Graduate Certificate in Pharmacy Practice
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2024
This degree is only available to Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
Online
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View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements
Entry requirements
Pre-Registration (Intern) Pathway
Applicants are required to:- have successfully completed a bachelor of pharmacy degree or graduate entry level master of pharmacy from a university that has provisional or full Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) accreditation in Australia and New Zealand, AND
- have obtained, or applied for, provisional registration through AHPRA (enrolment into the program will be finalised when provisional registration is achieved).
Registered Pharmacists Pathway
Applicants are required to be a Registered Pharmacist with AHPRA.
Please note that this program is only available part-time, over a minimum of 12 months.
Degree overview
- Further your career as a pharmacist by gaining specialised training and skills in selected areas of pharmacy practice.
- Take part in our unique Pharmacy Intern Training Program as part of this degree.
- Learn from a curriculum based on well above world-class research in pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences.1
- Be mentored and supported by practicing pharmacists and academics from a university with more than 50 years’ experience in pharmacy education.
- Benefit from our strong industry links and affiliation with internationally renowned research groups.
- Gain credentials from one of four founding members of the prestigious National Alliance for Pharmacy Education (NAPE).
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,2 we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
Advance your unstoppable career in pharmacy with this unique graduate certificate which offers two pathways, depending on your registration status.
This graduate certificate is designed for graduate pharmacists who wish to complete the UniSA Pharmacy Intern Training Program; and/or registered pharmacists who are interested in gaining specialised training and skills in selected areas of pharmacy practice.
What you'll learn
If you're a registered pharmacist, you may complete the four courses assigned to the Registered Pharmacist Pathway. If you're not yet registered, you must complete the Pre-Registration (Intern) Pathway, and participate in the Pharmacy Intern Training Program.
This graduate certificate provides advanced training in:
- patient assessment
- clinical tests
- communication
- pharmacotherapeutics
- health economics
- ethics
- law
- evidence-based medicine
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, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums. 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:
- online discussion blocks
- oral presentations
- quizzes
- assignments
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
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 Graduate Certificate in Pharmacy Practice
UniSA is an accredited provider for intern training programs, which is a requirement for all graduates who want to become registered practicing pharmacists.
Our teaching staff includes clinical specialists and renowned researchers, so you’ll be learning from some of the best. You’ll also benefit from our dedicated team of student mentors in an online study environment, which includes virtual classrooms and 24/7 access to online resources.
UniSA is the only South Australian provider of pharmacy education, and one of the four founding member Australian universities in the prestigious National Alliance for Pharmacy Education (NAPE).
We offer accessible online study support and access to digital resources, such as the latest editions of Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH), Therapeutic Guidelines (TG), Stockley’s Drug Interactions, and Herbal Medicines.
The Graduate Certificate in Pharmacy Practice is offered online with on-campus workshops, so you can fit your study in with work and life commitments.
Real-world connections
UniSA's affiliation with several internationally-renowned research groups, such as the Centre for Cancer Biology will provide you with valuable networking opportunities and industry contacts.
In the Pharmacy Intern Training Program you'll work alongside practicing Pharmacists, building relationships and a valuable network of industry professionals.
We also host regular University-wide alumni events, employee master classes and employment expos in Australia and overseas.
Online study
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:
- study online, including accessing videos and course resources
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use discussion forums for team work and communication
With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on individual course pages.
Your career
With new drug developments, enhanced therapeutic developments and expanding scopes of practice, pharmacists have more career options than ever before.
As a registered pharmacist, you'll be able to further your practice and careers in settings such as:
- community and hospital
- primary care
- drug development, testing, manufacturing, evaluation and quality control
- regulatory authorities
- academia.
Industry facts
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.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal 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
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
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 program director
My main clinical and research interests are in the fields of pharmacy practice, neurological and geriatric pharmacotherapy. I look forward assisting you with your studies.
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer 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 a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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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.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
What others are saying
Having a highly interactive program meant we practised counselling skills in a simulated community pharmacy environment, which contained all the medications necessary to reflect real-life practice.
Fares Al-Sarawi
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours), Graduate Certificate in Pharmacy Practice
UniSA’s Pharmacy Intern Training Program (ITP) provides intern pharmacists with specialised training and skills in pharmacy practice.
