Master of Pharmacy
Degree Level Postgraduate
This degree is only available to Australian students
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
IMPW
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
Mode
On-campus/Online
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View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to:
- have successfully completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) degree from a university that has provisional or full Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) accreditation in Australia or New Zealand.
Essential requirements for admission
Applicants are required to:
- have obtained, or applied for, provisional registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Enrolment into the program will be finalised when provisional AHPRA registration is achieved. Students who fail to gain provisional registration or who have their registration rescinded during the program, will be unable to continue in the program.
- have arranged their supervised practice (internship) under the supervision of a preceptor approved by the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
NEW! This program will be available for entry in 2025. Further updates will be available in August 2024.
Degree overview
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Build upon your undergraduate studies with an advanced qualification designed to future-proof your skills in contemporary pharmacy practice.
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Complete a supervised internship and pharmacy Intern Training Program (ITP) required as part of the pathway to become a registered pharmacist in Australia.
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Hone your skills and knowledge in delivering competent, culturally responsive and person-centred pharmacy care.
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Learn advanced skills in leadership, management, research and inquiry, and graduate with a competitive edge in the Australian workforce.
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Benefit from online delivery and strengthen your skills with hands-on workplace activities and on-campus workshops.
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Study at a university offering more than 50 years of experience in delivering pharmacy and pharmaceutical science education.
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Engage with a curriculum and university connected to leading industry bodies, including the National Alliance for Pharmacy Education (NAPE).
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Package this Master degree with the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) or Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) double degree.
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Learn from a curriculum based on well above world-class research in pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences.1
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Snapshot
Future-proof your career in pharmacy practice with UniSA’s Master of Pharmacy. You’ll complete your supervised internship and pharmacy Intern Training Program (ITP) required as part of your accreditation requirements to become a registered pharmacist, and learn advanced skills from a leading university of pharmacy education.
Designed to meet the expanding scope of modern Australian pharmacy practice, your practical experience in the workplace will be complemented with future-focused coursework in leadership, management, research and inquiry.
You will graduate with the skills to become a competent general pharmacist that is patient-focused, future-thinking, and has enhanced mobility into leadership and management roles.
This degree can be packaged with the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) or the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) double degree to guide your transition into your professional career. You can apply for direct entry into these package programs using the following SATAC codes:
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) (Pathway to Master of Pharmacy) (SATAC Code: 414525)
- Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) (Pathway to Master of Pharmacy) (SATAC Code: 414526)
What you'll need
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.
Applicants to this program are required to:
- have successfully completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) degree from a university that has provisional or full Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) accreditation in Australia or New Zealand.
- have obtained, or applied for, provisional registration through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- have arranged their supervised practice (internship) under the supervision of a preceptor approved by the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
Registration standards are set by the Pharmacy Board of Australia. Applicants may need to meet additional requirements set by the Board upon completion of this program.
What you'll learn
You may cover topics such as:
- primary healthcare
- leadership and management
- evidence-based pharmacy practice
- safety and quality use of medicines
- interprofessional communication and collaboration
- digital health
- harm minimisation
- pharmacy law and ethics.
You will learn directly from real work environments as part of your internship, enabling you to build upon your academic knowledge with practical experience.
This program is delivered through a mix of workplace experience, face-to-face seminars, and online learning to provide flexibility and a comprehensive learning environment.
Study hours
Those seeking to become a registered pharmacist must complete a period of supervised practice as set by the Pharmacy Board of Australia, as well as an accredited pharmacy Intern Training Program (ITP). The program is designed to be completed alongside the supervised practice.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- placement
- case studies
- reports
- reflections
- literature reviews
- presentations
- learning log/journals
- contribution
- assessment plan
- examination
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 Master of Pharmacy
Learn advanced skills in contemporary pharmacy practice while engaging with real workplace environments.
UniSA is an accredited provider of an Intern Training Program (ITP) required as part of the Pharmacy Board of Australia requirements to become a registered pharmacist. This qualification combines the ITP and your supervised internship with advanced skills in pharmacy practice, providing you with skills and knowledge that apply directly into your workplace.
You’ll learn from award-winning teaching staff, academics and health professionals via our online forums and virtual classrooms and workshops, and build valuable industry networks and relationships while you study.
UniSA is one of the four founding members of the National Alliance for Pharmacy Education (NAPE), which actively supports the ongoing advancement of the pharmacy profession as a key contributor to healthcare teams.
Real-world connections
Learn from award-winning teaching staff, academics and health professionals via online forums, virtual classrooms and workshops, and build valuable industry networks and relationships while you study.
Our Pharmacy programs are closely associated with key industry bodies including the National Alliance for Pharmacy Education (NAPE), the Pharmacy Board of Australia, and other key stakeholders in the profession including the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, and the Society of Hospital Pharmacists in Australia.
We host regular University-wide alumni events, employee master classes and employment expos in Australia and overseas.
Online study
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:
- study online, including accessing videos and course resources
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use discussion forums for team work and communication
With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on individual course pages.
Your career
With new drug developments, enhanced therapeutic developments and expanding scope of practice, registered pharmacists have more career options than ever before.
Registered Pharmacists can work in a variety of settings, including:
- community pharmacies
- hospital pharmacies
- GP clinics
- aged care homes
- pharmaceutical industry
- defence services
- regulatory bodies
- government agencies
- research organisations
Industry facts
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.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
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. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those 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 program director
After completing my pharmacy training in Birmingham and London, UK, I moved to Adelaide as a lecturer in clinical pharmacy. My major teaching passion is the integration of the key elements of physical and clinical pharmacy, namely pharmaceutics, pharmacology and therapeutic decision making into the development of fundamental pharmacy practice.
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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.
