Start date
February
July

Duration
1.5 year(s) full-time

Mode
Online

Program Code
IMCM

Fees
AUD$ 39,400 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [7.0]
  • IELTS reading [7.0]
  • IELTS writing [7.0]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
This program is not available to students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa

Degree overview

  • This master’s degree is designed to improve and extend the skills of registered Pharmacists to provide specialist pharmaceutical services.
  • Effectively monitor a patients’ therapy and critically evaluate clinical research.
  • UniSA is one of four universities in Australia to be a member of the prestigious National Alliance for Pharmacy Education (NAPE).
  • Be mentored and supported by practicing Pharmacists and academics.
  • Learn from well above world-class researchers in pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences.1
  • Benefit from our strong industry links and affiliation with several internationally-renowned research groups, such as the Centre for Cancer Biology.
  • Benefit from a university with more than 50 years’ experience in pharmacy education.
  • Use this qualification as a pathway to further study, including doctoral study.
  • UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities2, 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.

12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

Pharmacy students in the pharmacy labAdvance your unstoppable career in one of the most trusted professions in Australia. Take a leading role in drug product selection and communicating drug information to patients and health professionals.

There are a range of flexible study options, allowing you to fit study in among your work and other life commitments. You’ll study most of your degree online with the help of our 24/7 online resources and dedicated online support staff and will come on campus to complete compulsory workshops in Adelaide.

Students who have already completed the Graduate Certificate in Pharmacy Practice can gain credit for this master degree.

What you'll learn

Pharmacy graduate.jpg

This master's degree will equip you with the knowledge, skills and practical expertise needed to provide specialist pharmaceutical services in a range of clinical environments.

You'll develop the skills to:

  • take a leading role in the area of drug product selection for individual patients
  • provide specialist drug information and education programs to patients and healthcare providers
  • monitor a patient’s therapy
  • critically evaluate clinical research.

As part of your degree you'll study:

  • clinical pharmacy practice
  • epidemiological concepts
  • pharmacotherapeutics
  • research methodologies
  • practical application of clinical pharmacy skills.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Applied Clinical Pharmacy PHAR 5057 4.5
Introductory Epidemiology HLTH 5131 4.5
Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics (Mental Health) PHAR 5056 4.5
Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics (Diabetes) PHAR 5055 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics 1 PHAR 5043 4.5
Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics 2 PHAR 5044 4.5
Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics 3A PHAR 5053 4.5
Research Methods and Biostatistics MATH 5028 4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Medicine Management Clerkship PHAR 5050 9 Rule(s): 3
Clinical Pharmacy Research Project PHAR 5054 9

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:

  • oral presentations
  • quizzes
  • patient case presentations
  • reports
  • assignments.

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 Master of Clinical Pharmacy

Why this Degree

Graduating with a postgraduate qualification from UniSA will give you a competitive edge and ensure you’re ready for a career in industry, research or further postgraduate study. 

UniSA is the only South Australian provider of pharmacy education, and one of four Australian universities to be a member of the prestigious National Alliance for Pharmacy Education (NAPE).

As Australia’s University of Enterprise, we’re:

  • we are the largest university in South Australia with more than 37,000 students
  • we are Top 5 in Australia for quality education.1

Our teaching staff are renowned researchers, so you’ll be learning from leading academics, and our commitment to research with an industry focus is unprecedented in South Australia, with 100% of our assessed research rated at world-class or above.2 We’ve rapidly become a renowned centre of innovation and enterprise in the sectors propelling Australia's future, including health.

1Ranked #3, 2023 THE University Impact Rankings. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research.

Real-world connections

Our affiliation with several internationally-renowned research groups, such as the Centre for Cancer Biology will provide students with valuable networking opportunities and industry contacts.

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

Career outcomes

Your career

This advanced qualification also means you'll be qualified to work in specialist drug information and education programs, as well as in clinical research. With new drug developments and enhanced therapeutic developments Pharmacists have more career options than ever before.

You'll be able to further your practice and careers in settings such as:

  • hospitals
  • clinical environments
  • community pharmacy practice
  • academia.

Industry facts

chart-people

To November 2025, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 249,500 jobs.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2020

column-chart-growth

Australia is a global leader in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, with $1.3 billion invested nationally in medical innovation initiatives to support clinical trials and industry research programs.

The Commonwealth of Australia, 2018-19 Budget.

analytics-data-investigate-measure

In Australia, pharmacy had the highest rate of graduate full-time employment (96.4%) of any study area in 2020.

QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020

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.

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 program director

My main clinical and research interests are in the fields of pharmacy practice, neurological and geriatric pharmacotherapy. I look forward assisting you with your studies.

Dr Kirsten Staff

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Dr Kirsten Staff
Portrait image for Dr Kirsten Staff

Dr Kirsten Staff

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