The College of Pharmacy is one of the first colleges established at King Saud University, with studies commencing in 1379 AH (1959 AD), just two years after the university's founding. In its first year, the college designed a four-year curriculum to award a Bachelor's degree through four departments: Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy, and Pharmaceutical Chemistry. At the beginning of the first semester of 1399/1400 AH, a new five-year curriculum was implemented, and the fifth department, Clinical Pharmacy, was established. 

The college has consistently developed its curriculum to keep pace with advancements in the profession, convinced that pharmacy practice extends beyond drug preparation and formulation to include direct, effective contribution to patient care. Since the academic year 1395/1396 AH, the college adopted a new curriculum characterized by the introduction of modern courses preparing graduates to practice the evolving profession, including Clinical Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Biochemistry, and Pathology. 

In the academic year 1402 AH (1982 AD), a study plan for awarding Master's degrees in various specializations within the college's departments was established. Subsequently, numerous Master's degrees have been awarded to male and female students. The departments have continually developed their Master's programs to align with new developments in various specializations, and PhD programs have been introduced in several departments.

Offered Programs

- Master's Programs

• Master in Pharmacognosy
• Master in Pharmaceutical Chemistry
• Master in Pharmacy (Pharmacology and Toxicology)
• Master in Pharmaceutics
• Master in Clinical Pharmacy

• Master in Pharmacy Quality Control

  - Executive Master's Programs: Joint Program Board in Pharmaceutical Legislations

• Executive Master in Pharmaceutical Legislations
• Master in Pharmacy Outcomes and Policies

- Residency and Fellowship Programs

• General and Specialized Residency in Clinical Pharmacy
• Specialist Fellowship in Pharmacy Treatments and Outcomes

- PhD Programs

• PhD in Pharmacognosy
• PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry
• PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology
• PhD in Pharmaceutics
• Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy Practice

General Admission Requirements for Graduate Studies:

Admission to graduate studies in the college is generally subject to the Unified Regulations for Graduate Studies in Saudi Universities, the key provisions of which include the following: 
 

Article Thirteen:

1. General requirements for admission to graduate studies include the following:
2. The applicant must be Saudi, or on an official scholarship for graduate studies if non-Saudi.
3. The applicant must hold a university degree from a Saudi university or another recognized university.
4. The applicant must be of good conduct and behavior and medically fit.
5. The applicant must submit two academic recommendations from professors who have previously taught them.
6. Approval from the employer for study if the applicant is an employee. In cases of extreme necessity, the student may delay submitting employer approval until the start of their course registration (complementary or graduate courses).
7. Full-time dedication to study for the PhD stage.

The University Council may add to these general requirements as it deems necessary.

Article Fifteen: 
Admission to the Master's stage requires the student to have obtained at least a "Very Good" grade in the undergraduate stage. The Deanery of Graduate Studies may accept applicants with a "High Good" grade, provided the student's GPA in the major courses for the Bachelor's stage is not less than "Very Good." 
The Deanery of Graduate Studies, based on the recommendation of the Department Council and the endorsement of the College Council, may add other conditions it deems necessary for admission.

Article Sixteen: 
Admission to the PhD stage requires obtaining at least a "Very Good" grade in the Master's stage if it is from a university that awards it with a grade. The Deanery of Graduate Studies, based on the recommendation of the Department Council and the endorsement of the College Council, may add other conditions it deems necessary for admission.

Article Seventeen: 
A student may be accepted to study for a Master's or PhD in a field other than their original specialization based on the recommendation of the relevant Department and College Councils and the approval of the Deanery of Graduate Studies.

Article Eighteen: 
The relevant Department Council may require the student, for admission to the Master's or PhD stages, to pass a number of complementary courses from a previous stage within a period not exceeding three semesters, taking into account the following:

1. Passing the complementary course on the first attempt with a grade no less than "Good."
2. Their cumulative GPA in the complementary courses must not be less than "Very Good."
3. Registration in the graduate program occurs only after passing the complementary courses. However, the relevant Department Council may permit registration in graduate courses if the student has only one or two complementary courses remaining.
4. The time taken to pass the complementary courses is not counted within the specified period for obtaining the degree.
5. Complementary courses are not included in the calculation of the cumulative GPA for the graduate stage.

To review the regulations' provisions related to postponement, withdrawal, dropout, cancellation of enrollment and reinstatement, additional opportunities, examination system, and scientific theses, please visit the Unified Regulations for Graduate Studies in Saudi Universities.