Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2021
You're viewing degree information for International students
You're considered an International student if you are:
- NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
IBPA
Prerequisites
One of the following:
SACE Stage 2 Physics
SACE Stage 2 Chemistry
SACE Stage 2 Biology
More info
Assumed Knowledge
None
Fees
2021: AUD$ 36,600 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]
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
060209G
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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 Physics
SACE Stage 2 Chemistry
SACE Stage 2 BiologyAssumed Knowledge
NoneEnglish 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 testSee equivalence table for other qualifications and English Language tests accepted by UniSA (PDF)- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.5]
- IELTS writing [6.5]
- IELTS speaking [6.5]
- IELTS listening [6.5]
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
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 Pharmacology.2
- Study at the No.1 University in South Australia for graduate careers in Science and Mathematics.3
- Complete a compulsory industry project or placement.
- 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 more than 50 years’ experience in pharmacy and pharmaceutical science education.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
22020 QS Subject Rankings.
3ComparED (QILT): Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-19 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). Public SA-founded universities only.
Snapshot
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, 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.
What you'll learn
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).
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
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, visiting various pharmaceutical companies in countries like the Philippines and China.
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.
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.
Where can my interest in science take me?
View our guide on Science Careers for more information.
Industry facts
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:
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.
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.
International Merit Scholarship
Recipients can get a 25% reduction on tuition fees for their first year of study for selected degrees.
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 study spaces
You will have access to:
- Purpose-built Pharmacy Laboratories, Pharmacy Collaborative Teaching room and Pharmacy Student common area in our new $247m University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute
- Chemistry Laboratory
- Biology Laboratory
- Biochemistry and molecular biology laboratory
You will also be able to experience a range of on-campus spaces including modern lecture theatres, collaborative teaching rooms, and relaxed student lounges.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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
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
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.
Cintya Dharmayanti
Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science
