Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Honours)
Quick facts
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Entry score
Not applicable
-
Duration
Full-time 1 year -
Location
Bundoora -
Fees
Next intake
FebruaryEntry score
Not applicable
Duration
Full-time 1 yearLocation
Bundoora East, Bundoora WestFees
AU$38,400 (2021 total)
Next intake
February
Overview
Your career in pharmaceutical sciences
This honours degree provides a distinctive competitive advantage in the pharmaceutical and related job market and allows you to contribute to improving health in Australia.
Gain industry experience
You will undertake 40 weeks of supervised training with an industry placement partner, where you will gain industry work experience and academic research skills.
Details
This course provides industry-based participatory learning. Over 40 weeks you will gain experience, skills and knowledge that can only be obtained from within the pharmaceutical science industry.
Employers and industry professionals contribute to the ongoing development of the course. Their involvement ensures that the course remains relevant to your needs as a graduate and to the needs of graduate employers.
RMIT partners with more than 30 organisations each year to provide this innovative, industry-based opportunity.
Partner organisations include:
- pharmaceutical companies
- clinical research organisations
- hospitals
- universities
Placement allocation is determined by a competitive process. Based on student areas of interest, partners conduct interviews and select their preferred candidates.
Graduates continuing into honours from the RMIT Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences undergraduate degree will commence placement selection in third year.
Applicants from other institutions graduating from an equivalent degree will liaise with the program coordinator to facilitate preferences and placement interview times after application and enrolment.
An honours degree allows the integration of theoretical and practical skills acquired at university with practice and training in the workplace, along with academic research skills in critical thinking, analysis and synthesis of information.
Learning is achieved through participation and contribution to industry projects.
Assessment includes:
- literature review
- critical review
- case study
- organisational analysis report
- journals and reflection exercises
- oral presentation
- workplace visit
- performance appraisals from industry supervisors
You will also attend professional workshops and seminars and have regular correspondence with RMIT throughout your placement.
You'll have access to extensive online resources through the myRMIT student portal.
Strong industry engagement is essential to our course. RMIT has established links with many pharmaceutical companies, clinical research organisations, hospitals and universities.
While on placement, you will participate in industry projects and actively contribute to the goals and outcomes of your placement partner.
This course has been developed with the input of a Program Advisory Committee comprising various professional members and has been developed according to industry needs and feedback.
Many of our industry professionals are RMIT Pharmaceutical Science graduates who are keen to mentor current students along their path to careers in pharmaceutical science and related industries.
This honours degree operates within Australia only. However, graduates from the degree can go onto work internationally and with multi-national organisations.
International exchange opportunities allow you to study overseas for a semester or year. RMIT has civil and infrastructure engineering student exchange program agreements with universities in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia.
Optional study tours are also available such as the Sustainable cities of the future – France study tour.
Through partner organisations in Europe, Asia and the United States, the RMIT International Industry Experience and Research Program (RIIERP) offers workplace training and academic research placements of between six and 12 months.
There are also opportunities for global work, exchange and study experiences.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Honours) | Bundoora Campus |
1 year (2 semesters) full-time
|
1 year (2 semesters) full-time
|
BH121 | 092331G |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BH121
Career
This honours degree provides a unique competitive advantage when seeking employment in the pharmaceutical industry and related sectors, allowing you to contribute to improving health in Australia.
RMIT pharmaceutical sciences graduates are highly skilled with practice and training in the workplace, along with academic research skills in critical thinking, analysis and synthesis of information.
Graduates can work in:
- pharmaceutical and health care companies specialising in running clinical trials, managing medical information or registering new drugs
- universities, hospitals or biomedical research institutes developing new treatments
- organisations specialising in forensics, medical auditing or research governance
Career outlook
With the strong involvement of industry in the development of this degree, RMIT honours graduates are viewed favourably as future employees.
Studying pharmaceutical sciences at RMIT equips graduates with technical, research and academic skills as well as an in-depth understanding of current industry practices through placement and training opportunities in this sector.
On successful completion of the degree, you may be eligible to join a number of Australian professional societies in the medical and pharmaceutical fields. These include:
Admissions
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Applicants with Higher Education study
Applicants must have:
- completed the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at RMIT University, or an equivalent undergraduate degree, and
- been successful in the interview process with an industry placement partner to gain an approved placement for the program. For graduates of the RMIT Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences program, this interview process will have occurred in the relevant course in the last year of that program. Graduates of other equivalent bachelor degrees should contact the program manager as soon as possible to arrange an interview process with an industry placement provider.
Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)
Secondary education (Year 12) is not considered for entry into this program.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training
Vocational education and training (VET) is not considered for entry into this program.
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Work and life experience is not considered for entry into this program.
Applicants are required to participate in the interview process with an industry placement provider to gain an approved placement for the program. For graduates of the RMIT Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences program (BP311), this interview process will have occurred in the relevant course in the last year of that program.
Graduates of other equivalent bachelor degrees should contact the program manager as soon as possible to arrange an interview process with an industry placement provider.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Immunisation requirements will depend on the placement organisation. Students will need to check the immunisation requirements of the placement organisation before commencing their placements.
A full course of immunisation requirements can take up to 7 months. It is essential to confirm these requirements with the School as soon as possible.
Compliance requirements
- Police Check: Students may be required to hold a National Police Check. If required, further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
- Working with Children Check (valid for 5 years): Students may be required to hold a valid Working with Children Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program. If required, further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
For more information or if you have any questions about these requirements please email SHBS.wil@rmit.edu.au.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:
- understand more about the program
- determine if you may need support during your studies
- make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.
Pathways
Credit and recognition of prior learning
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience. Find out if you might be eligible.
Many students go onto higher degrees in business, marketing and science fields.
Many students go onto higher degrees in business, marketing and science fields.
Fees
2021 indicative fees
In 2021, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$3,700 to AU$14,500*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$313 maximum fee for 2021.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
Paying your fees and applying for refunds
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
The Australian Government has announced amendments to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students commencing their program in 2021 and are subject to the passage of legislation. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2021
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2021 |
Agriculture, english, languages, mathematics, nursing, postgraduate clinical psychology, teaching |
$3,700 per standard year $462 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Architecture, creative arts, engineering, environmental studies, health, information technology, science |
$7,700 per standard year |
Dental, medical and veterinary science |
$11,300 per standard year |
Arts, commerce, communications, economics, humanities (excluding languages), law, management |
$14,500 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
SA-HELP Loans
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2021 is $313.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2021 commencement is AU$38,400.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
Applying for refunds
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
Looking for answers or more general infomation?
For frequently asked questions or how to find more information regarding applications and enrolments, fees, student support services, university policies and more, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.