Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
240Course code
Overview
The pharmacy course will prepare you for entry into the pharmacy profession. Pharmacists have an expanding scope of practice that includes the provision of advice and support to prescribers in multiple practice settings to ensure the community has timely access to the safest and most appropriate medicines, in public health by improving health literacy and access to vaccinations, the discovery of new medicines, and tailoring medicines to individuals. This graduate entry, course work, extended master's program is offered both face-to-face and externally with one on-campus intensive. The course offered studies in professional pharmacy practice, pharmacotherapy, pharmaceutics, management, and leadership.
It provides additional opportunities through extended professional placements with over 400 hours of work-integrated learning embedded through the course, allowing you to apply theory to real cases within a pharmacy setting. You will also undertake an independent research project to help develop lifelong learning and problem-solving skills for success in a pharmacy.
You will learn with and from First Nations people during your studies, allowing you to develop communication and interpersonal skills so that you can work cross-culturally and appreciate First Nations perspectives.
Career opportunities
This course prepares you for the diverse scope of pharmacy practice. Clinical pharmacy positions across settings such as hospitals, general practice, aboriginal health services, aged care, industry, research and community pharmacy settings provide varied and interesting career opportunities. Demand for pharmacists is high especially in rural and remote settings.
Practical experience
During this course, you will complete a minimum of 412.5 hours of compulsory work-integrated learning. This is achieved through a combination of weekly placements throughout each 12-week semester and a three-week block placement during the final intensive period in the second year of study. Students are required to undertake a minimum of one 12-week block in a hospital pharmacy setting and two 12-week blocks in a community pharmacy setting. Students are encouraged to undertake one 12-week block of work-integrated learning in the Northern Territory.
Professional recognition
This course has been designed so that graduates are able to apply for provisional registration as a pharmacist. Upon completion of an Australian Pharmacy Council accredited and Pharmacy Board of Australia approved program, graduates are required to complete the Pharmacy Board of Australia's registration requirements to be eligible to apply for pharmacist registration in Australia. Pharmacist registration is managed through Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2025 is AUD $31,584.00. This equates to $ $3,948.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to upskill in the field of healthcare. Advance your career with CDU's wide range of postgraduate health courses to develop specialist skills and knowledge that help you transition into leadership roles.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 5 Australian university for postgraduate teaching quality in health services and support (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to upskill in the field of healthcare. Advance your career with CDU's wide range of postgraduate health courses to develop specialist skills and knowledge that help you transition into leadership roles.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 5 Australian university for postgraduate teaching quality in health services and support (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
What will I study?
This course is an intensive program developing professional practice and research skills leading to provisional registration as a pharmacist. It is delivered across eight teaching periods of either 6 or 12-week blocks over two years. The teaching blocks utilise the Intensive teaching calendar. Each 12-week block includes one day per week in a workplace integrating theory into practice. Units are offered internally or externally. External and internal students are required to attend one intensive period on Campus during Intensive 6 in the first year of their studies. This will allow the use of specialist laboratories and equipment required for PHA507 and PHA508.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (14 units) | 240cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 240 credit points as detailed below. BUS509 Allied Health Business and Management PHA501 Introduction to Pharmacy (20cp) PHA502 Applied Pharmacotherapy in Patient Care A (30cp) PHA503 Applied Pharmacotherapy in Patient Care B (30cp) PHA504 Applied Pharmacotherapy in Patient Care C (30cp) PHA505 Applied Pharmacotherapy in Patient Care D (30cp) PHA506 How Medicines Work: Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics PHA507 How Medicines Work: Medicinal Chemistry PHA508 How Medicines Work: Drug Design, Formulation and Compounding PHA509 Quality Use of Medicines PHA510 Quality use of Medicines Research Project (20cp) HEA527 Research Skills for Health Professionals (replaces PHM527 Research, Ethics and Impact from S2 2024) HEA528 Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare (replaces PHM516 Indigenous Health from S2 2024) PHA601 Integrated Case Management |
| 240cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2024 (from Semester 2 2024)
HEA527 has replaced PHM527. Students who have completed PHM527 do not complete HEA527.
HEA528 has replaced PHM516. Students who have completed PHM516* do not complete HEA528.
* There should be no students who have completed PHM516.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN INTENSIVE PERIOD 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
Note: Semester 2 and Intensive 6 commence two weeks earlier than CDU's standard teaching periods
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Intensive 1 (6 weeks) | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Intensive 6 (6 weeks) | ||||
| Year 1 | |||||||
| PHA501 Introduction to Pharmacy (20cp) | CO | PHA502 Applied Pharmacotherapy in Patient Care A (30cp) | CO | PHA503 Applied Pharmacotherapy in Patient Care B (30cp) | CO | PHA507 How Medicines Work: Medicinal Chemistry (5 day intensive) | CO |
| PHA506 How Medicines Work: Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics | CO | HEA527 Research Skills for Health Professionals (replaces PHM527 from S2 2024) | CO | PHA508 How Medicines Work: Drug Design, Formulation and Compounding | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||||||
| PHA509 Quality Use of Medicines | CO | PHA504 Applied Pharmacotherapy in Patient Care C (30cp) | CO | PHA505 Applied Pharmacotherapy in Patient Care D (30cp) | CO | PHA510 Quality Use of Medicines Research Project (20cp) | CO |
| BUS509 Allied Health Business and Management | CO | HEA528 Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare (replaces PHM516 from S2 2024) | CO | PHA601 Integrated Case Management | CO | ||
Entry requirements
Quota
The Master of Pharmacy is a highly competitive course with a limited number of places. This means that although you may meet the minimum entry requirements for the course, you may not be ranked high enough to receive an offer. Subquotas are in place for First Nation and NT Resident applicants.
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a bachelor degree or equivalent international qualification in any discipline with at least a GPA of 5.00. Completion of the bachelor's degree should be within ten (10) years prior to the commencement of the course.
Special consideration may be granted for applicants that completed their bachelor degree over the ten (10) year period, if they can evidence currency in the field. Applicants seeking admission on this basis, should include any relevant employment experience and/or additional study in their application, and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Completion of the below units undertaken in prior qualification(s) as evidenced in transcripts:
- Organic chemistry
- Inorganic chemistry
- Mathematics or statistics
To succeed in the Master of Pharmacy (Extended), it is strongly recommended that applicants have completed studies in anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry prior to entry.
Prospective students should be familiar with the "inherent requirements" and "fitness for practice requirements" for the pharmacy course that outline the skills and abilities required to successfully complete their studies.
International entry pathway
Applicants who have completed the ZMPP01 International Masters Preparation Program are eligible for entry.
Essential requirements
Pre-clinical Requirements
Students must provide proof that they have met all university and State/Territory pre-clinical requirements before they can undertake those units that include clinical work-integrated learning. These requirements include, but are not limited to, immunization requirements, Senior First Aid qualification, annual criminal record checks, and/or working with children clearances and/or fitness-to-practice requirements. These requirements must remain current thought the entire study period.
Working with Children Check
A Working with Children Check is required before you can undertake your work-integrated learning professional placements. If your Working with Children Check is not cleared, you will not be able to undertake work-integrated learning and therefore, will not meet the requirements of the course.
National Police Check
You must have cleared a Police Check before you can undertake your professional work-integrated learning. If your Police Check is not cleared, you will not be able to undertake placements and therefore, will not meet the requirements of the course.
Senior First Aid
A current senior first aid certificate is required before you can undertake work-integrated learning.
Fitness to Practice
A fitness to practice declaration is required for work-integrated learning in the course. Demonstration of fitness to practice is a requirement for work-integrated learning. Mandatory Notification Guidelines as outlined by the Pharmacy Board of Australia apply to work-integrated learning.
Inherent Requirements
Students are required to meet the inherent requirements for the course for work-integrated learning
Immunization Schedule
A current immunization schedule is required before you can undertake work-integrated learning.
Mental Health First Aid Training
A current mental health first aid training certificate is required before you can undertake work-integrated learning.
Student Registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia
Students are registered with the Pharmacy Board automatically upon enrolment.
Ability to obtain and hold Professional Indemnity Insurance
Students are required to organize insurance with the indemnity providers. It is provided at no cost to student pharmacists.
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 all applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.
Nishat
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.
Nishat
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
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