Charles Darwin University
2 years full-time
The Doctor of Pharmacy is a 2-year intensive postgraduate program for science graduates seeking to become registered pharmacists. Combining theoretical knowledge with over 412 hours of practical work-integrated learning in hospital and community pharmacy settings, this course prepares graduates for provisional registration and diverse career opportunities in clinical, research, and community pharmacy.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent international qualification in any discipline with a minimum GPA of 5.00, completed within 10 years prior to commencement. Prior completion of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and mathematics or statistics is required. Completion of anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry is strongly recommended. English language proficiency must be demonstrated through previous English-medium education or approved English tests (IELTS 6.5 minimum for international students). Pre-clinical requirements include immunization, Senior First Aid certification, police checks, Working with Children Check, fitness-to-practice declaration, and Mental Health First Aid training.
The course comprises 240 credit points across 14 core units delivered over eight teaching periods. Core subjects include: Introduction to Pharmacy (20cp), Applied Pharmacotherapy in Patient Care A-D (30cp each), How Medicines Work covering Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Medicinal Chemistry, and Drug Design/Formulation/Compounding, Quality Use of Medicines, Quality Use of Medicines Research Project (20cp), Allied Health Business and Management, Research Skills for Health Professionals, Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare, and Integrated Case Management. Students complete mandatory work-integrated learning with minimum 412.5 hours across weekly placements and block placements in hospital and community pharmacy settings.
Charles Darwin University is ranked #2 in Australia for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024) and is in the top 100 globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021). CDU offers flexible study options combining face-to-face and external delivery, allowing students to balance study with work and personal commitments. The university provides extensive work-integrated learning opportunities with over 400 hours embedded throughout the course, enabling students to apply theory to real cases. CDU's commitment to First Nations engagement and cross-cultural learning ensures graduates are prepared for diverse pharmacy practice settings, particularly in rural and remote areas where pharmacist demand is high.
Graduates are prepared for diverse pharmacy career opportunities including clinical pharmacy positions in hospitals, general practice, aboriginal health services, aged care, industry, and research settings. Community pharmacy positions offer varied and interesting career paths. The course particularly prepares graduates for high-demand roles in rural and remote pharmacy practice. Upon completion, graduates can apply for provisional registration as a pharmacist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and pursue roles in clinical practice, pharmaceutical research, medicines discovery, and personalized medicine tailoring.