Master of Pharmacy

The Master of Pharmacy at the University of Tasmania is a two-year postgraduate qualification for people who want to work as pharmacists. It builds on prior study in a relevant field and prepares you for the pharmacy profession in Australia. The course is delivered at the University of Tasmania, which has campuses in Hobart and Launceston, and strong links to the state's health system. Pharmacy is a regulated profession in Australia, so the curriculum is structured to meet the accreditation standards required for registration. This means you will study the science of medicines alongside the practical aspects of patient care, dispensing, and professional practice.

As a master's degree, this course sits at level 9 on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). It typically runs over two years of full-time study, divided into semesters or trimesters. You will complete units of study, each with a set credit point value, covering areas such as pharmaceutics, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, therapeutics, and pharmacy practice. The later stages of the course usually include a capstone project or research component, where you apply your knowledge to a real-world pharmacy issue. Work-integrated learning is a key part of pharmacy training, so you can expect professional placements in community pharmacies, hospitals, or other healthcare settings. These placements give you hands-on experience under the supervision of registered pharmacists and help you build the skills you need to practise.

Throughout the degree, you will develop skills in medication management, patient counselling, clinical decision-making, and interprofessional collaboration. You will learn how to interpret prescriptions, prepare and dispense medicines, and provide advice on their safe use. The course also covers legal and ethical aspects of pharmacy, including the Poisons Act and other regulations that govern practice in Australia. You will gain experience in communicating with patients and other health professionals, and in using pharmacy software and technology. The mix of science and practice means you graduate ready to step into a pharmacy role and contribute to patient care.

This course suits people who already have a bachelor's degree in a related area, such as biomedical science, chemistry, or health science, and who want to become a pharmacist. It is also for those who are already working in a health setting and want to upskill or change careers. The Master of Pharmacy is an intensive professional degree, so you should be ready for a full-time study load and significant time on placement. If you are an international student, you will need to meet English language requirements. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for coursework postgraduate courses, but some health courses require higher. You should check the university's official page for the exact English requirement for this course. While you study, your student visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After you graduate, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register, and you should confirm all details, including accreditation and registration pathways, on the official University of Tasmania page.

• Community Pharmacist: Work in retail pharmacies, dispensing medicines, advising patients, and providing health services. Community pharmacies are found in every Australian town and city, and many are part of large chains or independent groups.
• Hospital Pharmacist: Work in public or private hospitals, preparing and dispensing medications, monitoring patient responses, and collaborating with medical teams. Hospitals in Australia employ pharmacists in clinical, oncology, and sterile compounding roles.
• Clinical Pharmacist: Specialise in patient care, reviewing medication regimens, and optimising therapy for chronic conditions. Clinical pharmacists work in hospitals, aged care, and general practice.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Join companies involved in drug development, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, or medical affairs. Australia has a growing pharmaceutical sector, with roles in quality control, clinical trials, and product management.
• Primary Care Pharmacist: Work in general practice or community health centres, conducting medication reviews and supporting chronic disease management. This role is expanding under Australia's health reforms.
• Academia and Research: Pursue further study or research positions in universities or research institutes, contributing to pharmaceutical science and clinical pharmacy research.
• Regulatory Affairs: Work for government agencies like the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) or in industry, ensuring medicines comply with Australian regulations.