Master of Pharmacy

What is this course about?

CSU's Master of Pharmacy is designed to provide a flexible structure for pharmacists wishing to undertake further studies in the pharmaceutical sciences or pharmacy practice, suited to their individual needs and scope of practice.

CSU's Master of Pharmacy is designed to provide qualified pharmacists with the opportunity to undertake research, specifically tailored to their individual interests and/or scope of practice.

This course offers the following specialisations:

• Biotechnology
• Clinical Pharmacy
• Herbal Medicine
• Hospital Pharmacy
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• Rural Pharmacy

Students will be introduced to various methodological approaches, both qualitative and quantitative, in health research and gain an understanding of research design, gaining ethical approval, implementation and analysis before conducting their own research.

In coordination with a supervisor, students will develop a topic review and background study covering the recent advances in their chosen area of specialisation. Students are required to write a literature review, present a poster, and prepare a seminar on a selected topic. This can include experiential placements to learn specific techniques as appropriate.

Students will undertake independent research in an aspect of pharmacy related to their specialisation, developed in conjunction with and approved by the supervisory team. The study involves the collection, analysis and interpretation of new data. Students will be expected to relate their study to practical issues affecting their profession.

Intending applicants should initially contact Associate Professor Jenny Wilkinson to discuss their proposed area of specialisation and arrange for further discussions with appropriate supervisors.

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.

Course structure

This course of 64 points duration, consists of:

• coursework component - 2 X 16 point subjects
• research component - 1 X 32 point subjects

Coursework component (32 points)

• HLT 516 Health Research Methods and Communications (16 points)
• PHM511 Advanced Topics in Pharmacy (Specialisation) (16 points)

PHM511 is a shell subject in which the student in coordination with the supervisor will develop a review/background study that will cover the recent advances in the area of specialisation and requires the student to write a literature review, present a poster, and prepare a seminar (PowerPoint presentation) on a selected topic. This may include experiential placements to learn specific techniques as appropriate.

Research component (32 points)

• PHM 512 Pharmacy Dissertation (full-time) (32 points)
  or
• PHM513 Pharmacy Dissertation (part-time) (32 points)

A simple single hypothesis within the field of specialisation will be investigated by the student under supervision of supervisory team. The student needs to show ability to design experiment, collect and analyse data, and submit a dissertation. The student is required to submit a dissertation within 1-2 years from the date of assignment of the point of research.

It is important that the work developed should be presented in a format suitable for pubication, (or published) in a peer-reviewed journal (at least one article). This project may also include experiential or clinical placements as appropriate to the topic under study.

Enrolment pattern

By full-time study

Session 1

PHM511 Advanced Topics in Pharmacy (Specialisation) (16)
HLT516 Health Research Methods and Communications (16)

Session 2

PHM512 Pharmacy Dissertation (Full-time) (32)

By part-time study

Session 1

HLT516 Health Research Methods and Communications (16)

Session 2

PHM511 Advanced Topics in Pharmacy (Specialisation) (16)

Session 3

PHM513 Pharmacy Dissertation (Part-time) (32) (commence)

Session 4

PHM513 Pharmacy Dissertation (Part-time) (32) (complete)

Admission requirements

In order to be eligible for admission to the Master of Pharmacy, applicants must possess a minimum of a four-year bachelor degree in Pharmacy (or equivalent) and an English language standard of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

Applicants will also be required to attend an interview prior to an offer being made.

The following selection criteria will be adopted when assessing applicants through interview:

• a high level academic ability
• the capacity to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

English proficiency

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they

1. have undertaken an academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with an average score of 6.5, and with scores of 6 or higher in each of the individual skill areas within the last 12 months;  or
2. undertaken a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 577 (or computerised TOEFL score of 233), with a Test for Written English Score (where reported) of at least 5.0 or an Internet-based score of 90 with a written score of 24 within the last 12 months; or
3. undertaken other equivalent examinations, as determined by the Board of Graduate Studies;  or
4. completed a university degree where the language of assessment is in English;

The Presiding Officer of the Board of Graduate Studies may, in special circumstances, on behalf of the Board waive the above proficiency requirements after consulting the relevant Dean, Sub-Dean and nominated Supervisor.

NOTE: A Faculty may require a higher standard of proficiency than that specified above for programs deemed to be linguistically demanding.

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1