Master's Degree Pharmacy Full Time

Master of Philosophy (Clinical Pharmacology)

at University of Newcastle · Newcastle, New South Wales

CRICOS course code

039940A

CRICOS provider code

00109J

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

2 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$106,238 total

Per year

A$53,119/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Master of Philosophy (Clinical Pharmacology) at the University of Newcastle is a research-intensive postgraduate degree designed for graduates seeking to advance expertise in the field of clinical pharmacology. This program develops your ability to undertake significant research that contributes to understanding how medicines interact with the human body and how pharmacological principles can improve patient care.

Spanning two years of full-time study, the degree is structured around the completion of a substantial independent research thesis under the guidance of experienced supervisors. The Australian qualification framework for this level features a strong emphasis on research development, scientific communication, and advanced critical thinking. Students will engage with key areas in clinical pharmacology, such as drug development, safety, efficacy, and therapeutic application, while gaining exposure to research methodologies and ethical considerations relevant to Australian healthcare settings.

Throughout the course, you will have opportunities to deepen your skills in research design, data analysis, and interpretation within real-world healthcare contexts. Some candidates may engage in collaborative projects or have interactions with local hospitals, pharmaceutical industries, or research centres. This program suits those with a background in pharmacy, medicine, biomedical science, or related disciplines who are motivated to pursue research-focused or leadership roles in clinical pharmacology.

As an AQF Level 9 qualification, the MPhil enhances critical research capabilities and prepares its graduates for roles in academic, industry, or healthcare settings. The University of Newcastle’s connections to Australian industry and research communities provide an excellent environment for integrating knowledge into practice. Students may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during their studies, and eligible graduates can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-completion to gain practical experience. Always confirm program and admission details on the official university website.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Clinical pharmacology researcher in hospitals or research institutes
Pharmaceutical industry scientist or manager
Regulatory affairs specialist in government agencies
Clinical trials coordinator
Academic or teaching positions in universities
Drug safety and pharmacovigilance officer
Policy advisor in healthcare or pharmaceutical sectors

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Master of Philosophy (Clinical Pharmacology) at University of Newcastle?

It typically takes 2 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$106,238 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Clinical pharmacology researcher in hospitals or research institutesPharmaceutical industry scientist or managerRegulatory affairs specialist in government agenciesClinical trials coordinatorAcademic or teaching positions in universitiesDrug safety and pharmacovigilance officerPo...

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