Pharmacy

Research conducted at the Faculty of Pharmacy covers a broad spectrum of pharmaceutical and clinical sciences around five key themes: cancer; cardiovascular and diabetes; health services and patient safety; mental health; and respiratory diseases. This course provides an opportunity for intensive research training with the University of Sydney’s internationally renowned Faculty of Pharmacy.
Our researchers are experts in a broad spectrum of pharmaceutical and clinical sciences, including: the design, synthesis, testing and mechanism of action of drugs, studies on advanced drug delivery, investigation of the fate of drugs in humans including pharmacogenomics and other aspects of drug disposition, and research on the clinical and sociological aspects of pharmacy and health services research.
Some current research topics relate to: calcium regulation and cell signalling, cancer and anti-cancer agents, photobiology of drugs and pollutants, radiopharmaceutical agents, formulation and delivery of proteins and drugs, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, pharmaceutical powders, asthma, quality use of medicines, and various issues relating to community pharmacy practice. 
The Doctor of Philosophy provides an opportunity for intensive research training with the Faculty of Pharmacy. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the Faculty of Pharmacy will allow you to pursue research from one of a number of fields in which the faculty has expertise. 
Full-time students will complete the degree in two to three years and part-time students will complete the degree in four to six years. During this time students will undertake research culminating in the submission of an 80,000 word thesis.

Research at the Faculty of Pharmacy is structured around themes that closely reflect the Australian government’s health priorities:

• cancer
• cardiovascular disease and diabetes
• health services and patient safety
• mental health, and
• respiratory disease.

The research covers a broad spectrum of pharmaceutical and clinical sciences, including:

• the design, synthesis, testing and mechanism of action of drugs
• studies on advanced drug delivery
• investigation of the fate of drugs in humans including pharmacogenomics and other aspects of drug disposition, and
• research on the clinical and sociological aspects of pharmacy and health services research.

Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply in plenty of time, and even before completion of their current qualifying degree. In these circumstances, referee reports are essential as part of the application for admission.
To apply for a PhD, you need to demonstrate sufficient prior research experience and capability. In most cases, to be eligible to apply for a PhD you will have:

• a Bachelors degree with first or upper second class Honours or
• a Masters degree performed at a high academic standard, and which includes substantial component of original research, or
• an equivalent qualification that demonstrates research experience, excellence and capability.

Applying for admission

1. Find a supervisor within the University whose academic background aligns with your research. You may visit Research Supervisor Connect to start.

2. Contact a research supervisor either through Research Supervisor Connect or email and provide:

• your academic/educational background and research experience with examples such as an academic transcript
• your CV/resume
• the area of interest for your PhD
• why you believe your research topics align with this supervisor

3. In conjunction with your supervisor, develop a preliminary research proposal (see 'Preparing your research proposal' below).

4. If you intend to study part-time towards a PhD, you will also need to supply:

• evidence that shows you will have sufficient time available to plan and carry out the research under the supervision of the University, and complete the course within the maximum period allowed for a part-time PhD enrolment

• a declaration from your employer (if relevant) confirming that you will be permitted to take the time required to effectively pursue your studies.

5. Your research proposal should be submitted along with your CV, academic transcripts and other supporting documents.

6. Applications are made via the University’s online application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply Now’ button on the right hand side of this page.

Please note - Except for IPRS and UsydIS scholarships for international students, you must complete a separate scholarship application

These criteria constitute the minimum requirements for eligibility and do not guarantee admission. That remains at the discretion of the relevant supervisors and departments, and access to supervision remains highly competitive. The University must certify that there are sufficient supervisory and other resources and facilities available to enable your candidature to be completed successfully.

Additional application requirements

In order for your application to be assessed, you will be required to upload all of the following documents:

• certified academic transcripts for all your previous tertiary study, if they were not completed at The University of Sydney
• CV, providing a summary of your work experience
• two academic references (international and domestic applicants)
• research proposal (see 'Preparing your research proposal' below).
• statement of capacity to undertake part-time candidature (if applicable –domestic applicants)
• evidence that your supervisor supports your application. This can be PDF copies of emails between you and your supervisor
• proof of your Australian residency status (a certified copy of the main page your Australian passport, or a certified copy of the main page(s) of your own passport with evidence of your visa)
• IELTS: A minimum result of 6.5 overall and a minimum result of 6.0 in each band
• TOEFL paper-based: A minimum result of 565 overall including a minimum result of 4.5 in Writing TOEFL IBT: A minimum result of 85 overall including a minimum result of 17 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 19 in Writing

Preparing your research proposal

A research proposal is a required document as part of application for admission to a postgraduate research degree at the University of Sydney. It is necessary to prepare a proposal that clearly summaries your proposed research project. You should prepare this document and it should be reviewed your supervisor(s) before submission with your application for admission. If you are admitted this initial research proposal will be used as a basis for preparation of your final research program in your first year of candidature.
Below are guidelines to help you prepare your initial research proposal for admission. Requirements of Faculties may vary so please contact your supervisor(s) or the relevant Postgraduate Research Coordinator for more information.

• Min-Max length: up to 2000 words
• Project Title: Working title for the project
• Supervisor name(s): Names of supervisor(s)
• Proposed mode of research: Describe your mode of research? (e.g. creative work, laboratory/field research, clinical investigations, archive/library study)
• Aims and objectives What are the overall aims of the work? What objectives are necessary to meet the aims?
• Synopsis: Briefly describe the key aspects of what you will be investigating
• Background: Brief review of literature in the area of interest. Describe what research lays the groundwork for your topic.
• Expected research contribution: Why is the topic/creative work important? Describe how the research may be novel and its impact on the discipline.
• The proposed methodology: Approach or methodology to be used in the research, the materials/equipment you intend to use, your space/laboratory/studio requirements.
• Work plan: An initial plan for completion with annual milestones.
• Resources: Provide details of major resources required for you to carry out your research project. What significant resources are required for the success of your proposed project (e.g. travel, equipment)?
• References: A short bibliography of the cited literature.
• Work plan: An initial plan for completion with annual milestones.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS)
• Research Training Program Fee Offset and Stipend Scholarship (International - formerly IPRS)
• University of Sydney International Scholarship (USydIS)
• Vice-Chancellor International Scholarships Scheme