.

Is Pharmacy a medical course?

Yes, Pharmacy is considered a healthcare-related course, as pharmacists work directly with patients and healthcare providers to ensure proper medication use.


What kind of math is used in Pharmacy?

Pharmacy requires proficiency in algebra, statistics, and basic calculus, as they are used in calculating dosages and understanding pharmacokinetics.

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