Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

The Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) at Monash University is a comprehensive undergraduate degree designed to prepare students for a diverse and rewarding career in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. This program equips students with a strong foundation in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and health sciences, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills essential for professional practice. Over the course of the program, students engage in rigorous coursework covering areas such as medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacotherapy, pharmaceutical technology, and patient care. The curriculum is carefully structured to align with national and international standards, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of healthcare systems worldwide.

Students will participate in experiential learning through clinical placements in various healthcare settings, gaining valuable real-world experience under the supervision of established professionals. The program emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care, ethical practice, and effective communication, enabling graduates to provide optimal medication management and counselling services. Advanced topics such as pharmaceutical research, regulatory affairs, and pharmacy management are also integral components of the curriculum, broadening career pathways beyond community and hospital pharmacy roles. The degree culminates in a research project or internship, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for innovation in pharmaceutical sciences.

Graduates of this program are eligible for provisional registration as pharmacists with the Pharmacy Board of Australia, allowing them to pursue registration after completing the required supervised practice. Career opportunities extend across community pharmacies, hospitals, pharmaceutical industry, research organizations, and health policy agencies. Monash University’s strong industry links and dedicated teaching staff ensure students receive a high-quality education grounded in the latest scientific advances and clinical practices. This degree not only prepares students for registration as a pharmacist but also lays a solid foundation for postgraduate study or careers in pharmaceutical research and development, healthcare management, and academia.

Structure

This course consists of:

• a research and thesis component
• a professional development training program.

Requirements

Students must, in consultation with and under the direct supervision of a member/s of the academic staff:

(1.) carry out a program of research on an agreed topic approved by the faculty in the student's chosen discipline for a specified period, including attending and/or presenting at seminars and other related activities as indicated by the faculty

(2.) submit for assessment a thesis of not more than 80,000 words on the program of research which meets the requirements of the examiners. Submission of the thesis based on or partially based on conjointly published or unpublished work may be permitted.

(3.) satisfactorily complete the following program of professional development training:

• Pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences PhD program

Students are required to undertake regular progress milestones to support them in conducting research of an appropriate quality, originality and depth as required by their course of study, in accordance with the Graduate Research Progress Management policy and supporting procedures.

Qualifications

Qualifications and experience equivalent to a bachelors degree in pharmacy, pharmaceutical science, science or other relevant field at a level of honours I or IIA from a recognised tertiary institution or a masters degree in pharmacy or other relevant field. Students will also need to provide details of publications in refereed journals, conference abstracts and reports or relevant research experience that demonstrates research proficiency.

English entry requirements

IELTS 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0, TOEFL 577 with a TWE of 5; or a computer-based TOEFL 233 with an Essay Rating (ER) of 5.

The Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) program at Monash University offers a range of financial support options to assist students throughout their studies. Domestic students may be eligible for government-subsidized places under the Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) scheme, which significantly reduces the tuition fees compared to full fee-paying places. Students in CSPs are responsible for paying the Student Service and Amenities Fee (SSAF), which covers various student services and activities. For international students, the program's tuition fees are set by Monash University and vary annually; international students are required to pay the full fee upfront or through approved payment plans.

Monash University provides a variety of scholarships for pharmacy students, including those based on academic excellence, financial need, or specific criteria such as leadership or community service. These scholarships can offset tuition costs and sometimes cover additional expenses like textbooks and accommodation. Some scholarships are available specifically for students undertaking clinical placements or research components of the degree.

In addition to scholarships, students can explore private funding options, such as Commonwealth Loans for eligible domestic students, which allow students to defer a portion of their tuition fees and repay them after graduation through the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP). Standalone financial aid programs, grants, and bursaries are also available for eligible students facing financial hardship.

Students are encouraged to consult Monash University's Student Financial Support services for personalized advice and to understand eligibility criteria and application procedures. The university also offers payment plans and financial counseling to help manage education-related expenses effectively. Overall, Monash University aims to make pharmacy education accessible and affordable through its comprehensive funding and support schemes.

The Bachelor of Pharmacy at Monash University offers students a comprehensive education in pharmaceutical sciences, preparing graduates for a variety of careers within the pharmacy sector and related fields. The program is designed to equip students with a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, health sciences, and clinical practice, enabling them to contribute effectively to patient care, medication management, and healthcare teams. Throughout the course, students engage with a broad range of subjects, including pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacy practice, biosciences, and public health, ensuring they develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

The curriculum integrates hands-on training through laboratory work, simulations, and industry placements, allowing students to gain real-world experience in pharmacy settings. Monash University emphasizes a student-centered approach, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for effective pharmacy practice. The program is accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), and upon graduation, students qualify to register as a pharmacist with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.

Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated pharmacy practice labs, research laboratories, and a well-equipped library. The university also encourages involvement in research projects, internships, and community health programs, providing a well-rounded educational experience. Graduates of the Bachelor of Pharmacy program at Monash are well-positioned to pursue careers not only in community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, and pharmaceutical industry but also in research, academia, and health policy.

The program typically takes four years to complete full-time, with options for part-time study and combined degrees. Monash University’s global reputation and extensive industry networks support students in their professional development and employment opportunities post-graduation. The university’s location in Melbourne provides excellent access to healthcare facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions, further enriching the learning experience. Overall, the Bachelor of Pharmacy at Monash University is designed to produce competent, ethical, and innovative pharmacists capable of making meaningful contributions to healthcare and society.