The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
To be eligible for selection, applicants are required to have:
Completed the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE); and
completed 200 credits of subjects;
achieved a grade of C* or better in the Personal Learning Plan, 20 credits of literacy, 10 credits of numeracy and the Research Project at Stage 2;
achieved a grade C- or better in an additional 60 credits at Stage 2;
obtained a competitive ATAR.
* For Stage 2 subjects a grade of C- or better is required
OR
completed the equivalent secondary education qualifications as required for University entry under SACE and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;
completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma, obtaining a minimum score of 24 points and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;
completed or partly completed a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;
completed at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at the appropriate level and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;
completed an award from TAFE or from another registered training organisation at AQF Diploma level or above and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;
qualified for Special Entry and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements
completed the Health Sciences stream of the University Foundation Studies program.
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
SACE Stage 2 Chemistry
Assumed Knowledge
SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Studies
English language entry requirements
In addition, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.
English language test
IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:
English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
The program is intended to prepare students for a professional career in community, hospital or industrial pharmacy or in related professional careers.
Content & Structure
The Pharmacy program contains 6 general themes that are developed in an integrated manner across the 4 years (144 units of study) of the program. These are, broadly: scientific principles; communication and counselling skills; practice of pharmacy; development and formulation of medicines; medicines in disease treatment and health maintenance; research skills.
First year provides a foundation in scientific principles. Second year provides students with an understanding of medicines in disease treatment and health maintenance. Third year takes on a clinical focus, with the pharmacotherapeutics courses which build on the scientific principles covered in Years 1 and 2 to develop knowledge on the use of drugs in clinical settings and provide experience in influencing patient behaviour and medication use in the community. In fourth year, development and formulation of medicines takes on a futuristic focus (pharmacy in the future), and further development of skills for the practice of pharmacy occurs as students gain a greater understanding of contemporary practice by integrating previously acquired skills and knowledge, including an appreciation of pharmacy-related research.
1. All students in the Division of Health Sciences who, as part of their program, undertake activities where interaction with patients / the public is required, such as in field or clinical placements / visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate that they have a Department for Communities and Social Inclusion National Criminal History Record Check, which will be current for the duration of that activity. Interstate student placements require a National Police Certificate.
2. Student registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia is required prior to enrolment in this program. Students who do not meet registration criteria and are refused registration by the Board or who have their registration rescinded during the program, will be unable to continue in the program.
3. Students are required to satisfy the standards of dress and behaviour prescribed by institutions and facilities in which clinical or field placements are undertaken. Failure to satisfy such requirements may prevent them satisfying the requirements for completion of the course.
4. Credit for previous studies or exemption from work within courses may be granted in accordance with University policy. Maximum credit allowed is normally seventy five percent of the total units of the program.
5. Students who achieve a credit standard or higher in the courses which make up the first 2.5 years of the program schedule (which must include > 54 units captured within the program) will be considered for the Honours program. A GPA-based ranked quota will apply for places in the Honours program. A conditional invitation to students who meet this requirement will be made after the resolution of academic results at the end of Study Period 2 of third year. This offer is conditional upon students maintaining at least a credit average at the completion of third year. A quota for places in the Honours program will apply.
6. Students accepting this conditional offer of an Honours position must enrol and successfully complete the course PHAR 3023 Research and Evidence in Pharmacy in Study Period 5 of third year to be eligible to enrol in the course PHAR 4020 Pharmacy Honours Project in the fourth year of the program.
7. The conduct of the honours program will be in accordance with University Policy. Students who successfully complete the Honours program will be awarded the degree of Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours.
Notes
1. Students are advised that they may be required to spend at least one clinical or field placement outside Adelaide.
2. Students are required to undertake professional placements in registered pharmacies or accredited institutions and some of these placements may be held outside the normal teaching weeks of the University.
3. The scheduled elective in the program will not be approved if content reflects content that has already been studied in the degree. The Program Director will check chosen electives.
4. The course PHAR 3023 Research and Evidence in Pharmacy is available in Study Period 5 of third year to students with a conditional offer to Honours only.
5. Students are strongly encouraged to study full-time. Students seeking part-time study must discuss this with the Program Director prior to enrolment. Part-time students are normally expected to complete the program in eight years or less.