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

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International students

Start date
February

Campus
City East

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IBPA

Prerequisites
One of the following:
SACE Stage 2 Biology
SACE Stage 2 Chemistry
SACE Stage 2 Physics
More info

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
2020: AUD$ 34,800 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)

Admissions
Student Profile

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.5]
IELTS writing [6.5]
IELTS speaking [6.5]
IELTS listening [6.5]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
060209G

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.

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 Diploma level or above

OR
Work and life experience

Qualify for Special Entry, or
Complete a 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 Biology
SACE Stage 2 Chemistry
SACE Stage 2 Physics

Assumed Knowledge

None

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 [6.5]
IELTS writing [6.5]
IELTS speaking [6.5]
IELTS listening [6.5]

See equivalence table for other qualifications and English Language tests accepted by UniSA (PDF)

Admission Requirements by Country

Bangladesh HSC	4
Canada High School (OSSD)	70
Eynesbury FSP	350
German Abitur	2.7
India (best 4)	65
Kenya KCSE (average)	B+
Malaysia STPM (best 3)	7
Malaysia UEC	28
Norway GPA	3.5
Pakistan HSSC	85
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3)	7
Sweden GPA	14
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board	7
Vietnam	8
Australia	75
IB (best 6)	27
USA SAT (1600)	1190
HKDSE	17
Nepal NEB	2.71

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Degree overview

Learn from a University that has well-above world standard research in Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences¹ and ranked in the World top 150 for Pharmacy and Pharmacology².
Study at the No.1 University in South Australia for careers and teaching quality in Science and Mathematics³.
Enjoy learning in UniSA's state-of-the-art $247 million UniSA Cancer Research Institute.
Gain hands-on experience in our on-campus, purpose-built pharmacy and chemistry laboratories.
Benefit from over 50 years’ experience in pharmacy and pharmaceutical science education.
Complete a compulsory industry project or placement.

¹2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
²2019 QS Subject Rankings.
³QILT: Graduate Outcomes Survey Course Experience Questionnaire 2016-18 – Full-time Employment and Teaching Quality Indicators (Undergraduate). Public SA-founded universities only.

Snapshot

Emilia Morris

South Australia's only Pharmaceutical Science degree will prepare you to work in the discovery, development, formulation, approval, evaluation and marketing of medicines.

This flexible degree can be tailored to suit your interests and career ambitions, where you can focus on:

· drug discovery and development

· manufacturing and production

· clinical trials

· regulatory affairs

· pharmaceutical sales and marketing

You will also develop advanced communication skills when you complete a compulsory industry project or placement relating to your area of interest. Depending on your academic achievement throughout the degree you may also be accepted into an honours program.

The opportunities are endless, with the ability to gain valuable International industry experience through study tours or overseas placements.

You may also have the opportunity to enter into the only double degree in Australia of its kind – a Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) which you can complete with just two extra years of study. To be eligible, you will need to achieve a grade point average (GPA) of 5 or more by the end of your second year.

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

Pharmaceutical science.jpg

During the first year you will develop an understanding of basic sciences. You will also focus on career development and factors influencing the pharmaceutical industry domestically and internationally.

During the second and third years you will focus on:

pharmaceutical sciences (including formulation)
pharmacology and pharmacokinetics
drug discovery, development and commercialisation

This degree places a unique emphasis on the development and commercialisation of a range of pharmaceutical products, such as injections, tablets, creams and ointments.

You will then get the opportunity to fine-tune your study to your own personal interests and career aspirations when you choose from a range of elective 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)

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Chemistry 100	CHEM 1006	4.5
Biology A	BIOL 1007	4.5
Health and Society	HLTH 1025	4.5
Health Professional Essentials	PHAR 1008	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Chemistry 101	CHEM 1007	4.5
Biology B	BIOL 1012	4.5
Pharmaceutical Industry	PHAR 1005	4.5
Quantitative Methods in Health	MATH 1065	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Dosage Form Design 1	PHAR 2014	4.5
Physiology	BIOL 2035	4.5
Fundamentals of Pharmacology	PHAR 2019	4.5
Specialist Course 1		4.5		Rule(s): 1
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Dosage Form Design 2	PHAR 2016	4.5
Drug Discovery	PHAR 2010	4.5
Pharmacology B	PHAR 2021	4.5
OR
Pharmacology C	PHAR 2022	4.5
Specialist Course 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Dosage Form Design 3	PHAR 3024	4.5
Drug Development	PHAR 2009	4.5
Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics	PHAR 2006	4.5
Specialist Course 3		4.5		Rule(s): 1
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Dosage Form Design 4	PHAR 3025	4.5
Pharmaceutical Commercialisation	PHAR 3013	4.5
Pharmaceutical Industry Experience	PHAR 3014	4.5	Note(s): 1,2
Specialist Course 4		4.5		Rule(s): 1
CHEMISTRY SPECIALIST COURSES				Rule(s): 1
Second Year, First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Structure Determination and Analysis	CHEM 2026	4.5		Rule(s): 1
Second Year, Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Advanced Structure Determination and Analysis	CHEM 2027	4.5
Third Year, First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Synthetic Chemistry	CHEM 2028	4.5		Rule(s): 1
Third Year, Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Advanced Synthetic Chemistry	CHEM 2029	4.5		Rule(s): 1
BIOSCIENCES SPECIALIST COURSES
Second Year, First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Biochemistry	BIOL 2014	4.5		Rule(s): 1
Second Year, Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Immunology	BIOL 2037	4.5		Rule(s): 1
Third Year, First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Microbiology	BIOL 2051	4.5		Rule(s): 1
Third Year, Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Genetics	BIOL 2016	4.5		Rule(s): 1
CHEMISTRY/BIOSCIENCES SPECIALIST COURSES
Second Year, First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Biochemistry	BIOL 2014	4.5		Rule(s): 1
Second Year, Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Immunology	BIOL 2037	4.5		Rule(s): 1
Third Year, First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Synthetic Chemistry	CHEM 2028	4.5		Rule(s): 1
Third Year, Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Advanced Synthetic Chemistry	CHEM 2029	4.5		Rule(s): 1
MARKETING SPECIALIST COURSES
Second Year, First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Marketing Principles: Trading and Exchange	MARK 1010	4.5		Rule(s): 1
Second Year, Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Accounting for Business	ACCT 1008	4.5		Rule(s): 1
Third Year, First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Marketing Analytics	MARK 2010	4.5		Rule(s): 1
Third Year, Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Retailing	MARK 2032	4.5		Rule(s): 1

Rules & notes

Rules

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 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
practicals
presentations
practical portfolios

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

Pharmaceutical Science photography.jpg

As a pharmaceutical science student, you will benefit from our national and international industry connections, experienced staff and purpose-built teaching spaces.

This flexible degree allows you to gain specialist knowledge that supports your career goals including research and development, manufacturing and quality control, and drug development.

We offer state-of-the-art teaching facilities, including purpose-built pharmacy laboratories where you will learn skills in drug development and pharmaceutical sciences.

Our teaching staff are also renowned researchers, so you will be learning from leading academics.

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.

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.

You will also complete a minimum of 80 hours in an industry project or placement relating to your area of interest, during which time you will further expand your professional network. Examples of recent placement sites include Mayne Pharma, BTG plc, Forensic Science SA, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), CMAX, Vaxine Pty Ltd and many more.

Examples of industry projects, as well as tasks students have undertaken at placement sites have included developing better detection methods for skin cancer (Mayne Pharma), improving a vaccine formulation (Vaxine Pty Ltd) and quality control of radiopharmaceuticals (SAHMRI).

We 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

The pharmaceutical industry is rapidly growing, due in part to an ageing population and technological advances that make it easier and more cost effective for new medications to be created and tested. This broadening market means graduates of this degree enjoy excellent job prospects.

As a pharmaceutical science professional, you should be interested in science and technology and have a passion for preventing illness and treating disease to improve the quality of life for humans and animals.

Employment opportunities are diverse and you will 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
intellectual property and patent law

Industry facts

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

¹Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

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

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:

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

SAIBT Diploma of Health Science

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 are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas 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 have access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, 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 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, a 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

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. I am excited to be leading an exciting and growing field such as pharmaceutical science and look forward to mentoring the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists.

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

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