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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 Diploma 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 Biology
SACE Stage 2 Physics
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)
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
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
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
Course name
For students commencing in first year of the DOUBLE DEGREE
1. To undertake field/clinical placements students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks as published by the Clinical Placement Unit (unisa.edu.au/CPU). These checks will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent field / clinical placement involvement and subsequently may prevent completion of the program.
2. Student registration with the relevant board of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is required in order to study this program. Students who do not meet registration criteria and are refused registration by AHPRA, or who have their registration rescinded during the program, will be unable to continue in the program. Further information will be provided by the University with offer letters.
3. Students are required to satisfy the standards of dress and behaviour prescribed by institutions and facilities in which clinical or field placements are undertaken. Failure to satisfy such requirements may prevent them satisfying the requirements for completion of the program.
Notes
1. Students may be required to spend at least one clinical or field placement outside Adelaide.
2. Students are required to undertake professional placements in registered pharmacies or accredited institutions and some of these placements may be held outside the normal teaching weeks of the University.
3. Students are strongly encouraged to study full-time. Students seeking part-time study must discuss this with the Program Director prior to enrolment. Part-time students are normally expected to complete the program in eight years or less.
4. Electives must be chosen from Groups 1 - 3 (listed). Students may choose elective courses from any of those listed in the groups but are advised that electives may be affected by timetabling or pre-requisites, and may only be offered if there is sufficient demand.
5. Students may choose elective courses from any of those listed in the Groups but are advised that electives may be affected by timetabling or pre-requisites, and may only be offered if there is sufficient demand.
6. In consultation with the Program Director, students will choose one 4.5 optional course from the range of University electives or from other available courses.
7. This course contributes towards the honours grade for the program.
8. These courses are scheduled in Study Period 1.
9. Students enrol in one of these placement courses in Study Period 2 and the other in
Study Period 5.
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:
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.
Why Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
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).
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 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
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
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.
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.
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
Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
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.
