Course Overview

About This Course

Become a future ready pharmacist. Pharmacy is more than dispensing medicines. Today’s pharmacists are frontline healthcare professionals with strong long-term career prospects. They play a vital role in improving medication safety, improving patient outcomes, and supporting community health.

Throughout your studies, you’ll work directly with patients, healthcare teams, and communities. You’ll learn to counsel people on the safe and effective use of medicines, help manage chronic disease, provide advice on common health conditions, and contribute to preventative care. Learning in a fully equipped demonstration pharmacy will help you build practical, hands-on skills in dispensing, preparing, and reviewing medicines, while also establishing a strong foundation in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences. Extensive placements and hands‑on learning will ensure you are well prepared to make a meaningful contribution in real healthcare settings. As a pharmacist, you’ll be equipped to adapt to evolving healthcare models, with skills that remain relevant as the profession continues to expand in scope and impact. You’ll contribute to a healthier society by educating and empowering people to use medicines safely and effectively, making a meaningful difference to patient care every day. You'll gain theoretical knowledge in biomedical, pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacotherapeutics. You will also have plenty of opportunities to develop your skills through hands-on professional placements. Areas of study include: All University of Newcastle pharmacy students complete more than 420 hours of professional practice during their degree, starting in their first year. During your placement, you are mentored and supervised by qualified pharmacy educators.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

55 Elizabeth St, Sydney, NSW 2000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Provider's Published Fee

Commonwealth Supported Place — student contribution applies

Duration

208 weeks

Intakes

Semester 1

Study Mode

Full-time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Eligibility for admission to this program is based on applicants meeting the minimum selection rank, or satisfying the requirements for an approved admission scheme.
The University of Newcastle accepts a range of qualifications to determine eligibility for admission. These include, but are not limited to, Australian or overseas senior secondary qualifications (such as the HSC), prior tertiary studies, prior TAFE/VET studies, and completed enabling programs.
For further information on the pathways that are available to you, please refer to:
Domestic Applicants

International Applicants

English proficiency requirements
Applicants who do not speak English as a first language must first demonstrate that they meet the University's English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found in the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy.
IELTS overall minimum - 6.5
IELTS section minimum - 6.5
About English Language Pathways
Please note that eligibility for registration as a pharmacist currently requires higher English language proficiency. More information about English language requirements for registration can be found on the Australian Health Practitioner (AHPRA) website.
English language proficiency (IELTS Academic or approved equivalent): overall minimum 6.5; no sub-test below 6.5.
CRICOS course code: 079931D.

Domestic students

Minimum selection rank: 72.00 (Newcastle).
UAC code: 483800 — Newcastle.
Assumed knowledge: Mathematics Extension 1 or 2 or Mathematics Standard with a grade of Band 5 or higher, English Advanced, Chemistry and Physics.
Recommended studies: Extension Mathematics (extension 1 or 2) at any level of achievement or - Band 5 or 6 in 2 Unit Maths, English Advanced, Chemistry and Physics.

Additional requirements

Mandatory NSW Health Verification Requirements must be met. More information is available here.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

As a qualified pharmacist, you can choose from a range of interesting and rewarding career options.

• Researcher
• Consultant/accredited pharmacist
• Clinical research coordinator
• Diabetes educator
• GP pharmacist
• Aged-care pharmacist

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Pharmacy Council (APC)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

APC

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units32 units

Electives

Complete 10 units of electives to fulfil the requirements of the program. Electives can be used to extend and complement your core studies with more courses in the same field of study, or from areas that might be of interest to you. Electives can be chosen from all courses available at the University that do not have any other conditions (such as a course requisite) applied to them.

CHEM1010

Introductory Chemistry I

CHEM1020

Introductory Chemistry II

HUBS1202

Human Genomics and Biomolecular Analysis

HUBS1403

Biomedical Science Part 1

HUBS1404

Biomedical Science Part 2

PHAR1101

Introduction to Pharmacy and Formulation Sciences

PHAR1201

Introduction to Formulation Sciences

STAT1070

Statistics for the Sciences

HUBS2206

Human Biochemistry and Cell Biology

HUBS2407

Experimental and Clinical Design in Medical Research

HUBS2601

Human Infection and Immunity

PHAR2101

Dermatology and Topical Formulations

PHAR2102

Cardiovascular and Renal Health

PHAR2103

Introductory Clinical Pharmacotherapy

PHAR2202

Drug Design and Analytical Methods

PHAR2203

Gastrointestinal Health and Solid Dosage Formulations

PHAR2204

Clinical Pharmacotherapy 1

PHAR3101

Endocrinology and Injectable Dosage Formulations

PHAR3102

Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat Health, Respiratory Health and Related Formulations

PHAR3103

Mental and Neurological Health

PHAR3104

Clinical Pharmacotherapy 2

PHAR3201

Genitourinary and Reproductive Health and Dosage Formulations

PHAR3202

Rheumatology and Pain Management

PHAR3203

Clinical Pharmacotherapy 3

PHAR4101

Cancer, Critical Care and Palliation

PHAR4102A

Transition to Professional Practice in Pharmacy (Part A)

PHAR4102B

Transition to Professional Practice in Pharmacy (Part B)

PHAR4201

Pharmacogenomics and Health Technology Assessment

PHAR4204

Clinical Leadership in Health Care

PHAR4104A

Pharmacy Projects (Part A)

PHAR4104B

Pharmacy Projects (Part B)

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) take to complete?

The Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) at the University of Newcastle has a duration of 208 weeks (approximately 4 years).

Does the course include a work placement component?

Yes, the course includes a work component of 35 hours per week over 14 weeks, totalling 490 hours of practical work experience.

What is the estimated total cost of the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) for international students?

The estimated total course cost is AU$213,688, comprising tuition fees of AU$212,080 and non-tuition fees of AU$1,608.

Where is the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) delivered?

The course is delivered at The University of Newcastle's Callaghan campus, located at University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308.

Is this course eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights?

This course may be eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights if it meets all required criteria: it is registered, is a Skills Level 1 qualification (Bachelor degree), has a duration of 92 weeks or greater, and its narrow field of education (Pharmacy, 0605) aligns with the Skills Level 1 priority list. Eligibility is reviewed yearly and requires at least one active enrolment at the time of review.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Typical Salary (AUD)

Entry-level / Intern (0-2 years)$70,000 – $85,000/yr

Early Career (2-5 years)$85,000 – $110,000/yr

Mid-Level (5-10 years)$110,000 – $130,000/yr

Career Paths

Community Pharmacist
Hospital Pharmacist
Clinical Pharmacist
Intern Pharmacist
Pharmacy Manager

Key Skills

Pharmaceutical compounding and dispensing of medications
Pharmacology and understanding of drug mechanisms of action
Patient counselling and medication education
Clinical reasoning and medication review
Drug interaction and contraindication identification

Full course overview

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