Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of South Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science / Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) at the University of South Australia is a five‑year double degree that blends the science of medicine with hands-on pharmacy practice. It’s designed for students who are passionate about understanding how medicines are developed and want to make a real difference in patient care as a qualified pharmacist.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In the first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in the sciences that underpin pharmacy. You’ll study subjects such as Chemistry for the Life Sciences, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Foundations of Pharmaceutical Science, giving you a solid understanding of how the body works and how medicines interact with biological systems.

Year 2
The second year focuses on the science behind medicines and their safe use. Units like Pharmaceutics, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology introduce you to drug design, mechanisms of action, and the principles of developing safe and effective pharmaceutical products.

Year 3
In your third year, you’ll deepen your knowledge and begin applying it in professional contexts. Subjects such as Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacy Practice explore how drugs are processed in the body, how they work, and how pharmacists help patients manage their medications effectively.

Year 4
The fourth year emphasizes professional pharmacy training. Courses such as Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Therapeutics, and Professional Pharmacy Practice develop your clinical knowledge and decision-making skills, preparing you to ensure medicines are used safely in real healthcare settings.

Year 5 (Honours Year)
The final year focuses on advanced practice and research through the honours component. You’ll complete a Pharmacy Research Project, alongside Advanced Pharmacy Practice and Evidence-Based Therapeutics, giving you the chance to tackle real pharmaceutical challenges and graduate with strong research and analytical skills.

Focus Areas

Pharmaceutical chemistry, drug formulation, pharmacology and therapeutics, pharmacy practice, patient care, medicines safety, and pharmaceutical research.

Learning Outcomes

Gain a deep understanding of medicine development, apply scientific principles to drug formulation, interpret pharmacological and clinical data, provide safe and effective medication counselling, and conduct pharmaceutical research.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The pharmacy component of the program is accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council, enabling graduates to progress toward registration as a pharmacist through the Pharmacy Board of Australia.

Reputation (Employability)

The University of South Australia is well known for strong graduate employability and industry connections, with pharmacy programs designed alongside healthcare and pharmaceutical partners to prepare graduates for rewarding careers in the field.

 

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UniSA, learning goes far beyond lectures. You’ll get hands-on experience with medicines, patient care, and real pharmacy tasks in purpose-built facilities that mirror professional settings. From practicing dispensing to counselling patients, the program is designed to help you build confidence and practical skills every step of the way. You’ll also connect with industry through placements, research projects, and professional experiences that give you a real taste of working life as a pharmacist:

  • Gain practical experience in the Pharmacy Practice Integrated Learning Suite (PPILS), a simulation space equipped with real products where you can practice dispensing, patient counselling, and pharmacy workflows.

  • Work in modern pharmacy and chemistry laboratories to explore drug formulation, development, and pharmaceutical science techniques alongside your studies.

  • Complete professional placements in community or hospital pharmacies, where you’ll provide supervised patient care and apply your skills in real-world settings.

  • Take part in industry-linked projects arranged through the university’s Clinical Placement Unit, giving you opportunities in metropolitan, rural, or even international locations.

  • Collaborate with research groups and industry partners such as CSIRO, SAHMRI, and Mayne Pharma, gaining exposure to cutting-edge pharmaceutical research and networking opportunities.

These experiences are designed to make sure you graduate ready to step straight into a professional pharmacy career with both confidence and practical know-how.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this double degree are well‑prepared for rewarding careers in both healthcare and pharmaceutical science. Many go on to work as registered pharmacists, clinical trials specialists, medicines quality control scientists, or in medicine regulation and policy, finding roles in hospitals, community pharmacies, research labs, or industry settings. Your degree not only gives you technical knowledge but also practical experience and industry connections that make stepping into these roles much smoother:

  • Career support services – UniSA’s Career Services helps you craft applications, prepare for interviews, and connect with employers. You’ll also have access to networking events, employment expos, and masterclasses tailored to pharmacy and health science students.

  • Strong employment outcomes – Pharmacy graduates enjoy high employment rates, with many securing full-time roles in their chosen field soon after graduation. The skills you gain also make you competitive for broader roles in healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

  • Industry partnerships and real-world experience – Through placements and project opportunities with organisations such as CSIRO, SAHMRI, and Mayne Pharma, you’ll gain hands-on experience, professional contacts, and insight into real workplace practices.

  • Accreditation and long-term value – Completing the honours component meets the academic requirements for provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia, ensuring you can progress to become a fully qualified pharmacist.

Further Academic Progression:
Once you finish this degree, you can continue to advance your skills and qualifications. Many graduates pursue the Master of Pharmacy at UniSA, which helps you complete supervised practice hours and strengthens your clinical and leadership abilities. Others choose postgraduate research opportunities, including honours extensions or a PhD, if they want to focus on pharmaceutical science, drug development, or health policy research.

Program Key Stats

$46,200
$13,241
Rolling


Yes

Eligibility Criteria

ABB
-
37
90

1510
-
6.5
79
95

Additional Information & Requirements

Country Requirements

Career Options

  • Pharmacist
  • Clinical Researcher
  • Pharmaceutical Scientist
  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist
  • Quality Assurance Analyst
  • Drug Safety Officer
  • Hospital Pharmacist
  • Community Pharmacist
  • Medical Science Liaison
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

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