Study Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for International students.

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International students

Start date
February

Campus
City East

Duration
5 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IHPP

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
2019: AUD$ 37,500 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)
2020: AUD$ 39,400 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)

English Language Requirements
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
088326F

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

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.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

This program is for students of the University of South Australia studying in the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science/Bachelor of Pharmacy double degree with a competitive GPA.

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

English language entry requirements
Application to the double degree follows completion of two years study in either the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science or the Bachelor of Pharmacy programs. Applicants would need to meet the English Language entry requirements appropriate to those awards. See equivalence table for other qualifications and English Language tests accepted by UniSA (PDF)

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Entry into this program is available only to students who have completed 72.0 units of either the IHPC or IBPA, have met the GPA requirement and are invited to apply.

Degree overview

Study Australia’s only double degree in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science and graduate with two qualifications.
Study at one of the top three universities nationally for graduate employment in Pharmacy, which is also rated five stars in starting salary¹.
Learn from a University that has well-above world standard research in Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences².
Study in our new state-of-the-art $247 million UniSA Cancer Research Institute.
Gain practical experience in our on-campus, purpose-built pharmacy laboratory and pharmacy practice suite.
Benefit from our strong industry links and affiliation with several internationally-renowned research groups, the UniSA Cancer Research Institute and Centre for Cancer Biology.
Gain practical industry experience when you complete a field placement or an industry-focused research project under the supervision of an academic or staff member.
Benefit from over 50 years’ experience in pharmacy education.
Enjoy diverse employment opportunities and excellent job prospects in a rapidly growing industry.

¹2018 Good Universities Guide.
²2015 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Snapshot

Hope Stahl, pharmacy in campus laboratory

This double degree covers all aspects of the pharmaceutical industry, from drug discovery and development to commercialisation, marketing, product management and the distribution of medicines.

Completion of this degree will broaden your career prospects. You will also gain an advanced understanding of drugs and their effects, and develop the practical skills and knowledge needed to provide advice and pharmacy care to consumers.

You may also have the opportunity to gain valuable International industry experience, through study tours or overseas placements.

You can enter this degree in two ways – by either commencing the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science or the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours). You must achieve a grade point average (GPA) of 5 or higher in your first two years to be eligible for entry.

What you'll need

Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, child related employment clearance and immunisation requirements. Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.

What you'll learn

This double degree will equip you with the knowledge, expertise and practical skills needed to embark on a range of diverse roles in the ever-changing field of pharmacy and pharmaceutical science.

You can enter this degree in two ways – by either commencing the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science or the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours).

You will develop a strong understanding of drug product development, drug use in the community, trends and developments affecting drug formulation in the future. You will also complete a pharmacy-related research project and be able to tailor your study to particular areas of interest when you select from a range of electives.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to gain practical industry experience when you complete a field placement or an industry-focused research project under the supervision of an academic or staff member.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
For students commencing in the BACHELOR OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, please refer to the IBPA program home page for the first and second year courses.
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Drug Development	PHAR 2009	4.5
Dosage Form Design 3	PHAR 3024	4.5
Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics	PHAR 2006	4.5
Pharmacology 2	PHAR 2020	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Pharmacy Practice 1	PHAR 1009	4.5
Pharmacy Practice 2	PHAR 2017	4.5
Dosage Form Design 4	PHAR 3025	4.5	Note(s): 7
Pharmacology C	PHAR 2022	4.5
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Pharmacotherapeutics Practice 1A	PHAR 3018	4.5
Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 1	PHAR 3020	4.5
Quality Use of Medicines	PHAR 3021	4.5
Elective		4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Pharmacotherapeutics Practice 1B	PHAR 3019	4.5
Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 2	PHAR 3022	4.5
Pharmaceutical Commercialisation	PHAR 3013	4.5
Pharmaceutical Industry Experience	PHAR 3014	4.5
FIFTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Pharmacy Practice 3	PHAR 4023	4.5	Note(s): 7
Advanced Therapeutics	PHAR 4018	4.5	Note(s): 7
Professional Placement	PHAR 4017	13.5	Note(s): 7
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Pharmacy Practice 4	PHAR 4024	4.5
AND EITHER
Issues in Contemporary Pharmacy Practice	PHAR 4019	4.5	Note(s): 7
AND
Pharmacy Management Essentials	PHAR 4014	4.5
OR
Frontiers in Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Science	PHAR 4025	9	Note(s): 7
For students commencing in the BACHELOR OF PHARMACY, please refer to the IBPH program home page for the first and second year courses.
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Pharmacotherapeutics Practice 1A	PHAR 3018	4.5
Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 1	PHAR 3020	4.5
Dosage Form Design 3	PHAR 3024	4.5
Elective 1		4.5	Note(s): 4
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Pharmacotherapeutics Practice 1B	PHAR 3019	4.5
Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 2	PHAR 3022	4.5
Dosage Form Design 4	PHAR 3025	4.5	Note(s): 7
Drug Discovery	PHAR 2010	4.5
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Drug Development	PHAR 2009	4.5
Quality Use of Medicines	PHAR 3021	4.5
Elective 2		4.5	Note(s): 4
Elective 3		4.5	Note(s): 4
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Pharmaceutical Commercialisation	PHAR 3013	4.5
Pharmaceutical Industry Experience	PHAR 3014	4.5
Elective 4		4.5	Note(s): 4
Therapeutics, Nutrition and Exercise	PHAR 3026	4.5	Note(s): 7
FIFTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Pharmacy Practice 3	PHAR 4023	4.5	Note(s): 7
Advanced Therapeutics	PHAR 4018	4.5	Note(s): 7
Professional Placement	PHAR 4017	13.5	Note(s): 7
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Pharmacy Practice 4	PHAR 4024	4.5
AND EITHER
Issues in Contemporary Pharmacy Practice	PHAR 4019	4.5	Note(s): 7
AND
Pharmacy Management Essentials	PHAR 4014	4.5
OR
Frontiers in Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Science	PHAR 4025	9	Note(s): 7

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Group 1 - Research and Development/Manufacturing
Structure Determination and Analysis	CHEM 2026	4.5
Advanced Structure Determination and Analysis	CHEM 2027	4.5
Synthetic Chemistry	CHEM 2028	4.5
Advanced Synthetic Chemistry	CHEM 2029	4.5
Group 2 - Biosciences
Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Modelling	PHAR 3017	4.5
Biochemistry	BIOL 2014	4.5
Immunology	BIOL 2037	4.5
Genetics	BIOL 2016	4.5
Bioethics 301	HLTH 2004	4.5
Microbiology	BIOL 2051	4.5
Population Health	HLTH 1038	4.5
Group 3 - Business Principles
Retailing	MARK 2032	4.5
Marketing Principles: Trading and Exchange	MARK 1010	4.5
Marketing Analytics	MARK 2010	4.5
Accounting for Business	ACCT 1008	4.5
Group 4 - Pharmacy Specific Electives
Pharmacy Management Essentials	PHAR 4014	4.5
Issues in Contemporary Pharmacy Practice	PHAR 4019	4.5
Nutrition and Therapeutics	PHAR 4021	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

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 current National Police Certificate (NPC) through SAPOL (or their home state police service) and a current Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) Child-Related Clearance, which is valid for the duration of the program. The National Police Certificate will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent clinical placement involvement. The University has a process for reviewing these outcomes to assess suitability for placement.

2. Student registration with the relevant board of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is required in order to study this program. Students who do not meet registration criteria and are refused registration by AHPRA, or who have their registration rescinded during the program, will be unable to continue in the program. Further information will be provided by the University with offer letters.

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 program.

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. 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.

4. Electives must be chosen from Groups 1 - 3 (listed). Students may choose elective courses from any of those listed in the groups but are advised that electives may be affected by timetabling or pre-requisites, and may only be offered if there is sufficient demand.

5. Students may choose elective courses from any of those listed in the Groups but are advised that electives may be affected by timetabling or pre-requisites, and may only be offered if there is sufficient demand.

6. In consultation with the Program Director, students will choose one 4.5 optional course from the range of University electives or from other available courses.

7. This course contributes towards the honours grade for the program.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

quizzes
portfolios
presentations
online activities

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. Australian and international students may have the option to do an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas. We have links with universities worldwide. You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

Pharmacy students discussing medication

This double degree provides you with an edge – on graduation you will possess an in-depth understanding of all aspects of the pharmaceutical industry, from drug discovery and development to commercialisation, marketing, product management and the distribution of medicines. This advanced, broad knowledge means you are well placed to gain employment in a wide range of exciting roles, from drug development and clinical trials, to a professional career in community, hospital or industrial pharmacies.

You may also have the opportunity to gain valuable International industry experience, through study tours or overseas placements in countries like the Philippines and China.

UniSA also has strong industry connections, experienced staff and links with several internationally-renowned research groups, the UniSA Cancer Research Institute and Centre for Cancer Biology.

Health research at UniSA brings together internationally recognised academics in the areas of cancer, pharmaceuticals, clinical neuroscience and mental health, healthy lifestyles, population health, and Aboriginal health. You will have the opportunity to be involved in these areas of research, work closely with industry professionals and gain valuable practical experience.

You will also have the opportunity to complete some of your learning in our on-campus, purpose-built pharmacy laboratory. There is a pharmacy practice suite where you can practice vital communication skills needed when dealing with patients. Cameras and recording equipment are used so that you can review and improve your skills.

Real-world connections

Our affiliation with several internationally-renowned research groups, the UniSA Cancer Research Institute and Centre for Cancer Biology provide you with valuable networking opportunities and industry contacts.

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Dr Jacinta Johnson, recipient of the 2018 Early Career Pharmacist award

Dr Jacinta Johnson is a UniSA Lecturer and Pharmacy graduate who was the recipient of the 2018 Early Career Pharmacist award.
Video courtesy of the PSA Excellence Awards 2018, sponsored by Symbion.

Career outcomes

Your career

Graduates of this degree are well positioned to pursue full-time employment.

With new drug developments and enhanced therapeutic developments, pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists have more career options than ever before. In fact, the long-term job prospects in this field is expected to experience very strong growth¹, which is great news for graduates.

To be successful you will need to be meticulous, accurate and results-driven. You may be dealing directly with patients, so exceptional communication skills are also vital.

Employment opportunities are diverse and you will be qualified to take on professional roles in many areas, including:

marketing and sales of medicines for human and veterinary use
evaluation of medicines by government regulatory agencies
identification and measurement of drugs by analytical laboratories
clinical trials that test the efficiency of medicines in patients
interrogation of medicine usage to improve health outcomes and minimise health costs

You will also be able to work as a qualified pharmacist in a range of settings, including:

hospitals
pharmacies
compounding or critical care services
infectious disease services
pharmaceutical industry
academia and research

¹Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

Professional accreditation and recognition

The program is accredited with the Australian Pharmacy Council.

Successful completion of the program satisfies the academic requirements for registration as a pharmacist with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. Eligibility for registration is determined by the Pharmacy Board of Australia and includes a suitably recognised and appropriate period of supervised training.

Industry facts

To November 2020, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia - an increase of 250,200 jobs¹.

¹Australian Government Department of Employment 2017

Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s¹.

¹Australian Government Department of Employment 2017

Employment for pharmacists in Australia is projected to increase by 5,000 (20 per cent) by November 2020¹.

¹ Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

Employment for pharmacy sales assistants in Australia is projected to increase by 8,300 (20.4 per cent) by November 2020¹.

¹ Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

How to apply

This double degree is only available to students studying the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science or Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) who have met the grade point average (GPA) requirements and have been made an offer into the degree.

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.

Learn more

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 25% reduction on tuition fees for their first year of study for selected degrees.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

As a student at the University of South Australia you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student gyms, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

International Student Services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help we will be there to assist. Support services include:

careers advice
help with student visas and health cover
personal counselling
academic counselling
fees and finance help
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
services offered through our student association, USASA
accommodation services

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers. You can work with them face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies. They also offer help with the English language. When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

Cancer Research Institute.jpg

You will have access to:

Purpose-built Pharmacy Laboratories in our new $247m University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute
Chemistry Laboratory
Biology Laboratory
Research resources from several internationally-renowned research groups, the UniSA Cancer Research Institute and Centre for Cancer Biology

Your program director

I am a passionate chemistry and pharmaceutical science educator who has been undertaking teaching and research at UniSA since 2008, becoming Program Director in 2017. The double degree is an excellent opportunity to broaden career options to both pharmacy and pharmaceutical science, giving students the best of both worlds.

Dr Matt Sykes

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Matt Sykes

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How to apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs

What others are saying

I enjoyed chemistry and biology in school and always knew I wanted to study pharmacy. This double degree provides a broader range of knowledge about medications; from their discovery and development through to what information patients need to know prior to taking medications. A highlight of my studies was being awarded the SA/NT Pharmacy Student of the Year.

Rebecca Tattingham

Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)