Courses

Masters of Pharmacy Program: Frequently Asked Questions page

Pharmacy currently runs the following degrees:

• Master of Pharmacy Coursework (767AA)
• Master of Pharmacy Research (887AA)
• Graduate Certificate in Clinical Trials Management (Online)

Master of Pharmacy Coursework (767AA)

Introduction

The course caters for graduates of an appropriate undergraduate medical science or human biology degree with an emphasis on chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmaceutical sciences, human biology, anatomy and physiology leading to the provision of a focused training in professional pharmacy. The students will be encouraged to develop an understanding of healthcare consumers needs within a framework of the healthcare team and institutions that supply healthcare. Inter-professional learning is emphasized through out the entire course.

Professional practice experience will be gained in public and private hospitals and community pharmacies and any other relevant pharmacy workplaces in the ACT and surrounding region. These attachments will lead to the students gaining competency in the areas outlined in the Competency Standards for Pharmacists in Australia 2003 and regulated by the Council of Pharmacy Regulating Authorities (COPRA) and NZ and Australian Pharmacy School Accredition Council (NAPSAC).

Course duration
Standard Full-time: 4 semesters of 18 weeks each, total 2 years.

Admission requirements

Applicants will have a relevant degree in Medical Science with an emphasis on chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, biology, anatomy and physiology or equivalent and have a history of above average grades. Admission will be competitive and applicants may be required to attend an interview.

Additional requirements (e.g. police checks)

All students in the Master of Pharmacy course are required to undergo a Police Record Check prior to undertaking clinical experience in the community. The cost related to the check is currently $43.00 (GST inc). All students are also required to present current immunisation records prior to commencing clinical experience. Acknowledgement of the principles of ethical conduct and patients privacy within the healthcare setting are sought from the students. Healthcare institutions will require all students to abide by their guidelines for conduct within their environments.

Professional experience
Professional experience will be gained in public hospitals and community pharmacies in the ACT and surrounding region. Close attention will be paid to addressing the competency standards laid down by the profession of pharmacy. Some support will be provided to enable students to undertake a replacement in the rural region of Australia.

Full-time Course Structure

Further Inquiry

Master of Pharmacy Coursework Convener Dr Mark Naunton
Telephone:  +61 2 6201 2462 
Email: Mark.Naunton@canberra.edu.au

Visit the Frequent Asked Questions FAQs

Further information about the course is on the Web: http://www.canberra.edu.au/courses/

How to apply and obtain application forms is on the Web: http://www.canberra.edu.au/student-services/applying-to-study

Master of Pharmacy Research (887AA)

Introduction

This course is designed to meet the needs of graduates (from pharmacy or another approved area of health or pharmaceutical sciences) who wish to further develop their expertise in pharmacy and pharmaceutical science by research. It is an opportunity for students with relevant research skills and experience to undertake independent research in an area of interest that contributes to the pharmaceutical literature.

Course duration

2-year full-time, or 4-year part-time.

48 credit points as set out in (a) or (b)

(a) 100% thesis

48 credit points from the following required unit:
7550 Master of Pharmacy (Research) Type 1 Thesis 48cp
(b) 75% thesis and 25% coursework as follows

(i) 36 credit points from one of the following required units:
7551 Master of Pharmacy (Research) Type 2 Thesis 36cp
 AND

(ii) 12 CP PG level units as approved by the course convener.

Students are also required to complete a Research Education Program that will enable them to acquire the generic skills and attributes identified as appropriate for graduates of postgraduate research programs at the University of Canberra.

Admission requirements

A recognised undergraduate Pharmacy degree at honours level or health sciences degree at honours level or equivalent from a recognised tertiary institution with demonstrated capacity and/or aptitude for research (in accordance with the Gold Book 3.4.4.).

Depending on the desired area of study and the applicants discipline background, appropriate bridging requirements may be required.

Additional requirements (e.g. police checks):

Students undertaking the Master of Pharmacy (Research) may be required to undergo a Police Record Check prior to undertaking clinical research. Those students are also required to present current immunisation records prior to commencing clinical research. Acknowledgement of the principles of ethical conduct and patient's privacy within the healthcare setting are sought from such students. Healthcare institutions will require students to abide by their guidelines for conduct within their environments.

Professional Recognition

A higher degree by research in a specific area of Pharmacy is recognised as a means of achieving credit towards professional specialisation.

*This course does not fulfill the academic requirements towards entry-level Pharmacy registration in Australia.

Typical Course Structure

100% thesis

Further Inquiry

Master of Pharmacy (Research) Convener Dr Alison Shield
Telephone:  +61 2 6201 2084 
Email: Alison.Shield@canberra.edu.au

Visit the Frequent Asked Questions FAQs

Further information about the course on the Web: http://www.canberra.edu.au/courses/

How to apply and obtain application forms is on the Web: http://www.canberra.edu.au/research/students/admission

Graduate Certificate in Clinical Trials Management (online) (463AA) CLOSED TO NEW ENROLEMENTS

Introduction

This multi-disciplinary course is designed to meet the needs of those health care professionals with a medical, veterinary, nursing, pharmacy, paramedical or biomedical science background who wish to obtain the specialised theoretical and practical skills required to plan, coordinate and conduct clinical trials research - human and/or animal. It is anticipated that most participants will be employed, although not necessarily, in the area of clinical trials.

This course is only offered in flexible delivery mode.

Course duration

Standard four semesters part-time.Maximum four semesters.

Note: This course is only available on a part-time basis.

Typical Course Structure

Further Inquiry

Graduate Certificate in Clinical Trials Management Convener Louise Deeks
Telephone:  +61 2 6201 2369 
Email: Louise.Deeks@canberra.edu.au

Visit the Frequent Asked Questions FAQs

Further information about the course on the Web: http://www.canberra.edu.au/courses/  Please note; this course is not being offered in 2012.

How to apply and obtain application forms is on the Web: http://www.canberra.edu.au/research/students/admission