Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City Campus

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Program code

BPHSC

Study as

Full time or part time

Indicative annual fees

Commonwealth Supported

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

SACE Stage 2 Biology, Chemistry or Physics (or equivalent)

Assumed knowledge

None

Entry scores

2025 CUT-OFFS Guaranteed entry score (ATAR-based):80 Guaranteed entry score (Grades-based):A,A,B

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.

Work and life experience

Completion of an Adelaide University approved enabling, pathway or bridging program; OR
A competitive result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT); OR
Qualify for special entry

Note:

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

Why Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science?

Curious how medications are developed, tested and brought to market? Study the only degree of its kind in South Australia and unlock your potential in pharmaceutical science.

Discover the intersection between chemistry, biology and biotechnology and improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide. Work with cutting-edge research to save lives and revolutionise healthcare. Be at the forefront of medical innovation and begin your career discovering and formulating critical medicines. Develop important skills through hands-on learning, preparing you to explore a range of work environments. With the world in need of essential medicines, are you ready to make a difference?

Overview

Play a key role in Australia’s healthcare industry and become an expert in global challenges. Our Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science is the only degree of its kind in South Australia. This degree will equip you with essential skills and knowledge to work across a range of private and public sectors.

Over three years, you’ll gain transferrable skills that are relevant on a global scale. You'll undertake a placement across diverse workplace settings aligned with your interests. Develop specialised knowledge in a range of areas, with the option to tailor your studies through specialised courses.

You'll learn from renowned researchers and leading academics, studying in state-of-the-art teaching facilities. As a pharmaceutical scientist, you’ll graduate with a formidable set of skills that can be applied in a broad range of careers. Graduate with practical skills, ready to play a key role within the healthcare industry.

Key features

Develop a global perspective in pharmaceutical science.
Choose from a range of specialist courses in chemistry, biosciences, clinical trials and marketing.
Focus on hands-on learning in state-of-the-art pharmacy and chemistry laboratories.
Graduate with key skills in developing safe and effective medicines to market.
Complete 80 hours in an industry project or placement.
Gain two qualifications by completing a double degree in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science.

What you'll learn

The Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science is a unique three-year program. This Adelaide University degree emphasises the development and commercialisation of pharmaceutical products. From discovery to marketing, it will equip you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the pharmaceutical industry.

In your first year, you’ll learn basic science concepts while exploring domestic and international influences on the pharmaceutical industry. Build essential skills in chemistry and biology. Develop an understanding of the social, cultural and environmental determinants of health. You’ll also investigate the importance of pharmaceuticals on the health of Aboriginal Australians and disadvantaged populations.

During your second and third years, you’ll dive into pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. Focus on drug discovery and development, exploring career-aligned areas of interest. Discover opportunities in research, quality control, clinical trials and commercialisation of medicines.

Tailor your studies to suit your interests in second year, with the option to choose specialised courses in areas like chemistry, biosciences and marketing.

In third year, gain relevant industry experience with a work placement or focused research project across an industrial, clinical or research sector. You'll also get valuable international pharmaceutical industry experience through potential overseas study. Graduate with a broad perspective of the health industry and its sectors, ready for a range of careers.

The Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science is also available as a double degree with the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours).

What courses you'll study

Complete 144 units comprising:

114 units from Core courses, and
6 units for all Work integrated learning, and
24 units for Electives

Complete exactly 114 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Human Physiology 100	Course code BIOL1018	Units 6
Course name Human Physiology 101	Course code BIOL1019	Units 6
Course name Chemistry 100	Course code CHEM1005	Units 6
Course name Chemistry 101	Course code CHEM1006	Units 6
Course name Health and Society	Course code HLTH1005	Units 6
Course name Pharmaceutical Industry	Course code PHAR1003	Units 6
Course name Health Professional Essentials	Course code PHAR1004	Units 6
Course name Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics	Course code PHAR2006	Units 6
Course name Drug Development 1	Course code PHAR2007	Units 6
Course name Dosage Form Design 1	Course code PHAR2008	Units 6
Course name Dosage Form Design 2	Course code PHAR2009	Units 6
Course name Pharmacology B	Course code PHAR2012	Units 6
Course name Pharmacology C	Course code PHAR2013	Units 6
Course name Pharmacology A	Course code PHAR2014	Units 12
Course name Drug Discovery	Course code PHAR2020	Units 6
Course name Drug Development 2	Course code PHAR3010	Units 6
Course name Dosage Form Design 3	Course code PHAR3018	Units 6
Course name Dosage Form Design 4	Course code PHAR3019	Units 6
Course name Data Skills for Scientists	Course code STAT1000	Units 6

Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Industry Experience	Course code PHAR3011	Units 6

Complete 24 units for one of the following:

24 units from Program electives - Chemistry Specialist courses, or
24 units from Program electives - Clinical Trials Specialist courses, or
24 units from Program electives - Marketing Specialist courses

	Course code	Units
Course name Structure Determination and Analysis	Course code CHEM2012	Units 6
Course name Advanced Structure Determination and Analysis	Course code CHEM2013	Units 6
Course name Synthetic Chemistry	Course code CHEM2014	Units 6
Course name Advanced Synthetic Chemistry	Course code CHEM2015	Units 6

	Course code	Units
Course name Introduction to Clinical Trials	Course code PHAR1001	Units 6
Course name Non-Clinical Studies for Clinical Trials	Course code PHAR2001	Units 6
Course name Clinical Trials Management	Course code PHAR3002	Units 6
Course name Health, Society and Systems	Course code PUBH1002	Units 6
Course name Clinical Trials: Design and Analysis	Course code PUBH3019	Units 6

	Course code	Units
Course name Management, Organisations and Leadership	Course code BUSI1002	Units 6
Course name Principles of Logistics and Supply Chain Management	Course code BUSI1300	Units 6
Course name Marketing Principles	Course code MARK1000	Units 6
Course name Consumer Behaviour	Course code MARK1001	Units 6
Course name Marketing Analytics	Course code MARK2000	Units 6
Course name Distribution and Route to Market	Course code MARK3002	Units 6

Career outcomes

Our degree, and your passion for science, technology and solving problems, will set you on the path to improving human health. You might perform clinical trials to test the efficiency of medicines in patients. You could research and develop new drugs and medicines. Perhaps you’ll focus on the marketing and sales of medicines for human and veterinary use.

Your employment opportunities will be diverse, including:

Product developer/formulation scientist
Medicinal chemist
Quality assurance
Biomedical researcher
Pharmaceutical sales
Medicine regulation
Clinical trials research associate.

Industry trends

Set for further expansion, South Australia’s pharmaceutical industry will welcome a new $85 million drug manufacturing plant in Adelaide (Au Manufacturing, 2021). This will see an increase in local job prospects and technological advancements to create and test more cost-effective medications.

Accreditation

Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.

Ready to apply?

Find your program

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Check the requirements

Look out for any prerequisite or assumed knowledge courses. Some degrees may have additional entry requirements.

Consider your preferences

To prepare for your future and to maximise your success consider adding additional preferences.

How to apply

Applications are open for Australian students to study at Adelaide University in 2026.

Not sure if you'll meet the entry requirements? Adelaide University offers a range of pathway options to help you start your study journey.

Explore Pathways

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: