Start date
February

Duration
5 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IHPP

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

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 46,200 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

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
088326F

Degree overview

  • Become a specialist in the theory, knowledge, science and development of medicines and how to communicate them to professionals and the general public.
  • Package your undergraduate study with our new Master of Pharmacy to better guide your pathway to registration.
  • Gain hands-on experience from renowned teachers and researchers in state-of-the-art pharmacy and chemistry laboratories.
  • Get professional experience from placements in a range of community and hospital workplace settings, and benefit from our links with internationally renowned research concentrations.
  • Embark on the pathway to become a registered pharmacist, and gain credentials from one of the four founding members of Australia’s 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.

1Ranked #10, 2024 QS Subject Rankings. 2Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

Hope Stahl, pharmacy in campus laboratory

Become an expert in all aspects of the medicine discovery pipeline – from formulation, approval, evaluation, and marketing, through to dispensing and providing informed care to the community.

You'll be equipped with a breadth of skills to research, develop and advise on the use of effective treatments and products for the benefit of human health.

You’ll also learn how to deliver expert patient care to ensure that medicines are used to enhance health outcomes and minimise harm, as you embark on a pathway towards becoming a registered pharmacist.

From 2025, you can package this degree with our new Master of Pharmacy program, designed to future-proof your skills in contemporary pharmacy practice and satisfy the internship and ITP components of your requirements to become a registered pharmacist. To choose the package program and guarantee your place into the Master program,1 apply directly to SATAC using the unique code listed.

  • Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) (Pathway to Master of Pharmacy) (SATAC code: 414526)

1Academic criteria apply.

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

Pharmacy.jpg

This double degree will equip you with the knowledge, expertise and practical skills needed to embark on a range of diverse roles in the ever-changing fields of pharmacy and pharmaceutical science.

You’ll develop a strong understanding of drug product development, drug use in the community, and trends affecting drug formulation in the future. 

As part of this degree, you’ll complete a pharmacy-related research project and be able to tailor your study to particular areas of interest when you select from a range of specialist courses. In addition, you’ll get practical industry experience with a field placement or an industry-focused research project under the supervision of an academic or staff member.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
For students commencing in first year of the DOUBLE DEGREE
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Chemistry 100 CHEM 1006 4.5
Human Physiology 100 BIOL 1049 4.5
Health Professional Essentials PHAR 1008 4.5
Health and Society HLTH 1025 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Chemistry 101 CHEM 1007 4.5
Human Physiology 101 BIOL 1050 4.5
Pharmacy Practice 1 PHAR 1009 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
Elective 1 4.5
Pharmacology A PHAR 2023 9
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Dosage Form Design 2 PHAR 2016 4.5
Elective 2 4.5
Pharmacology B PHAR 2021 4.5
Drug Discovery PHAR 2010 4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Dosage Form Design 3 PHAR 3024 4.5
Elective 3 4.5
Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics PHAR 2006 4.5
Drug Development 1 PHAR 2009 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Dosage Form Design 4 PHAR 3025 4.5
Elective 4 4.5
Pharmacology C PHAR 2022 4.5
Pharmacy Practice 2 PHAR 2017 4.5
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Pharmacotherapeutics Practice 1A PHAR 3018 4.5
Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 1 PHAR 3020 4.5
Quality Use of Medicines PHAR 3021 4.5
Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Industry Experience PHAR 3014 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Pharmacotherapeutics Practice 1B PHAR 3019 4.5
Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 2 PHAR 3022 4.5
Pharmacy Practice Health Services Provision PHAR 3027 4.5 Note(s): 7
Drug Development 2 PHAR 3013 4.5
FIFTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Advanced Therapeutics PHAR 4018 4.5 Note(s): 1,7,8,9
Pharmacy Practice 3 PHAR 4023 4.5 Note(s): 1,7,8,9
Community Pharmacy Professional Placement and Practice-Based Research PHAR 4027 9 Note(s): 7,9
OR
Hospital Pharmacy Professional Placement and Practice-Based Research PHAR 4028 9 Note(s): 7,9
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Pharmacy Practice 4 PHAR 4024 4.5
Hospital Pharmacy Professional Placement and Practice-Based Research PHAR 4028 9 Note(s): 7,9
OR
Community Pharmacy Professional Placement and Practice-Based Research PHAR 4027 9 Note(s): 7,9
Enrol in one of the following three elective courses
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science Research Elective PHAR 4030 4.5 Note(s): 7
Pharmacy Practice Elective PHAR 4026 4.5 Note(s): 7
Managing and Developing Pharmacy Operations PHAR 4029 4.5 Note(s): 7
For students commencing in the BACHELOR OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, please refer to the IBPA program home page for the first and second year courses.
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Dosage Form Design 3 PHAR 3024 4.5
Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics PHAR 2006 4.5
Pharmacology A PHAR 2023 9
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Pharmacy Practice 1 PHAR 1009 4.5
Pharmacy Practice 2 PHAR 2017 4.5
Dosage Form Design 4 PHAR 3025 4.5
AND EITHER
Pharmacology B PHAR 2021 4.5
OR
Pharmacology C PHAR 2022 4.5
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Pharmacotherapeutics Practice 1A PHAR 3018 4.5
Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 1 PHAR 3020 4.5
Quality Use of Medicines PHAR 3021 4.5
Drug Development 1 PHAR 2009 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Pharmacotherapeutics Practice 1B PHAR 3019 4.5
Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 2 PHAR 3022 4.5
Drug Development 2 PHAR 3013 4.5
Pharmacy Practice Health Services Provision PHAR 3027 4.5 Note(s): 7
FIFTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Pharmacy Practice 3 PHAR 4023 4.5 Note(s): 1,7,8,9
Advanced Therapeutics PHAR 4018 4.5 Note(s): 1,7,8,9
Community Pharmacy Professional Placement and Practice-Based Research PHAR 4027 9 Note(s): 7,9
OR
Hospital Pharmacy Professional Placement and Practice-Based Research PHAR 4028 9 Note(s): 7,9
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Pharmacy Practice 4 PHAR 4024 4.5
Hospital Pharmacy Professional Placement and Practice-Based Research PHAR 4028 9 Note(s): 7,9
OR
Community Pharmacy Professional Placement and Practice-Based Research PHAR 4027 9 Note(s): 7,9
Enrol in one of the following three elective courses
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science Research Elective PHAR 4030 4.5 Note(s): 7
Pharmacy Practice Elective PHAR 4026 4.5 Note(s): 7
Managing and Developing Pharmacy Operations PHAR 4029 4.5 Note(s): 7
For students commencing in the BACHELOR OF PHARMACY (HONOURS), please refer to the IHPC program home page for the first and second year courses.
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Dosage Form Design 3 PHAR 3024 4.5
Specialist Course 1 4.5 Note(s): 4
Specialist Course 2 Note(s): 4
Specialist Course 3 Note(s): 4
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Dosage Form Design 4 PHAR 3025 4.5
Drug Discovery PHAR 2010 4.5
Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Industry Experience PHAR 3014 4.5
Specialist Course 4 Note(s): 4
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Drug Development 1 PHAR 2009 4.5
Pharmacotherapeutics Practice 1A PHAR 3018 4.5
Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 1 PHAR 3020 4.5
Quality Use of Medicines PHAR 3021 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Drug Development 2 PHAR 3013 4.5
Pharmacy Practice Health Services Provision PHAR 3027 4.5 Note(s): 7
Pharmacotherapeutics Practice 1B PHAR 3019 4.5
Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 2 PHAR 3022 4.5
FIFTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Pharmacy Practice 3 PHAR 4023 4.5 Note(s): 1,7,8,9
Advanced Therapeutics PHAR 4018 4.5 Note(s): 1,7,8,9
Community Pharmacy Professional Placement and Practice-Based Research PHAR 4027 9 Note(s): 7,9
OR
Hospital Pharmacy Professional Placement and Practice-Based Research PHAR 4028 9 Note(s): 7,9
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Pharmacy Practice 4 PHAR 4024 4.5
Hospital Pharmacy Professional Placement and Practice-Based Research PHAR 4028 9 Note(s): 7,9
OR
Community Pharmacy Professional Placement and Practice-Based Research PHAR 4027 9 Note(s): 7,9
Enrol in one of the following three elective courses
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science Research Elective PHAR 4030 4.5 Note(s): 7
Pharmacy Practice Elective PHAR 4026 4.5 Note(s): 7
Managing and Developing Pharmacy Operations PHAR 4029 4.5 Note(s): 7

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

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

  • simulated patient interactions
  • quizzes
  • portfolios
  • presentations
  • online activities
  • 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.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Why Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

Pharmacy students discussing medication

UniSA helps you develop skills which are transferrable globally, and can be tailored to suit your interests and career ambitions.

Renowned researchers and leading academics will teach you specialist pharmaceutical knowledge and skills in research, drug development and manufacturing quality control. You’ll study a curriculum informed by well above world-class research in pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences.1

You’ll learn in state-of-the-art teaching facilities, including purpose-built pharmacy laboratories where you’ll explore drug development and pharmaceutical sciences. Our Pharmacy Practice Integrated Learning Suite (PPILS) is where you’ll learn to dispense medicines, counsel patients and develop the clinical service delivery skills needed for contemporary pharmacy practice. Here, you’ll have virtual access to the entire product range which is stocked in any pharmacy.

You’ll benefit from UniSA’s industry connections, and gain valuable international pharmaceutical industry experience through potential study tours or overseas placements. The honours component of this degree satisfies the academic requirements for provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. To become a registered pharmacist, you’ll need to undertake the Pharmacy Intern Training Program (ITP) through UniSA or another accredited Pharmacy ITP. 

22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Real-world connections

You’ll 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).

Our affiliation with several internationally renowned research groups, such as the Centre for Cancer Biology, provides you with valuable networking opportunities and industry contacts. 

We also host regular University-wide alumni events, employee master classes and employment expos 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.

UniSA Video

Career outcomes

Your career

The advanced and broad range of knowledge learned through this double degree could see you employed in a wide range of exciting roles – from drug development and clinical trials to a professional career in community, hospital or industrial pharmacies.

People who are successful in this field are meticulous, accurate and results driven. You may be communicating directly with patients, so exceptional interpersonal skills are also vital.

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.

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
  • intellectual property and patent law

Graduates of the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) component of the double degree can apply for provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. To become a registered pharmacist, you’ll need to undertake the Pharmacy Intern Training Program (ITP) through UniSA or another accredited Pharmacy ITP. 

Pharmacists work in a range of settings, including:

  • hospitals
  • pharmacies
  • compounding or critical care services
  • infectious disease services
  • defence services
  • pharmaceutical industry
  • academia and research

Professional accreditation and recognition

The Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) component of the double degree is accredited with the Australian Pharmacy Council.

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) component of the double degree satisfies the academic requirements for provisional registration as a pharmacist with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. Eligibility for general registration is determined by the Pharmacy Board of Australia and includes a suitably recognised and appropriate period of supervised training.

Industry facts

data-presentation

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

job-listings

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

column-chart-growth

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:


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

Your study experience and support

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

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:

  • career advice and mentoring
  • help with student visas and health cover
  • personal counselling
  • academic counselling
  • fees and finance help
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • accommodation services 
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

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.

Student services

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.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your study spaces

Cancer Research Institute.jpg

You’ll have access to:

  • purpose-built pharmacy laboratories
  • pharmacy collaborative teaching room and student common area
  • chemistry laboratory
  • biology laboratory
  • Pharmacy Practice Integrated Learning Suite (PPILS)

You’ll also be able to access 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. The double degree is an excellent opportunity to broaden career options to both pharmacy and pharmaceutical science, giving students the best of both worlds.

Dr Tim Barnes

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Dr Tim Barnes
Portrait image for Dr Tim Barnes

Dr Tim Barnes

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    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? minus-thick plus-thick

    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? minus-thick plus-thick

    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? minus-thick plus-thick

    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

I enjoyed chemistry and biology in school and always knew I wanted to study pharmacy. This double degree provides a broader range of knowledge about medications; from their discovery and development through to what information patients need to know prior to taking medications. A highlight of my studies was being awarded the SA/NT Pharmacy Student of the Year.

Rebecca Tattingham

Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

Rebecca Tattingham.png

Rebecca Tattingham

Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)