Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Entry score
ATAR 78.40
-
Duration
Full-time 4 years -
Location
Bundoora -
Fees
Next intake
February Entry score
IELTS 7.0
Duration
Full-time 4 years Location
Bundoora Fees
AU$40,320 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February
Overview
Your career as a pharmacist
As a pharmacist you ensure safe and effective use of medicines. Career options include working in both community and hospital pharmacies, for the pharmaceutical industry, or in administration.
What you will study
In this program you’ll gain knowledge of how drugs are formulated into medicines and administered and how they are used in the treatment of disease.
Details
This four-year program is your first step to becoming a pharmacist. It prepares you for the one-year internship program that you need to successfully complete in order to gain Australia-wide registration.
Once you've successfully completed the program and the internship, you can practise in any area of pharmacy in Australia, including community or hospital pharmacy.
Alternatively, the degree provides you with a foundation from which you can progress with further studies to achieve a range of other career opportunities.
As an RMIT pharmacy student you’ll benefit from a supportive academic community with diverse research strengths. You’ll be able to gain real-world experience through work placements in both hospital and community pharmacies.
You’ll develop a sound scientific base in studies that include biochemistry, biostatistics, human biology, genetics, microbiology, immunology and cell biology.
In-depth knowledge of pharmacology, pharmacy practice, pharmaceutics and therapeutics is gained along with an understanding of drug development, clinical trials, regulatory affairs and pharmacovigilance.
Clinical placement is a key focus throughout this program.
Teaching labs are equipped with the latest pharmacy facilities. You’ll begin to develop the skills of a pharmacy practitioner in the purpose-built model pharmacy, together with practical work experience in hospital, community and specialist work-integrated learning environments.
The program is taught by experienced professionals skilled in cutting-edge research and sessional staff with current industry experience.
Inside the course experience
Our graduates and final year students talk about studying pharmacy at RMIT.
Industry are involved in the delivery of this program through:
- Program advisory groups
- Guest lecturing
- WIL opportunities
Year 1
You'll study a number of science courses to give you a sound scientific base, including biochemistry, biostatistics, human biology, genetics, microbiology, immunology and cell biology; as well as pharmacy-specific courses, engaging you in the development of professional skills.
Year 2
You'll be immersed in specific education and training in the major discipline areas. As well as being introduced to pharmacology, physiology, physicochemical principles and therapeutics, you'll study pharmacy-specific professional practice and essential medicine formulations.
In Year 2 you’ll engage in work-integrated learning experience embedded into the program.
Year 3
You'll do in-depth study of major therapeutic areas supported by more detailed pharmacology and expand your knowledge and skills in pharmacy practice, with increased emphasis on work-integrated learning activities. You’ll study advanced formulations, learn how to compound medicines for individual patients, and how the quality of medicines is regulated and assured.
Year 4
You'll expand your pharmacy practice and therapeutics proficiency through integrated study and engage in further work-integrated learning activities. You will learn about recent developments in medicines and complete a course preparing you for a major research project in your final semester of study.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) | Bundoora Campus |
4 years (8 semesters) full-time
|
4 years (8 semesters) full-time
|
BH102 | 079791M |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BH102
Career
Pharmacists prepare and dispense medicines in many forms. They also give patients advice on how to take or use their medicines in the safest and most effective way.
Pharmacists advise members of the public and other health professionals about both prescription and over-the counter medicines. They provide advice regarding which medicines to select, how much to take, how different medicines interact with each other, and any potential side effects.
Pharmacists also work in the research and development of medicines and other health-related products and they can manage pharmacies or pharmaceutical companies.
On completing this program you need to undertake a one-year internship in order to gain Australia-wide registration.
On successful completion of the program and your internship year, you can work in:
- community pharmacies
- hospital pharmacies
- the pharmaceutical industry (quality control, sales, marketing, and management)
- the bio-pharmaceutical industry
- clinical trials administration
- drug information agencies
- drug regulation for government or companies
- consulting to industry
- pharmacy professional organisations
- pharmacy academia
- medical research and communications
Graduates have gone on to work at a range of organisations including:
- Royal Melbourne Hosptial
- Alfred Hospital
- Austin Hospital
After the successful completion of internship and an examination, you'll be eligible for registration as a pharmacist with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
A reciprocal registration also exists with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand, allowing registration after a reduced period of working under supervision.
Admissions
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments).
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options.
RMIT admits students from a range of educational pathways, including Year 12 results, previous higher education or vocational education study, work experience, and for some programs - interviews, auditions or portfolios.
To get a better understanding of admissions at RMIT, view our ATAR information.
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., ATAR or GPA (including any adjustments).
Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent in 2016, 2017 or 2018. If applicable, this includes equity access schemes and any other adjustment factors.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible students from SNAP partner schools.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training study
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Certificate IV or above or equivalent.
Applicants with Higher Education study
Satisfactory completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level or overseas equivalent.
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent more then two years ago.
You must sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice if:
- You have no prior Year 12, VET qualifications, HE results or relevant work experience that meet the minimum entry requirements for the program; and
- You are 19 years of age or over (as of 1 Jan 2019) and have not enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years.
The STAT Multiple Choice will satisfy Year 12 English and Year 11 Mathematics prerequisites. Applicants must meet all other prerequisites or equivalents. Learn more about RMIT STAT results.
To become a registered as a pharmacist, a graduate must successfully complete an additional year of internship training and a registration examination.
Working With Children Check
Students must hold a valid Working With Children Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program.
Police Check
Students must present evidence of a successful National Police Record Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program.
Immunisations
Prior to undertaking clinical components of this course, students must provide evidence of adequate vaccination. See this guide for further information about vaccination for healthcare workers. Failure to provide evidence may result in students being unable to complete this course.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program will support your application into RMIT programs through an informal interview process with support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Your relevant life, work, educational and training experience as preparation for study, in addition to any formal qualifications, are all considered.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program (REAP) supports elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence. For more information visit our [website][https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/life-and-work-opportunities/sport-and-fitness/elite-athletes]
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 65% average (check calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
This program has limited spaces and complete applications must be submitted by 1 August (in any given year) in order to be considered.
Chemistry and Higher Mathematics; or
VCE Units 3 and 4 in Chemistry and Mathematics (any), with a study score of at least 25.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 7.0 (with no individual band below 6.5)
- TOEFL (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 600 (TWE 5.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 100 (with minimum of 24 in writing and 22 in all other sections)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 65 (with no communication band less than 58)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 185 with no less than 176 in any component
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Non-academic abilities you'll need to complete this program
Some inherent requirements for this program include:
- reading, writing and number skills for understanding and completing patient notes and dispensing medication
- vision and hearing to accurately gain information and treat patients
- managing your behaviour and emotions to provide safe and competent treatment
- time-based problem-solving when working with patients
View the full list of the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) inherent requirements:
Some inherent requirements for this program include:
- reading, writing and number skills for understanding and completing patient notes and dispensing medication
- vision and hearing to accurately gain information and treat patients
- managing your behaviour and emotions to provide safe and competent treatment
- time-based problem-solving when working with patients
View the full list of the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) inherent requirements:
Who are they for?
Inherent requirements apply to every applicant and may be worth considering if you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition.
Why do you need to know?
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, and the non-academic abilities you may need in this program, 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
What support is available?
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, please discuss this with RMIT program staff or the Equitable Learning Services (ELS).
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we may be able to 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 ELS.
Pathways
Fees
In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958*.
* 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.
Additional expenses
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$303 maximum fee for 2019.
Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
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.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958.
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?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. 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 2019
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2019 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,566 per standard year |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,359 per standard year |
|
$10,958 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 HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will 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 2019 is $303.
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 annual tuition fee for 2019 is AU$40,320.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$167,040.
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.