If you’re looking to become a pharmacist, this 4-year program is your first step. It prepares you for the 1-year internship you need to do to gain Australia-wide registration.

As a pharmacist you will ensure safe and effective use of drugs improving the health and wellbeing of our community. You’ll gain knowledge on how and why drugs work, how they are formulated and administered and how they are used in the treatment of disease.

On completion of the accredited RMIT degree and the intern year, you may practice in any area of pharmacy in Australia including community or hospital pharmacy.

The degree provides you with an extensive scientific foundation from which you can do further studies in research or business and achieve a wide range of career opportunities.

RMIT Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) Overview

You’ll develop the skills of a pharmacy practitioner in the purpose built simulated environment of a model pharmacy, and practical work experience in hospital, community and specialist work integrated learning environments.

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 degree.

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.

Entry Requirements

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 65% average.

Prerequisites:  Chemistry and Higher Mathematics; or VCE Units 3 and 4 in Chemistry and Mathematics (any), with a study score of at least 25.

Professional Recognition

After the degree, internship and final exam, you will be eligible for Pharmacy Board of Australia registration, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia membership, and Pharmacy Council of New Zealand reciprocal registration (after four weeks working under supervision).

It is the student’s responsibility to contact their local credentialing body for re-entry pathways. The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) is the national certification body for the pharmacy profession in Canada. Upon returning, students must go through an evaluation procedure with the PEBC.