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

International students

Start date
February

Campus
City East

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IHPC

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

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
2019: AUD$ 37,500 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)

Admissions
Student Profile

English Language Requirements

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

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
088337C

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.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR
Higher education study

Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above

OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Diploma level or above

OR
Work and life experience

Qualify for Special Entry, or
Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

One of the following:
SACE Stage 2 Biology
SACE Stage 2 Physics
SACE Stage 2 Chemistry

Assumed Knowledge

None

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as a second language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

English language test

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

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

Admission Requirements by Country

Australia	80
Bangladesh HSC	4
Canada High School (OSSD)	75
Eynesbury FSP	370
German Abitur	2.3
HKDSE	18
IB (best 6)	29
India (best 4)	70
Kenya KCSE (average)	B+
Malaysia STPM (best 3)	9
Malaysia UEC	26
Nepal HSEB	70
Norway GPA	4
Pakistan HSSC	85
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3)	11
Sweden GPA	15
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board	9
Vietnam	8.5
USA SAT (1600)	1270

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Degree overview

Study at one of the top three universities nationally for graduate employment in Pharmacy, which is also rated five stars in starting salary¹.
Learn from a University that has well-above world standard research in Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences².
Study in UniSA’s new $247 million state-of-the-art UniSA Cancer Research Institute.
Learn in our on-campus, purpose-built pharmacy laboratories and mock pharmacy.
Benefit from our industry connections and strong links with internationally renowned research concentrations.
Get practical industry experience when you complete field placements in community and hospital pharmacies.
Benefit from over 50 years’ experience in pharmacy education.
Gain two qualifications with just one extra year of study when you complete Australia’s only double degree in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science.
UniSA is one of four universities in Australia to be a member of the prestigious National Alliance for Pharmacy Education (NAPE).

¹2018 Good Universities Guide
²2015 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)

Snapshot

Pharmacy students discussing medication

With purpose-built on-campus learning facilities, internationally-recognised teaching staff and strong industry links we are the choice for aspiring pharmacy students.

Our on-campus facilities include a pharmacy laboratory where you can get experience in biological, chemical and pharmaceutical sciences, developing the skills needed for ethical pharmacy practice in an evolving health system. There is also a mock pharmacy where you can practice your dispensary skills.

Key focuses of this degree include:

biological, chemical and pharmaceutical sciences
ethical pharmacy practice
research methods
trialling and regulation of medicines
preparing, studying and monitoring medicine and their use
providing drug information and advice
clinical placements across the community and hospital pharmacy sectors

As an honours student you will develop advanced skills in research, focusing on an area of specialisation in pharmacy and related sciences.

You may also have the opportunity to enter into a double degree with a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours), Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science with just one extra year of study. To be eligible, you'll need to receive a grade point average (GPA) of 5 or more in your second year.

What you'll need

Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, child related employment clearance and immunisation requirements. Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.

All students enrolled in a program leading to professional registration must be registered with the relevant National Board. The registration process is undertaken by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) with the University providing notification to AHPRA following enrolment in the program.

What you'll learn

Pharmacy graduate.jpg

This honours degree will equip you with the knowledge, skills and practical expertise needed to embark on a career in the ever-changing field of pharmacy.

As an honours student there is also a strong focus on research, and you will graduate with the skills needed to undertake and manage research projects in a health-related setting.

During your first two years you will study:

biological, chemical and pharmaceutical sciences
ethical pharmacy practice
common diseases and the drugs needed to treat them

During the third and fourth years you will study:

pharmacotherapeutics
research methods
trialling and regulation of medicines
pharmacy practice

In fourth year you will also complete field placements in community and hospital-based pharmacy settings, with opportunities for rural and international experiences.

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:

essays and assignments
quizzes
examinations
group projects
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.

Honours

This is a four-year, professional degree with honours.

As an honours student you will develop advanced skills in research and professional practice, focusing on an area of specialisation in pharmacy and related sciences.

During the honours preparation, you will undertake training courses in research methods and ethics. Within the honours thesis course, you will undertake a research project under the supervision of an experienced researcher and report on this project through a thesis and oral presentation.

You will graduate with industry experience and connections, and a higher level qualification than a bachelor degree. Your honours year will prepare you for future leadership roles.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Chemistry 100	CHEM 1006	4.5
Human Physiology 100	BIOL 1049	4.5
Health and Society	HLTH 1025	4.5
Health Professional Essentials	PHAR 1008	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Chemistry 101	CHEM 1007	4.5
Human Physiology 101	BIOL 1050	4.5
Quantitative Methods in Health	MATH 1065	4.5
Pharmacy Practice 1	PHAR 1009	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Pharmacology A	PHAR 2023	9
Dosage Form Design 1	PHAR 2014	4.5
Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics	PHAR 2006	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Pharmacology B	PHAR 2021	4.5
Dosage Form Design 2	PHAR 2016	4.5
Pharmacy Practice 2	PHAR 2017	4.5
Pharmacology C	PHAR 2022	4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Pharmacotherapeutics Practice 1A	PHAR 3018	4.5
Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 1	PHAR 3020	4.5
Dosage Form Design 3	PHAR 3024	4.5
Quality Use of Medicines	PHAR 3021	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Pharmacotherapeutics Practice 1B	PHAR 3019	4.5
Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 2	PHAR 3022	4.5
Dosage Form Design 4	PHAR 3025	4.5	Note(s): 4
Therapeutics, Nutrition and Exercise	PHAR 3026	4.5	Note(s): 4
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Pharmacy Practice 3	PHAR 4023	4.5	Note(s): 4
Advanced Therapeutics	PHAR 4018	4.5	Note(s): 4
Professional Placement	PHAR 4017	13.5	Note(s): 4
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Pharmacy Practice 4	PHAR 4024	4.5
AND EITHER
Issues in Contemporary Pharmacy Practice	PHAR 4019	4.5	Note(s): 4
AND
Pharmacy Management Essentials	PHAR 4014	4.5
OR
Frontiers in Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Science	PHAR 4025	9	Note(s): 4

Rules & notes

Rules

1. All students in the Division of Health Sciences who, as part of their program, undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required, such as in field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate that they have a current National Police Certificate (NPC) through SAPOL (or their home state police service) and a current Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) Child-Related Clearance, which is valid for the duration of the program. The National Police Certificate will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent clinical placement involvement. The University has a process for reviewing these outcomes to assess suitability for placement.

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 course.

Notes

1. Students are advised that they 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. This course contributes towards the honours grade for the program.

Why Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

Fares Al-Sarawi

Graduating with an honours degree will set you apart from the crowd, ensuring you have a competitive edge and are ready for a career in industry, research or further postgraduate study.

In terms of teaching facilities, we offer a state-of-the-art, purpose-built pharmacy laboratory and a mock pharmacy where students can learn dispensary skills and skills in drug development and pharmaceutical sciences. In the mock pharmacy you will practice vital communication skills needed when dealing with patients. Cameras and recording equipment are used so that you can review and improve your skills.

Real-world connections

Our strong links with research means you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced industry professionals, award-winning researchers and acclaimed academics. This is a great opportunity for you to build important relationships and networks, which may be vital to your career progression after graduation.

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

Your career

As a pharmacy student, you will need to have an interest in the health and wellbeing of individuals and the community. You will also need to have an interest in the physical sciences and acknowledge the significance of the social sciences in the development of a health professional. The ability to work without supervision and with a high degree of accuracy is essential, as is a willingness to develop high level problem solving skills.

In addition, you should be motivated to take on an intellectual challenge, have a desire to gain specialised knowledge in your discipline, and a strong interest in research. To be successful you will need to be meticulous, accurate and results-driven. You will be dealing directly with patients, so exceptional communication skills are also vital.

With new drug developments and enhanced therapeutic developments pharmacists have more career options that ever before. In fact, the long-term job growth in this field in Australia is expected to experience very strong growth¹, which is great news for graduates.

Pharmacists gain employment in:

hospitals
pharmacies
community services
aged care settings
regulatory bodies
compounding or critical care services
infectious disease services
academia and research

As an honours student you may also choose to pursue a career in research.

¹Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

Professional accreditation and recognition

The program is accredited with the Australian Pharmacy Council.

Successful completion of the program satisfies the academic requirements for registration as a pharmacist with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. Eligibility for registration is determined by the Pharmacy Board of Australia and includes a suitably recognised and appropriate period of supervised training.

Industry facts

Employment for pharmacists in Australia is projected to increase by 5,000 (20 per cent) by November 2020¹.

¹Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

To November 2020, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia - an increase of 250,200 jobs¹.

¹Australian Government Department of Employment 2017

Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s¹.

¹Australian Government Department of Employment 2017

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

¹Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015