Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Honours)

Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Honours)

UNDERGRADUATE

Study alongside industry in this intensive, practical degree and pursue your career goals in the pharmaceutical sector.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

Next intake:
February
Location:
Bundoora
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$41,280 (2023 total)

Next intake:
February
Location:
Bundoora

Overview

The Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Honours) provides industry-based participatory learning.

In this degree, you will gain experience, skills and knowledge that can only be obtained from within the pharmaceutical science industry.

Why study pharmaceutical sciences at RMIT?

Industry placements

Participate in live projects and actively contribute in a real-world setting.

Designed by experts

Industry professionals contribute to the ongoing development of the curriculum.

Professional associations

On completion, you will be eligible to join a number of professional societies.

Industry connected learning

Employers and industry professionals contribute to the ongoing development of the curriculum. Their involvement ensures that the degree 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 graduating from an equivalent degree from other institutions will liaise with the program coordinator to facilitate preferences and placement interview times after application and enrolment.

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.

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Person holding capsule between fingers.

Gain industry experience

You’ll undertake approximately 40 weeks of supervised training with an industry placement partner, where you will gain industry work experience and academic research skills.

Details

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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 analysis review
  • journals and critical reflection exercises
  • oral presentation
  • workplace visit
  • performance appraisals from industry supervisors.

You’ll attend professional workshops and seminars and have regular correspondence with RMIT throughout your placement.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

Strong industry engagement is essential to this degree.

RMIT has established links with many pharmaceutical companies, clinical research organisations, hospitals and universities.

While on placement, you’ll participate in industry projects and actively contribute to the goals and outcomes of your placement partner.

This degree has been developed with the input of an Industry Advisory Committee, comprising various members working in pharmaceutical sciences, and has been developed according to industry needs and feedback.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

Plans are variations offered for this degree, such as specialisations, modes of delivery or location.

Browse a plan to see the subjects our students are currently studying.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Honours)
Program code: BH121
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Honours)
Bundoora Campus
1 year (2 semesters) full-time
BH121
092331G
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
1 year (2 semesters) full-time
Plan code
BH121
CRICOS
092331G
View plan
Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Honours)
Bundoora Campus
1 year (2 semesters) full-time
BH121
092331G
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
1 year (2 semesters) full-time
Plan code
BH121
CRICOS
092331G
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

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. Graduates can go on to work international, and with multinational organisations.

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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

Prerequisites

None

Selection criteria by applicant type

The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.

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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.

Secondary education (Year 12) is not considered for entry into this program.

Vocational education and training (VET) is not considered for entry into this program.

Work and life experience is not considered for entry into this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (BP311) at RMIT University or an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in a related discipline.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

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 course 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.

Additional information

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Immunisation and vaccination requirements*

Immunisation requirements will depend on the placement organisation. Students will need to check the immunisation requirements of the placement organisation before commencing their placements.

Please note: 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 must present evidence of a successful National Police Records Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program (Annual requirement for the duration of your Program). National Police records check are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using the student’s name and the RMIT issued student email address, once studies in the program have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
  • Working with Children Check (valid for 5 years): Students must hold a valid Working with Children Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program.
  • NDIS Worker Screening Check*:  You may be required to apply for and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement with an NDIS provider as part of this program. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
  • COVID19 Vaccination*: You will be required to undertake COVID19 Vaccination as part of this program. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.

For more information or if you have any questions about these requirements please contact RMIT Connect – Work and Study Opportunities where your enquiry will be dealt with accordingly.

Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

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

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Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

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.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Many students go onto higher degrees in business, marketing and science fields.

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You can gain entry to this honours degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

Many students go onto higher degrees in business, marketing and science fields.

Fees

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2023 indicative fees

In 2023, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,124 to AU$15,142*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023.
  • 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.

New government eligibility rules in 2022 - low completion rates

From 2022, there are new government rules about eligibility for higher education student funding as part of the Australian Government’s Job-ready Graduates legislation. If you're starting a program in or after 2022 and are enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or have a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan, these changes affect you. For details, please see Low completion rate and government funding.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2023. 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 2023 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2023
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,124 per standard year
$515 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $8,301 per standard year
$1,037 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $11,800 per standard year
$1,475 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $15,142 per standard year
$1,892 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

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 2023 is $326. 

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.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$41,280.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information