Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2024
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You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
IBPA
SATAC Code
414331 (Internal)
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
Prerequisites
One of the following:
SACE Stage 2 Physics
SACE Stage 2 Chemistry
SACE Stage 2 Biology
More info
Assumed Knowledge
None
Admissions
Student Profile
Entry Scores
2024 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 72.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2023 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 72.00
TAFE/RTO: Dip
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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 Certificate IV 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 Physics
SACE Stage 2 Chemistry
SACE Stage 2 BiologyAssumed Knowledge
None
Students commencing in July will require additional time to complete the degree due to course scheduling and degree structure. Students may be limited to studying at a maximum of 50-75% of the required courses in some semesters. SP5 intake is not available for international students.
Degree overview
- Play a key role in improving health by developing medicines, and bringing safe and effective products to market.
- Join a university ranked in the World Top 150 for pharmacy and pharmacology.1
- Study the only pharmaceutical science degree in South Australia.
- Learn a curriculum informed by well above world-class research in pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences.2
- Graduate career-ready by completing an industry project or placement.
- Gain hands-on experience from renowned teachers and researchers in UniSA’s on-campus, state-of-the-art pharmacy and chemistry laboratories.
- Join a university with more than 50 years’ experience in pharmaceutical science education.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people.3 As one of the World’s Top Young Universities4, 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.
12022 QS Subject Rankings. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 3UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. 4Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
Start your unstoppable career in the discovery, formulation, approval, evaluation and marketing of medicines.
Pharmaceutical scientists are experts in the chemistry, biology, and biotechnology required to design and develop medicines. UniSA’s Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science is the only degree of its kind in South Australia, equipping you with skills which are globally relevant.
You may also be eligible for the only double degree of its kind in Australia - a Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) - which you can do with just two extra years of study.
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.
If you wish to transfer into the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) double degree, you’ll need to achieve a grade point average (GPA) of 5 or more by the end of your second year of this degree.
What you'll learn
This degree places a unique emphasis on the development and commercialisation of a range of pharmaceutical products, such as injections, tablets, creams and ointments.
In your first year you’ll develop an understanding of basic sciences. You’ll learn about career development and factors influencing the pharmaceutical industry domestically and internationally.
During the second and third years you’ll focus on:
- pharmaceutical sciences (including formulation)
- pharmacology and pharmacokinetics
- drug discovery, development and commercialisation
You’ll also get the opportunity to fine-tune your study to your own personal interests and career aspirations when you choose from a range of specialist 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)
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
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:
- quizzes
- practicals
- presentations
- 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.
Why Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science
A Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science from UniSA gives you skills which are transferrable globally, and can be tailored to suit your interests and career ambitions.
This degree will prepare you for a career in exciting areas such as:
- drug discovery and development
- manufacturing and production
- clinical trials
- regulatory affairs
- pharmaceutical sales and marketing
Renowned researchers and leading academics will teach you specialist knowledge and skills in research, drug development and manufacturing quality control in state-of-the-art teaching facilities, including purpose-built pharmacy laboratories and our $247 million Bradley Building, located in Adelaide’s BioMed City on North Terrace. You’ll also study a curriculum informed by well above world-class research in pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences.1
You'll gain valuable international pharmaceutical industry experience through potential study tours or overseas placements.
Upon graduation, you'll be eligible for membership with the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) and other relevant professional bodies such as AusBiotech.
22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
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, 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.
As a pharmaceutical science professional, you'll be interested in science and technology, enjoy solving problems, and want to improve human health.
Your 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
Where can my interest in science take me?
View our Science Careers page for more information.
Industry facts
Applying to study with us:
- Go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply.
- You will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application.
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- UniSA College Diploma in Health (Biomedical Science)
- UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Health)
- SAIBT Diploma of Health Science
International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
Deferment
This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.
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.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
Study on Demand with Australia's University of Enterprise
UniSA Online – 100% online degrees designed specifically for online learning.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. 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 loads 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 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:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- career services and mentoring
- Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your study spaces
You’ll have access to:
- purpose-built pharmacy laboratories
- pharmacy collaborative teaching room and student common area
- chemistry laboratory
- biology laboratory
- biochemistry and molecular biology laboratory
You’ll also be able to access other 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.
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer 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 a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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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.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
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
