Why Master of Pharmacy?
Pharmacists are integral to our healthcare system, blending scientific expertise with compassionate patient care. Be patient-focused, future-thinking and a leader in your field.
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. Complement practical experience with future-focused coursework. Pharmacists are needed across various healthcare settings – from community settings, hospitals, research or in specialised fields. They ensure safe and effective medication use while contributing to improved patient outcomes. Pharmacists are facing a strong demand in Australia – graduate a competent general pharmacist and sought-after professional.
Overview
Studying pharmacy offers a dynamic and rewarding path. Join a cohort of students passionate about healthcare, science and improving people's lives.
Combine the Intern Training Program (ITP) with a supervised internship. Engage in real workplace environments to advance your pharmacy practice skills.
Learn from award-winning teaching staff including academics and health professionals. Build valuable industry networks and relationships. Be guided by curriculum that is informed by peak industry bodies.
Build strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills to make ethical decisions. Learn how to multitask and become familiar with pharmacy software.
Package this degree with a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) or our Pharmacy double degree to guide your professional career transition.
Shape the future of healthcare in innovative and transformative ways with an Adelaide University degree. You’ll explore diverse opportunities to expand the scope of pharmacist duties.
Key features
Follow the pathway to becoming a registered pharmacist in Australia. - Complete a supervised internship and pharmacy Intern Training Program (ITP).
- Advance your skills in leadership, management, research and inquiry.
- Future-proof your skills in contemporary pharmacy practice.
- Expand your knowledge in person-centred pharmacy care.
- Engage with curriculum connected to leading industry bodies.
What you'll learn
Pharmacists are experts in medications, responsible for dispensing prescriptions, ensuring correct dosages and advising on potential drug interactions.
You’ll learn in a hands-on environment in the Master of Pharmacy. Through an internship and workplace experience, you’ll build upon your academic knowledge. Practical experience will also open your mind to careers beyond traditional roles in pharmacy.
Cover topics in areas such as primary healthcare, digital health and harm minimisation. Explore pharmacy law and ethics, a fundamental aspect for professional conduct and decision-making in pharmaceutical practice.
Develop interprofessional communication and effective collaboration skills. Learn how to safely handle medicines and ensure quality patient care is provided.
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.
Our degree is delivered through a blended mode of study. Learn through face-to-face seminars and online learning for maximum flexibility in your studies. Immerse yourself in a comprehensive learning environment, preparing you for life beyond university.
What courses you'll study
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 24 units for all Core courses, and
- 24 units for all Work integrated learning
Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice Leadership and Management
|
Course code
PHAR5012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacy Practice Research and Inquiry
|
Course code
PHAR5013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Internship Studies 1
|
Course code
PHAR5900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Internship Studies 2
|
Course code
PHAR5901
|
Units
6
|
Notes
1. Students undertaking the program must be registered as an intern with the Pharmacy Board of Australia prior to commencement of the program. Students who fail to gain provisional registration, or who have their registration rescinded during the program, will be unable to continue in the program.
2. Students undertaking the program must have arranged to undertake their supervised practice (internship) under the supervision of a preceptor approved by the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
12
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
12
|
Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacist Internship Supervised Practice 1
|
Course code
PHAR5902
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Pharmacist Internship Supervised Practice 2
|
Course code
PHAR5903
|
Units
12
|
Notes
1. Students undertaking the program must be registered as an intern with the Pharmacy Board of Australia prior to commencement of the program. Students who fail to gain provisional registration, or who have their registration rescinded during the program, will be unable to continue in the program.
2. Students undertaking the program must have arranged to undertake their supervised practice (internship) under the supervision of a preceptor approved by the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
12
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
12
|
Career outcomes
Registered pharmacists have a wide range of exciting unconventional and conventional career opportunities. Attractive salaries and abundant and stable employment prospects make this choice a rewarding one. Pharmacists are also taking on more clinical roles and adapting to technological changes, broadening their scope of work.
You might engage in cutting-edge and innovative drug discovery and development. Maybe you’ll work with radioactive materials to prepare medications for diagnostic imaging and cancer treatments.
Registered pharmacists can also work in:
- GP clinics
- Aged care homes
- Defence services
- Hospital pharmacies
- Community pharmacies
- Research organisations.
Industry trends
In 2023, pharmacy graduates had one of the highest rates of full-time employment of any study area (98.4 per cent) (QUILT Graduate Outcomes Survey). Australia is currently experiencing a shortage of pharmacists – with demand set to only increase. With employment prospects looking bright, you’ll graduate ready to adapt and evolve with the needs of the Australian population and health system.
Accreditation
The Intern Training Component of this program is accredited with conditions by the Australian Pharmacy Council .
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.
