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Pharmacy student
Postgraduate Coursework

Master of Pharmacy

Key details

Duration

2 year/s full-time
2 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1
On campus - Semester 1
Online - No
Important Dates

Locations

Casuarina campus, Online
Casuarina campus

Credit points required

240

Course code

SPHA01
SATAC codes

Overview

The Master of Pharmacy 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, coursework, 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.



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 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.

Stephen Kho - Public Health Research

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
Stephen Kho - Public Health Research

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
Stephen Kho - Public Health Research

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
Stephen Kho - Public Health Research

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. 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 the summer semester 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 indicated.

Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements
Core Units
(14 units)
240cpCompulsory 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) 
PHM516 Indigenous Health
PHM527 Research, Ethics and Impact
PHA601 Integrated Case Management
 240cpTotal Credit Points

 

 

Study plan


Students commencing in Semester 1

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in intensive period 1 and enrolling in the required standard full time load.

Please note: Semester 2 and Intensive 6 commence two weeks earlier than CDU's standard teaching periods.

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist ElectiveE = Elective
Intensive 1 
(6 weeks)
(8/01/2024 - 18/02/2024)
Semester 1
(Commence 4/03/2024)
Semester 2
(Commence 8/07/2024)
Intensive 6 
(6 weeks)
(Commence 4/11/2024)
Year 1
PHA501 Introduction to Pharmacy (20cp)COPHA502 Applied Pharmacotherapy in Patient Care A (30cp)COPHA503 Applied Pharmacotherapy in Patient Care B (30cp)COPHA507 How Medicines Work: Medicinal Chemistry (5 day intensive)CO
  PHA506 How Medicines Work: Metabolism and PharmacokineticsCOPHM527 Research, Ethics and ImpactCOPHA508 How Medicines Work: Drug Design, Formulation and CompoundingCO
Year 2
PHA509 Quality Use of MedicinesCOPHA504 Applied Pharmacotherapy in Patient Care C (30cp)COPHA505 Applied Pharmacotherapy in Patient Care D (30cp)COPHA510 Quality Use of Medicines Research Project (20cp)CO
BUS509 Allied Health Business and ManagementCOPHM516 Indigenous HealthCOPHA601 Integrated Case ManagementCO  

 

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 recognised bachelor degree or equivalent international qualification in any discipline with at least a GPA of 4.00.
  • Completion of the below units undertaken in prior qualification(s) as evidenced in transcripts:
  • Organic chemistry
  • Inorganic chemistry
  • Mathematics or statistics

The units can be undertaken at any level of study; however, the level of the units will be a factor used in the ranking process.

  • Applicants intending to compete in one of the designated subquotas, must complete and submit the NT Residence and/or the First Nations statutory declaration(s).

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

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. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.

The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in 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 ModuleA 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 ProficiencyA 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 moduleA 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

Nikki Govan

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

Nishat studying

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

Nikki Govan

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

Nishat studying

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

Can offers be deferred?
No
Award
Master of Pharmacy
Faculty/College
Faculty of Health
Sector
HE
Area of study
Health, Allied Health Sciences

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

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.

Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.

SATAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
Casuarina campus (CSP)
1CM154
Casuarina campus (FF)
1CM654
Online (CSP)
1CM154
Online (FF)
1CM654
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

CRICOS codes

Location
CRICOS Code
Casuarina campus
111117H

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