Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Medicine / Doctor of Pharmacy
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 3899
- CRICOS code 121398M
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ATAR/2026 lowest selection rank
- 92.0 View all admission criteria
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2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $9,500*
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2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $52,000*
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2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $63,000*
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2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $349,000*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Hands-on training
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Industry practice
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Future-focused
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
We're moving to a new Flex-Semester Academic Calendar from 2028. While your degree structure and requirements will remain the same, the duration of your studies may vary depending on when you commence your degree prior to 2028.
Find out what this means for you.
Admissions update for international students
Some programs are at capacity for 2026 intakes and new applications are closed to New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC). Applications to all 2027 intakes are open.
Click to find our latest updates for international student admissions.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
- FAQs
Overview
The Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Medicine / Doctor of Pharmacy (DPharm) is a five-year double degree designed for students who want to shape the future of healthcare and pharmaceutical medicine. Through an immersive, experiential learning model, you'll build the practical skills, clinical knowledge and interprofessional capabilities to help people stay well, manage health conditions and get the best outcomes from their medicines.
This unique, future-focused pharmaceutical program goes beyond traditional pharmacy, reflecting the expanding scope and growing complexity of the profession. The role of a pharmacist continues to evolve beyond traditional dispensing into advanced clinical services, including prescribing pathways, medication management, vaccination services and chronic disease support. The Doctor of Pharmacy (DPharm) qualification is designed to meet this shift, preparing you for the clinical responsibilities and leadership opportunities available to pharmacists in modern healthcare.
Throughout your bachelor’s degree, you’ll focus on foundational and pharmaceutical sciences, including pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenomics, pharmaceutics and medicinal chemistry. Your doctorate degree explores advanced pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacy practice and management. Hands-on learning and industry placements begin in your first year, ensuring your clinical skills develop alongside your academic knowledge. You can also choose elective courses from the Master of Health Leadership and Management to broaden your expertise.
You’ll graduate as a confident, skilled practitioner with a wide range of career pathways – including community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, healthcare governance, research, the pharmaceutical industry, general practice or aged care. If you’re passionate about improving health outcomes, this degree will set you on the path to a fulfilling career.
Key features
Hands-on training and industry placements
This double degree gives you unmatched practical experience across the full breadth of the pharmacy profession. Clinical and industry placements begin in your first year, giving you early exposure to real healthcare settings and helping you develop as a confident healthcare professional.
An embedded professional practice stream
Interprofessional collaboration is a big part of working in pharmaceutical medicine. Through an embedded professional practice stream, you’ll learn with students from our dietetics and food innovation, physiotherapy and exercise physiology programs. You’ll develop the critical communication skills and teamwork capabilities needed to work in integrated healthcare teams and build connections with your future health colleagues. If you're interested in owning or managing a pharmacy or health service, we also offer dedicated courses in management, leadership and entrepreneurship.
Graduate with a Doctor of Pharmacy (DPharm)
UNSW is one of the only universities in Australia to offer a combined undergraduate and postgraduate Doctor of Pharmacy program. Graduate with a qualification that reflects the advanced clinical training and expanding scope of contemporary pharmacy practice – and is recognised in Australia and internationally. On completing the five-year program, you'll be eligible for provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia and ready to begin the next stage of your career.
Why study at UNSW?
World-class medical education and research
UNSW is ranked #54 globally for life sciences and medicine (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026) and is one of the world's leading medical schools. Our research centres and institutes produce ground-breaking treatments, therapies and cures. This degree builds on UNSW's depth of expertise in pharmaceutical science and medicinal chemistry, and also offers research opportunities for students who want to develop their investigative skills or pursue a research career.
Learn from leading educators and clinicians
You'll be taught by experienced educators and practising clinicians who bring real-world insight into the classroom – and who are actively contributing to internationally recognised research in pharmaceutical medicine. This program spans diverse, future-focused areas of practice, equipping you with skills you can apply to a wide range of meaningful career paths.
Join our health community built on collaboration
At UNSW, you'll be welcomed into a supportive community of healthcare professionals working together to improve life for all. This degree connects you with award-winning educators, practising clinicians and leaders in pharmaceutical medicine, giving you the opportunity to build lasting relationships with your future health colleagues. We're building a community of empathetic, capable practitioners who are equipped to work with diverse populations and contribute to better health outcomes for all.
Want to see more from UNSW Medicine and Health?
Entry requirements
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- The 2026 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2026.
- The 2026 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
- The 2026 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2026. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2026 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
*The Lowest ATAR to which an offer was made, for this program, is based on a UNSW Gateway Early Conditional Offer.
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At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Assumed knowledge
Chemistry, Mathematics Advanced
Student expectations
As an accredited program, there are certain professional requirements that students are expected to meet. The following document outlines some of the professional expectations to help prospective students make informed choices about future study and professional requirements. UNSW welcomes and encourages applications from students with disabilities and from diverse backgrounds. A range of support measures are available through our Equitable Learning Services so that students are able to undertake their course requirements.
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
There's more than one way to get to UNSW. We offer a range of admission pathways that recognise different experiences, strengths and circumstances, helping you find the right way into university. Explore UNSW admission pathways to discover your options or speak with our Future Student Advisers for personalised support.
This scheme is open to students who attend Gateway schools, live in a low-socioeconomic area based on the IEO index of SEIFA criteria, are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, or hold an eligible humanitarian or protection visa. This pathway provides early offers and early conditional offers with a reduced ATAR entry requirement for your preferred UNSW degree.
Entry programs for Indigenous Australians
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Program and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
International direct entry
Information for applicants with CBSE, HKDSE or Singapore A Levels Qualification
Calculating your CBSE Score:
Awarded by CBSE, average percentage marks across English or Hindi, and your best four remaining subjects. Where marks are given as a range, the mid-point for that range is used e.g. 75 to 80 = 77.5.
Calculating your HKDSE Score:
Entry requirements are based on the aggregate of the best 5 achieved category A subjects (category B and C subjects are not considered).
For subjects other than Citizenship and Social Development: level 5**=7 points, level 5*=6 points, level 5=5 points, level 4=4 points, level 3=3 points, level 2=2 points, level 1=1 point, Level U=0 point.
For subject Citizenship and Social Development: Attained=2 points, Unattained=0 point. Citizenship and Social Development will only be counted towards the aggregate if the 2 points awarded for Attained ranks among the student’s best five scoring subjects.
If Mathematics Compulsory Part and Extended Part (Module 1 or 2) are both presented, both scores can be counted.
Calculating your Singapore A Levels:
Due to significant changes to the GCE A-Level Curriculum and University Admissions Score (UAS) calculation effective 2026, UNSW assessment is currently under review.
Note: Entry requirements published on this page are correct as of the day of publication and may change without notice.
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
Admission pathways
International Admissions Diversity Pathway
If you do not meet the academic entry requirement for this degree, you may be considered for admission through the International Admissions Diversity Pathway (IADP) which provides eligible applicants an additional 5 points towards their International ATAR* for admission assessment.
Applicants from International Student Award (ISA) eligible markets will automatically be included in our new International Admissions Diversity Pathway (IADP). No separate application is required.
For more information, including terms and conditions, visit our admissions webpage.
*Up to a maximum international ATAR of 99.95.
UNSW College
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
Program structure
The Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Medicine / Doctor of Pharmacy (DPharm) is a unique, five-year program that combines undergraduate and postgraduate study into an integrated pathway. This degree is made up of 40 courses in total, including seven professional practice courses. You'll build from foundational pharmaceutical sciences through to advanced clinical practice, graduating with two qualifications and the skills to lead in modern healthcare.
Study areas
This degree uses an experiential learning model that blends campus-based scientific and clinical learning with hands-on practical experience from your very first year. Your bachelor's studies build a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, which your doctorate then extends into advanced clinical practice, pharmacotherapeutics and pharmacy leadership.
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In year one, you’ll start to learn the foundations for practice with a focus on chemistry, biochemistry and human systems. Your professional practice courses will teach you how to navigate the Australian healthcare system and work with other health professionals to deliver high-quality care.
- Molecules, Cells and Genes
- Chemistry for Health Sciences
- Concepts in Pharmacy
- Interprofessional Practice and Collaborative Care
- Human Systems 1
- Introductory Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Fundamentals of Biochemistry
- Human Systems 2
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In your second year, you’ll expand your knowledge in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics. Your professional practice courses will explore the social determinants of health and principles of evidence-based practice.
- Analytical Chemistry
- Nutrition for Health Professionals 1
- Introductory Pharmacology for Pharmacy
- Medicines: Small Molecules to Macromolecules
- Driving Behaviour Change 1
- Microbiology for the Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Pharmacy Practice
- Research for Healthcare Practices
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In your third year, you’ll develop proficiency in the areas of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenomics and commence a series of courses related to specific body systems. Your professional practice courses will explore mental health and advocacy.
- Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacogenomics
- Driving Behaviour Change 2
- Pharmaceutics for Pharmacy
- Principles, Therapeutics and Practice: Respiratory and Infectious Diseases
- Principles, Therapeutics and Practice: Rheumatology, Dermatology, Eye and Ear
- Leading Change in the Health Professions
- Principles, Therapeutics and Practice: Cardiovascular and Renal
- Principles, Therapeutics and Practice: Gastrointestinal and Liver
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In your fourth year, you’ll develop your compounding skills and undertake supervised simulated or actual clinical experiences. Your professional practice courses will teach you how to identify and solve real-world problems in clinical health practice.
- Dispensing I
- Principles, Therapeutics and Practice: Endocrinology and Reproduction
- Dispensing II
- Principles, Therapeutics and Practice: Cancer
- Principles, Therapeutics and Practice: Mental Health and Neurology
- Identifying and Solving Clinical Problems
- Applied Pharmacotherapeutics
- Pharmacy Placement 1
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In your fifth year, you'll have the option to choose from the following pathways: research, pharmacy and health management, public health or a study abroad program. Your final course in the professional practice stream will focus on your career development, including how to secure roles in healthcare.
- Advanced Research Training
- Advanced Clinical Practice 1
- Pharmacy Placement 2
- Advanced Clinical Practice 2
- Preparing for a Career in Health and Beyond
Year five options:
- Coursework option: Pharmacy Management + 12 UOC
- International Experience option: Pharmacy Management + 12 UOC
- Health Research Project: 18 UOC
Full program structure
- Core program foundations: Complete all five stages of core courses as outlined in the UNSW Handbook, building the essential scientific and clinical knowledge that underpins your entire degree.
- Electives: Choose from a range of electives drawn from our Public Health and Health Management master's programs to get a head start in your future career — with additional placement opportunities to broaden your clinical experience.
- Professional development: Build real-world clinical experience through experiential learning activities and industry placements integrated throughout your degree.
- Optional international experience or research project: In your final year, you can choose to advance your learning with further clinical practice or undertake a health research project.
Future careers
With a Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Medicine / Doctor of Pharmacy, you’ll be equipped to take on a wide range of roles across the health industry.
Pharmacists are in high demand across Australia, with employment projected to grow by 2,900 positions annually (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2026). As a pharmacist, you’ll educate patients, review treatments, give vaccinations, support disease prevention and help people get the best outcomes from their medicines.
Future careers in pharmaceutical medicine include:
- Academic/Researcher
- Aged Care Pharmacist
- Clinical Trials Pharmacist/Clinical Trial Manager
- Community Pharmacist
- General Practice Pharmacist
- Government or NGO Health Advisor
- Hospital Pharmacist
- Medical Writer/Medical Communications Specialist
- Pharmaceutical Consultant/Pharmaceutical Advisor
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
- Pharmaceutical Scientist/Pharmaceutical Development Manager
- Pharmacy Manager
Accreditations
Australian Pharmacy Council
This program has been granted accreditation by the Australian Pharmacy Council and is approved by the Pharmacy Board of Australia as a qualification leading to registration as a pharmacist in Australia.
On completing this program, you'll need to satisfy the Pharmacy Board of Australia's registration requirements to be eligible to apply for pharmacist registration. Currently, this includes successfully completing an Australian Pharmacy Council approved intern training program, 1,575 hours of supervised practice and passing the Pharmacy Board of Australia's written and oral examinations.
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. For more information about application deadlines, please visit UAC website or our how to apply for undergraduate study page.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our UNSW Applicant Portal service.* We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Undergraduate offers to international students are issued through grouped offer rounds. You can find the offer release schedules, application deadlines and frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the international admissions information page.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. For details, visit the under 18 international students page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on the courses you select within your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average using historical student enrolment patterns for each program, which may change every year. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year you enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative first year fees are for tuition only. Indicative fees to complete the degree/program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year and have been calculated based on percentage increase for every year of the degree/program, noting that actual fee increase may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Other fees and charges are not included. To find out more about other costs for international students, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
FAQs about studying pharmaceutical medicine
Here are some things you might be wondering about studying the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Medicine / Doctor of Pharmacy.
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To become a registered pharmacist in Australia, you must complete an accredited pharmaceutical program, such as UNSW’s Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Medicine/Doctor of Pharmacy. When you finish your qualification, you can apply for provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PharmBA), which includes a period of supervised practice under the guidance of a registered pharmacist. Once you’ve completed your supervised practice, you can apply for general registration as a pharmacist.
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It typically takes five to six years to become an accredited pharmacist in Australia. You’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree followed by a supervised placement. With UNSW’s Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Medicine/Doctor of Pharmacy, your hands-on training starts in year one and you’ll complete professional placements throughout your degree, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your intern year.
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Yes. International students can become registered pharmacists in Australia if they complete an accredited Australian pharmaceutical program, undertake a one-year supervised internship and pass the Pharmacy Board of Australia’s requirements.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading university
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UNSW is Australia’s #1 university, ranked among the top 20 universities globally
QS World University Rankings, 2027
Most Employable Graduates
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University Award seven years in a row
AFR Top100 Future Leaders & Graduate Employers Awards, 2020–2026
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Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
The faculty encourages you to be involved in student life and have a healthy study/life balance.
