Master of Clinical Pharmacy
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
You're viewing degree information for 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
Fees
$AU 27,800 per 1.0 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2025
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Entry requirements
Australian applicants are required to:
- have a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree or equivalent;
- be a Registered Pharmacist with the Pharmacy Board of Australia OR for permanent residents not practising as a registered pharmacist in Australia, be a Registered Pharmacist in their current country of residence; and
- have experience in a direct patient care environment.
International applicants (see Notes 2, 3 & 4) are required to:
- hold an award from a tertiary institution which is at least equivalent to a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree (see Note 1); and
- be a Registered Pharmacist in their own country or country of residence; and
- have experience in a direct patient care environment.
Note 1: International students should note that to be considered equivalent to a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree, the award must have a principal focus on pharmacokinetics, applied pharmacology, disease pathophysiology and treatment. An award with a principal focus on pharmaceutical manufacturing will not be considered equivalent for entry to the program.
Note 2: International applicants are advised that this program is only available externally/on-line in the student's home country, but requires attendance at compulsory workshops held in Adelaide or Singapore (depending on numbers). Applicants MUST contact the Program Director for information on the requirements of the program prior to submitting an application.
Note 3: International applicants wishing to study this program externally/on-line in their home country, must meet all entry requirements, including the English Language Requirements, and must provide proof of experience in a patient care environment.
Note 4: International students should note that the program aims to produce clinical pharmacists capable of providing specialist pharmaceutical services in hospitals and other clinical environments, thereby enhancing the quality use of medicines. The program builds on skills of practice developed as an undergraduate student and is therefore not a pathway to registration as a pharmacist in Australia.
This program will not be offered in 2025. To apply for a future intake, please register your interest via the Enquire button.
Degree overview
- This master’s degree is designed to improve and extend the skills of registered Pharmacists to provide specialist pharmaceutical services.
- Effectively monitor a patients’ therapy and critically evaluate clinical research.
- UniSA is one of four universities in Australia to be a member of the prestigious National Alliance for Pharmacy Education (NAPE).
- Be mentored and supported by practicing Pharmacists and academics.
- Learn from well above world-class researchers in pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences.1
- Benefit from our strong industry links and affiliation with several internationally-renowned research groups, such as the Centre for Cancer Biology.
- Benefit from a university with more than 50 years’ experience in pharmacy education.
- Use this qualification as a pathway to further study, including doctoral study.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities2, 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). 2UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
Advance your unstoppable career in one of the most trusted professions in Australia. Take a leading role in drug product selection and communicating drug information to patients and health professionals.
There are a range of flexible study options, allowing you to fit study in among your work and other life commitments. You’ll study most of your degree online with the help of our 24/7 online resources and dedicated online support staff and will come on campus to complete compulsory workshops in Adelaide.
Students who have already completed the Graduate Certificate in Pharmacy Practice can gain credit for this master degree.
What you'll learn
This master's degree will equip you with the knowledge, skills and practical expertise needed to provide specialist pharmaceutical services in a range of clinical environments.
You'll develop the skills to:
- take a leading role in the area of drug product selection for individual patients
- provide specialist drug information and education programs to patients and healthcare providers
- monitor a patient’s therapy
- critically evaluate clinical research.
As part of your degree you'll study:
- clinical pharmacy practice
- epidemiological concepts
- pharmacotherapeutics
- research methodologies
- practical application of clinical pharmacy skills.
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:
- oral presentations
- quizzes
- patient case presentations
- reports
- 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 Master of Clinical Pharmacy
Graduating with a postgraduate qualification from UniSA will give you a competitive edge and ensure you’re ready for a career in industry, research or further postgraduate study.
UniSA is the only South Australian provider of pharmacy education, and one of four Australian universities to be a member of the prestigious National Alliance for Pharmacy Education (NAPE).
As Australia’s University of Enterprise, we’re:
- we are the largest university in South Australia with more than 37,000 students
- we are Top 5 in Australia for quality education.1
Our teaching staff are renowned researchers, so you’ll be learning from leading academics, and our commitment to research with an industry focus is unprecedented in South Australia, with 100% of our assessed research rated at world-class or above.2 We’ve rapidly become a renowned centre of innovation and enterprise in the sectors propelling Australia's future, including health.
1Ranked #3, 2023 THE University Impact Rankings. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research.
Real-world connections
Our affiliation with several internationally-renowned research groups, such as the Centre for Cancer Biology will provide students with valuable networking opportunities and industry contacts.
We 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
This advanced qualification also means you'll be qualified to work in specialist drug information and education programs, as well as in clinical research. With new drug developments and enhanced therapeutic developments Pharmacists have more career options than ever before.
You'll be able to further your practice and careers in settings such as:
- hospitals
- clinical environments
- community pharmacy practice
- 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.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or 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. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
