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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.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR Higher education study
Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV level or above
OR Work and life experience
Qualify for Special Entry, or
Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
One of the following:
SACE Stage 2 Physics
SACE Stage 2 Biology
SACE Stage 2 Chemistry
Assumed Knowledge
None
English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:
English language test
IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.5]
IELTS writing [6.5]
IELTS speaking [6.5]
IELTS listening [6.5]
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)
Students commencing in July will require additional time to complete the degree due to course scheduling and degree structure. Students may be limited to studying at a maximum of 50-75% of the required courses in some semesters. SP5 intake is not available for international students.
Play a key role in improving health outcomes by developing and delivering safe and effective medicines into market.
Study the only pharmaceutical science degree in South Australia from a university with more than 50 years’ experience in pharmaceutical science education.
Gain hands-on experience from renowned teachers and researchers in UniSA’s on-campus, state-of-the-art pharmacy and chemistry laboratories.
Graduate career ready by completing at least 80 hours in an industry project or placement in industry, clinical or research settings.
Tailor your study to your specific career goals with specialist courses in chemistry, biology and marketing.
Develop a global perspective of pharmaceutical sciences with international exchange programs and study tour opportunities.
Join a university ranked Top 10 in Australia for pharmacy and pharmacology.1
Learn a curriculum informed by well above world-class research in pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences.2
Gain two qualifications with just two extra years of study when you complete Australia’s only double degree in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities3, 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.
1Ranked #10, 2024 QS Subject Rankings. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 3Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
Launch your unstoppable career in the discovery, formulation, approval, evaluation and marketing of medicines.
Pharmaceutical scientists are experts in the chemistry, biology, and biotechnology required to design, develop and deliver the next generation of modern medicines. The only degree of its kind in South Australia, UniSA’s Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science will equip you with knowledge and skills to play a trusted and key role within Australia’s healthcare industry, and respond to world challenges with a globally recognised qualification.
Pharmaceutical scientists have broad career outcomes in a variety of work environments, including industrial, clinical, and research areas across private and public sectors.
This three-year program has a minimum placement of 80 hours in diverse workplace settings, preparing you for workplace practice while you study. Depending on your career goals, you can tailor your study with specialist courses in areas like chemistry, biology, and marketing.
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, a Working with Children Check and immunisation requirements. Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.
This degree places a unique emphasis on the development and commercialisation of a range of pharmaceutical products, such as injections, tablets, creams and ointments.
In your first year you’ll develop an understanding of basic sciences. You’ll learn about career development and factors influencing the pharmaceutical industry domestically and internationally.
During the second and third years you’ll focus on:
pharmaceutical sciences (including formulation)
pharmacology and pharmacokinetics
drug discovery, development and commercialisation
You’ll also get the opportunity to fine-tune your study to your own personal interests and career aspirations when you choose from a range of specialist courses during your final two years.
You may choose to specialise in areas such as:
research and development (including drug discovery)
manufacturing and pharmaceutical chemistry (including quality control)
drug development (including clinical trials)
business (including sales, marketing, legal, regulatory and drug information)
1. Students choose one of the four groups of electives at the end of the first year of the degree. Any variations to the elective groups must receive Program Director approval.
Notes
1. Students may be required to undertake industry placement in the course PHAR 3014 Pharmaceutical Industry Experience at any time throughout the year.
2. Some placement providers may require students to 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 or Working with Children Check (WWCC) from 1 July 2019, prior to commencement of the placement. For this reason the National Police Certificate and the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion Child-Related Clearance or WWCC must be cleared in advance of the placement.
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 (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
practicals
presentations
exams
tests
assignments
reports
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.
A Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science from UniSA gives you skills which are transferrable globally, and can be tailored to suit your interests and career ambitions.
This degree will prepare you for a career in exciting areas such as:
drug discovery and development
manufacturing and production
clinical trials
regulatory affairs
pharmaceutical sales and marketing
Renowned researchers and leading academics will teach you specialist knowledge and skills in research, drug development and manufacturing quality control in state-of-the-art teaching facilities, including purpose-built pharmacy laboratories and our $247 million Bradley Building, located in Adelaide’s BioMed City on North Terrace. You’ll also study a curriculum informed by well above world-class research in pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences.1
You'll gain valuable international pharmaceutical industry experience through potential study tours or overseas placements.
Upon graduation, you'll be eligible for membership with the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) and other relevant professional bodies such as AusBiotech.
You’ll also complete a minimum of 80 hours in an industry project or placement relating to your area of interest, during which time you’ll further expand your professional network. Examples of recent placement sites include Avance, BioCina, CMAX, CSIRO, Mayne Pharma, Forensic Science SA, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), and Vaxine Pty Ltd.
Examples of industry projects, as well as tasks students have undertaken at placement sites have included analysis of clinical trials data (CMAX), tableting manufacturing (Mayne Pharma), developing new methods for drug detection (Forensic Science SA), improving a vaccine formulation (Vaxine Pty Ltd) and quality control of radiopharmaceuticals (SAHMRI).
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
The pharmaceutical industry is rapidly growing, due in part to an ageing population, the global pandemic and technological advances which make it easier and more cost-effective for new medications to be created and tested. South Australia's pharmaceutical industry is set for further expansion with an $85 million drug manufacturing plant being built in Adelaide, which will increase local job prospects.
As a pharmaceutical science professional, you'll be interested in science and technology, enjoy solving problems, and want to improve human health.
Your employment opportunities are diverse. You’ll be qualified to take on professional roles in many areas, including:
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
marketing and sales of medicines for human and veterinary use
research and development of new drugs and medicines
manufacturing and quality control to ensure high quality medicines are produced
In Australia, pharmacy graduates had one of the highest rates of full-time employment (96.2%) of any study area in 2022.
QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022
To November 2026, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 301,000 jobs.
Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021
Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.
Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021
How to apply
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
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.
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. 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 lots more.
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 international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. 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 campus
We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.
This degree is delivered at the following campus.
Your study spaces
You’ll have access to:
purpose-built pharmacy laboratories
pharmacy collaborative teaching room and student common area
chemistry laboratory
biology laboratory
biochemistry and molecular biology laboratory
You’ll also be able to access other on-campus spaces including modern lecture theatres, collaborative teaching rooms, and relaxed student lounges.
Your program director
I am a Physical Chemist by training and I have extensive experience in both researching and teaching drug formulation science and nanotechnology. Like many of our students, I was the first person in my family to attend University, and I am passionate about working with our students to help them to grow and develop strong life-long learning skills they will need in their future career. My teaching and research are heavily influenced by my ongoing connects with industry, both within Australia and internationally – this ensures our students learn from a cutting-edge curriculum with strong career outcomes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Creating new opportunities in research, teaching and community engagement
Creating new opportunities in research, teaching and community engagement
What others are saying
Pharmaceuticals is an area I found to be on the forefront of innovation, an industry that will always be producing new and exciting advancements in medicine and technology for the greater purpose of helping people. This degree is comprehensive and gives you the freedom of choosing electives to design a course that is suited to the direction you want to head in.
Emilia Morris
Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science
Emilia Morris
Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science
I chose this degree as I loved learning chemistry and biology in high school. I wanted to study something that involved science and research which would improve the health of people. This degree covers all aspects of the pharmaceutical industry giving you a taste of all the possible career pathways within the industry and you can choose electives to suit the pathway you choose to take.
Hayley Shultz
Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science
Hayley Shultz
Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science
The degree integrates many aspects of chemistry, biology, maths and marketing, giving me a great understanding of the pharmaceuticals industry. Becoming a pharmaceutical science professional is exciting, knowing that the work we do has the potential to revolutionise the treatment for diseases and improve the wellbeing of patients across the globe.
Fees This is based on the total number of units for this program where one EFTSL is expressed as 36 units.
*UniSA accepts applications for programs commencing beyond the year advertised and tuition fees for these years will be higher. Please note that your tuition fees will be subject to an annual increase.
