Thinking about enrolling in the Master of Pharmacy Coursework or Research? These Frequently Asked Questions may help you find some answers.

Q1. Is the Master of Pharmacy coursework suitable for a graduate of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) who wants do gain a higher degree?

No, this is not a higher degree for pharmacists; it is for graduates of health sciences who wish to gain intensive training in Pharmacy to enable them to become a registered Pharmacist. It is equivalent in practical terms to a B. Pharm.

Q2. I have a Pharmacy Degree from overseas and I now wish to gain an Australian Pharmacy Degree, can I complete the Master of Pharmacy coursework and then become registered in Australia?

Holders of overseas degrees usually gain registration in Australia by completing the Australian Pharmacy Council Exams and supervision period.  If the pharmacist wants to gain an Australian degree, they may enrol but unless they have residency cannot complete their pre-registration year in Australa.  Applicants should enquire with the Australian Embassy in their country of origin before they apply to conform these arrangements.

Q3. Who is eligible to apply for the Master of Pharmacy coursework?

Graduates of Biomedical Science or similar are eligible to apply, but they must have included in their degree Chemistry, Biochemistry, Human Biology, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology. Graduates must have achieved a credit average. Those graduates who have most but not all of these subjects can enroll in bridging courses in the University of Canberra, or any recognised university, to achieve these pre-requisite subjects before they are eligible to apply. Students must complete units before enrolment in the course.

An applicants undergraduate’s degree must be less than 10 years old to be valid for enrolment. Applicant may undertake a Graduate Certificate (ie Graduate Certificate in Clinical Trials or Research Training) in an area of interest to up-skill to be eligible to apply for the Masters of Pharmacy (Coursework)

Q4. If I don't have all the required subjects and need to make these up, can I do these at UC?

Yes, you can any of the required subjects that you need to do at UC.  The list of subjects and contact details of the unit convenors are as follows:  

·        Chemistry 1a (1516) – Unit Convenor: Dr Tamsin Kelly – (02) 6201 2590

·        Chemistry 1b (1517) – Unit Convenor: Dr Ashraf Ghanem – (02) 6201 2089

·        Biochemistry (6530) – Unit Convenor: Dr Robyn Prior – (02) 6201 5450

·        Introduction to Microbiology (6510) – Unit Convenor: Dr Michael Frese

–        (02) 6201 2243

·        Systemic Anatomy and Physiology (6529) – Unit Convenor: Ms Disa Smee

–        (02) 6201 2927

·        Regional Anatomy and Physiology (6534) – Unit Convenor: Patti Denham Mason

·        Concepts in Biology (483) – unit Convenor: Dr Jim Woolnough – 6201 2259

Q5. What other requirements are there for entry into the M Pharm Coursework?

Graduates must also have completed the application forms (both general and Pharmacy specific) available from the Student Admission Office at the University of Canberra. Admission will be competitive and applicants may be required to undertake an interview (CUT). 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 and inability to do so will be grounds for exclusion.

Q6. Is the Master of Pharmacy Coursework accredited with the Australian Pharmacy Council?

The Master of Pharmacy (Coursework) is fully accredited with the Australian Pharmacy Council.

The Staff at the University of Canberra are working closely with the ACT Pharmacy Board and APC to make sure all accreditation issues are addressed as the course progresses.

Q7. What types of professional practice experience is included in the coursework?

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. Clinical case write-ups and logbook entries will supplement the clinical and professional aspects of the program. Opportunities will be available to develop communication between the healthcare team members and the profession.

Q8. How long is the coursework?

The coursework will take the equivalent of 2 calendar years to complete with commencement in July each year. Due to accreditation requirements the total course will extend beyond the normal academic year.

Q9. How much does the M Pharm coursework cost?

This course has Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) and full-fee paying for international students. Yearly increments consistent with University policy will apply. For further information, please go to the following site: http://www.canberra.edu.au/student-services/fees

Q10. What personality types best suit to become Pharmacists?

Individuals who enjoy communication and working in teams are well suited to Pharmacy. An interested in health in general and pharmacology specifically are suitable. Excellent communication skills and interest in people and their health issues are definitely requirements for this type of career. A life-long commitment to learning is essential as the rate of change in drug development and health issues is extremely rapid.

Q11. How does one become a Registered Pharmacist?

On graduating from the Master of Pharmacy coursework, the ACT Pharmacy Board will offer a pre-registration program that addresses the 12 months requirement of supervised practice. At the end of this period the Board will assess competency and registration will be gained once that process is completed.

Q12. Can I work Interstate once I am registered in the ACT?

Once a pharmacist is registered by the ACT Pharmacy Board, under mutual recognition, you can apply for registration in any other Australian state and then practice.

Q13. Can the Master of Pharmacy Research be recognized towards the registration of pharmacists in the ACT or Australia?

No. If you want to become a registered pharmacist, you should undertake the Master of Pharmacy (Coursework).

Q14. Where can I obtain application forms for the Master of Pharmacy Coursework?

Coursework application forms can be obtained from the Web:  http://www.canberra.edu.au/student-services/applying-to-study

Q15. Where can I obtain application forms for the Master of Pharmacy Research?

Research application forms can be obtained from the Web: http://www.canberra.edu.au/research/students/admission

Q16. Who can I contact with regards to more information about the Master of Pharmacy Course?

Master of Pharmacy Course Convener Dr Mark Naunton
Phone: (02) 6201 2462
Office: Building 12 Annex, 12D56
Email: Mark.Naunton@canberra.edu.au