Why Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)?
Explore the fascinating ways that medicines work – and how they interact with the human body. Learn how to create medications that heal and protect.
Pharmacists are an important member of any healthcare team. They provide expert patient care and ensure medicines enhance health outcomes with minimal side effects. Step into one of the world's most trusted professions. Compound medicines, analyse drug interactions and create your own formulations. You'll be the go-to expert on medications and a key player in improving public health.
Make a difference in people’s lives with a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) – one prescription at a time.
Overview
Become a vital part of the healthcare system that makes a real difference in people's lives. The Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) will ensure you graduate with a competitive edge. Step into clinical practice and learn in our state-of-the-art pharmacy laboratory.
Gain 12-weeks practical experience in community pharmacies and hospitals. Build networks to accelerate your career aspirations. Learn how to dispense medicines, counsel patients and deliver quality care. You’ll acquire the skills needed for contemporary pharmacy practice.
Benefit from our strong links with clinical practice and the community. Work alongside experienced clinicians, award-winning researchers and academics. Develop technical expertise and essential skills to effectively collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
Improve lives in one of the world's most trusted and in-demand professions.
Key features
Start your journey to one of Australia’s most trusted careers as a pharmacist.- Master the science of medicines and effectively communicate it to both professionals and the public.
- Experience 12-weeks of pharmacy placement in community and hospital pharmacies.
- Hone your skills in our state-of-the-art Pharmacy Practice Integrated Learning Suite (PPILS).
- Work alongside experienced clinicians, award-winning researchers and academics.
- Gain provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
What you'll learn
Learn how to provide expert knowledge to consumers and be part of a healthcare team. Discover best care practices and how to accurately dispense medicines. You’ll gain the skills needed to undertake and manage health-centred research projects.
Our curriculum is guided by key industry bodies including the National Alliance for Pharmacy Education (NAPE), the Pharmacy Board of Australia, Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the Society of Hospital Pharmacists in Australia.
Focus on a variety of topics including foundational sciences and pharmacy courses. You’ll also conduct laboratory work, getting hands-on experience to grow your skills in pharmacy practice.
Other key topics include:
- Chemistry and human physiology
- Providing personalised drug information and expert advice for patients
- Preparing, studying and monitoring medicines and their use.
Build a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences in your first two years. You’ll expand your clinical skills and learn about how to manage common diseases. Collect and interpret health information to provide patient-centred care. Investigate ethical pharmacy practice, including the responsible supply of medicines.
In your third and fourth years, you'll enhance your clinical decision-making skills and learn to compound and formulate medications. Discover quality use of medicines and advanced pharmacy practice service delivery. You’ll also study clinical trials and international regulation of medicines.
In your final year, you’ll complete 12-weeks of placements in community and hospital pharmacies. These opportunities can also extend to rural and international experiences.
Assessments will be practical, research-based and professionally focused. They include simulated patient interactions, quizzes, examinations, group projects and professional portfolios.
What courses you'll study
Complete 192 units comprising:
- 150 units for all Core courses, and
- 36 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 6 units for Electives
Complete 150 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | 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
Health Professional Essentials
|
Course code
PHAR1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice 1
|
Course code
PHAR1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics
|
Course code
PHAR2006
|
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
Pharmacy Practice 2
|
Course code
PHAR2010
|
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
Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 1
|
Course code
PHAR3015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Quality Use of Medicines
|
Course code
PHAR3016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 2
|
Course code
PHAR3017
|
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
Pharmacy Practice Health Services Provision
|
Course code
PHAR3020
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Therapeutics
|
Course code
PHAR4000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice 3
|
Course code
PHAR4001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice 4
|
Course code
PHAR4002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
Notes
1. All students 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 of Human Services (DHS) Working With Children Check (WWCC) 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.
4. Students may be required to spend at least one clinical or field placement outside Adelaide.
5. 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.
6. 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.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Human Physiology 100
|
Course code
BIOL1018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 100
|
Course code
CHEM1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Health and Society
|
Course code
HLTH1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Health Professional Essentials
|
Course code
PHAR1004
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Human Physiology 101
|
Course code
BIOL1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 101
|
Course code
CHEM1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice 1
|
Course code
PHAR1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Pharmacology A
|
Course code
PHAR2014
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 1
|
Course code
PHAR2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics
|
Course code
PHAR2006
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Pharmacology B
|
Course code
PHAR2012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacology C
|
Course code
PHAR2013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 2
|
Course code
PHAR2009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice 2
|
Course code
PHAR2010
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics Practice 1A
|
Course code
PHAR3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 1
|
Course code
PHAR3015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 3
|
Course code
PHAR3018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Quality Use of Medicines
|
Course code
PHAR3016
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics Practice 1B
|
Course code
PHAR3014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 2
|
Course code
PHAR3017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice Health Services Provision
|
Course code
PHAR3020
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 4
|
Course code
PHAR3019
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice 3
|
Course code
PHAR4001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Therapeutics
|
Course code
PHAR4000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Community Pharmacy Professional Placement and Practice-Based Research
|
Course code
PHAR4900
|
Units
12
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice 4
|
Course code
PHAR4002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Hospital Pharmacy Professional Placement and Practice-Based Research
|
Course code
PHAR4901
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 36 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics Practice 1A
|
Course code
PHAR3013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics Practice 1B
|
Course code
PHAR3014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Community Pharmacy Professional Placement and Practice-Based Research
|
Course code
PHAR4900
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Hospital Pharmacy Professional Placement and Practice-Based Research
|
Course code
PHAR4901
|
Units
12
|
Notes
1. All students 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 of Human Services (DHS) Working With Children Check (WWCC) 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.
4. Students may be required to spend at least one clinical or field placement outside Adelaide.
5. 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.
6. 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.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Human Physiology 100
|
Course code
BIOL1018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 100
|
Course code
CHEM1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Health and Society
|
Course code
HLTH1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Health Professional Essentials
|
Course code
PHAR1004
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Human Physiology 101
|
Course code
BIOL1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 101
|
Course code
CHEM1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice 1
|
Course code
PHAR1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Pharmacology A
|
Course code
PHAR2014
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 1
|
Course code
PHAR2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics
|
Course code
PHAR2006
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Pharmacology B
|
Course code
PHAR2012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacology C
|
Course code
PHAR2013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 2
|
Course code
PHAR2009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice 2
|
Course code
PHAR2010
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics Practice 1A
|
Course code
PHAR3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 1
|
Course code
PHAR3015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 3
|
Course code
PHAR3018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Quality Use of Medicines
|
Course code
PHAR3016
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics Practice 1B
|
Course code
PHAR3014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 2
|
Course code
PHAR3017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice Health Services Provision
|
Course code
PHAR3020
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 4
|
Course code
PHAR3019
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice 3
|
Course code
PHAR4001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Therapeutics
|
Course code
PHAR4000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Community Pharmacy Professional Placement and Practice-Based Research
|
Course code
PHAR4900
|
Units
12
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice 4
|
Course code
PHAR4002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Hospital Pharmacy Professional Placement and Practice-Based Research
|
Course code
PHAR4901
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 units comprising:
- 6 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice Elective
|
Course code
PHAR4003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Managing and Developing Pharmacy Operations
|
Course code
PHAR4006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science Research Elective
|
Course code
PHAR4007
|
Units
6
|
Notes
1. All students 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 of Human Services (DHS) Working With Children Check (WWCC) 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.
4. Students may be required to spend at least one clinical or field placement outside Adelaide.
5. 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.
6. 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.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Human Physiology 100
|
Course code
BIOL1018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 100
|
Course code
CHEM1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Health and Society
|
Course code
HLTH1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Health Professional Essentials
|
Course code
PHAR1004
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Human Physiology 101
|
Course code
BIOL1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 101
|
Course code
CHEM1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice 1
|
Course code
PHAR1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Pharmacology A
|
Course code
PHAR2014
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 1
|
Course code
PHAR2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics
|
Course code
PHAR2006
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Pharmacology B
|
Course code
PHAR2012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacology C
|
Course code
PHAR2013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 2
|
Course code
PHAR2009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice 2
|
Course code
PHAR2010
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics Practice 1A
|
Course code
PHAR3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 1
|
Course code
PHAR3015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 3
|
Course code
PHAR3018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Quality Use of Medicines
|
Course code
PHAR3016
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics Practice 1B
|
Course code
PHAR3014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacotherapeutics Theory 2
|
Course code
PHAR3017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice Health Services Provision
|
Course code
PHAR3020
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Dosage Form Design 4
|
Course code
PHAR3019
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice 3
|
Course code
PHAR4001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Therapeutics
|
Course code
PHAR4000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Community Pharmacy Professional Placement and Practice-Based Research
|
Course code
PHAR4900
|
Units
12
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice 4
|
Course code
PHAR4002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Hospital Pharmacy Professional Placement and Practice-Based Research
|
Course code
PHAR4901
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Pharmacists are medicine experts in healthcare teams, with expanding clinical roles and new therapeutic developments offering more career options than ever.
Growth in Australia’s pharmacy profession continues to look strong, with increasing roles in aged care, primary care, healthcare policy and the pharmaceutical industry.
You can work in settings across:
- Hospitals
- Local pharmacies
- GP practices
- Aged care settings
- Defence services
- Infectious disease services
- Compounding or critical care services.
You might work with space agencies to develop medications useable in zero gravity, helping astronauts stay healthy on long missions. You could become a part of drug discovery and development, creating the next breakthrough medication. Perhaps you’ll specialise in children’s medications, finding ways to make medicines easier to administer to young patients.
Industry trends
Pharmacy continues to be one of the most in-demand industries for Australian graduates. With an average job growth of 3% per year (The Pharmacy Guild, 2023), you can expect to experience strong employment prospects and diverse career opportunities.
As an Adelaide University graduate, you’ll have a natural interest in people’s health and wellbeing. Embark on a journey that blends science, healthcare and compassion, preparing you to be a trusted expert in medicines and patient care.
Accreditation
This program is accredited with conditions by the Australian Pharmacy Council. For information regarding the approval status of the program, please refer to the Pharmacy Board of Australia website.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
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.
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:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
