Pharmacy

Why study Pharmacy?

Pharmacists play a pivotal role at the front line of health care, working closely with other health professionals to help ensure each patient's well-being. By understanding the properties and impacts of medicines and developing the skills required to counsel patients about their use, pharmacists have the opportunity to improve health and make a positive contribution to the health of the community.

Pharmacy students develop skills in drug development, drug action, drug use in disease states, medication reviews, counselling and communication. By understanding the effect and best use of medications and the role of medicines in best practice health care, students will attain all the attributes required to deliver optimal pharmaceutical care when they register as a professional pharmacist.

Career opportunities

Graduates can complete a one year internship supervised by the Pharmacy Board of Australia in order to be registered as a professional Pharmacist – earning qualifications that are recognised across Australia and in several countries overseas. Graduates have also moved into roles in biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, policy making, and a range of other science-based industries.

Courses

Local students

Pharmacy courses
Offer yearCourse titleCampus(es)DurationSemester starts
2013 Bachelor of Pharmacy Bendigo
4 years full-time. Semester 1 (March)

Bachelor of Pharmacy continued…

Course description
Pharmacists have a crucial role as intermediaries between patients and medical professionals. Pharmacists understand the effect of medicines on the body, which is essential to the safe provision of medical treatment. Aiming to prepare students for a rewarding career in pharmacy, this course focuses on excellence in patient outcomes, clinical services, and medication review for safety and effectiveness.

The curriculum helps students develop technical knowledge during practical classes on scientific formulation, and provides experience with the public in the model pharmacy on campus. It also covers communication skills, and provides valuable work placements.

The Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at La Trobe University is accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council and at the conclusion of the degree, students can complete a one-year internship under the supervision of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency to qualify as a professional pharmacist.

The course has consistently produced outstanding graduates; La Trobe students have won the prestigious Victorian Pharmacy Student of the Year five times in the last eight years, with four consecutive wins from 2008-2011.
Prerequisite
VCE Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other English, and 25 in Chemistry and in Mathematical Methods.
Extra requirements
Selection is based on a range of criteria, including high academic achievement (applicants usually need an ATAR in the 90s) and performance at interview (if required).

Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, data form, VTAC Personal History online, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice.

Applicants must submit a La Trobe Pharmacy Personal Data form (Word, 26 KB). by the date specified on the form. Later applications may be considered, subject to availability of places.

Interviews may be required as part of the selection process, and are scheduled between November 2011 and January 2012. The Faculty contacts applicants after assessing their application forms.

Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.

For more information about VTAC Personal History online please visit our Extra Requirements page.
Selection
ATAR (2013)
Bendigo: RC
Middle band
Consideration is given to Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria; and a regional bonus may apply.
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Additional costs
Additional costs include up to A$30 for a laboratory coat and safety glasses. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property.

Clinical experience involves travel and accommodation costs, estimated on the basis of a maximum of A$500 per full-time week of placement, and these costs may vary. First year (travel only) - up to A$20; second year (one-week placement) - up to A$500; third year (1-2 weeks' placement) - up to A$1000; fourth year (up to 6 weeks' placement) - up to A$3000.

Please note: international students cannot claim reimbursement of their travel and accommodation costs for placements.
How to apply
VTAC
Professional recognition
Graduates seeking professional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Victoria must complete a period of supervised preregistration employment (currently one year), then pass a final Board examination. Under reciprocal arrangements, this registration is recognised throughout Australia and in several other countries.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Pharmacy Bendigo

Want to know more?

Feel free to ask us a question about any course for local students.

Fees and scholarships

Undergraduate courses are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens. The domestic fee calculator can be used to calculate the cost of subjects this year.

There is also a wide range of scholarships available for local students. 

International students

Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses

Pharmacy international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2013 Bachelor of Pharmacy (049929B) Bendigo
4 years Semester 1 (March) $30 560

Bachelor of Pharmacy continued…

Year
2013
Course description
Pharmacists have a crucial role as intermediaries between patients and medical professionals. Pharmacists understand the effect of medicines on the body, which is essential to the safe provision of medical treatment. Aiming to prepare students for a rewarding career in pharmacy, this course focuses on excellence in patient outcomes, clinical services, and medication review for safety and effectiveness.

The curriculum helps students develop technical knowledge during practical classes on scientific formulation, and provides experience with the public in the model pharmacy on campus. It also covers communication skills, and provides valuable work placements.

The Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at La Trobe University is accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council and at the conclusion of the degree, students can complete a one-year internship under the supervision of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency to qualify as a professional pharmacist.

The course has consistently produced outstanding graduates; La Trobe students have won the prestigious Victorian Pharmacy Student of the Year five times in the last eight years, with four consecutive wins from 2008-2011.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.5.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

La Trobe Melbourne Foundation Studies: 70 per cent final result in a course.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
LTM Foundation Studies - 85
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2012 (indicative only) - 90 + Range of Criteria. Please see the VTAC Guide
International Baccalaureate - 33
GCE A Levels - 11
Hong Kong A Levels - 9
HKDSE - 2 x Level 5
Sri Lankan A Levels - AAA
STPM - 9
MICSS (UEC) - 3
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 85
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 4.9
Sweden Slutbetyg - VG/MVG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 85
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.8
Indonesia (SMA) - 8.8
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 3.3
GAOKAO - see: the website

If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
Special requirements
A telephone interview may be required as part of the selection process. Applicants will be contacted once their application form has been assessed. International applicants completing Year 12 in Victoria must apply through VTAC and must also complete a La Trobe Pharmacy Personal Data form which can be obtained at:
this website
Students undertaking practical placements within some healthcare agencies may be required to undergo a National Police Check (approximate cost A$15.50). Failure to do so will restrict the range of placements available.
Subject prerequisite
Chemistry and Mathematics determined to be equivalent to the Australian VCE Units 3 & 4 with a study score of at least 30 in Mathematical Methods (CAS) and in Chemistry, and a study score of 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other English.
Additional costs
Additional costs include up to A$30 for a laboratory coat and safety glasses. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property.

Clinical experience involves travel and accommodation costs, estimated on the basis of a maximum of A$500 per full-time week of placement, and these costs may vary. First year (travel only) - up to A$20; second year (one-week placement) - up to A$500; third year (1-2 weeks' placement) - up to A$1000; fourth year (up to 6 weeks' placement) - up to A$3000.

Please note: international students cannot claim reimbursement of their travel and accommodation costs for placements.
Professional recognition
Graduates seeking professional registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency must complete a period of supervised preregistration employment (currently one year), then pass a final board examination. Under reciprocal arrangements, this registration is recognised throughout Australia and in several other countries.
Please note that international graduates who wish to complete the supervised pre-registration employment in Australia require the relevant visa.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Pharmacy Bendigo

How to apply?

Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.

There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Bachelor of Pharmacy - Dr Joe Tucci

Dr Joe Tucci discusses the benefits of studying the Bachelor of Pharmacy at La Trobe University

Pharmacy placements

Pharmacy students are required to complete a series of practical placements as part of their course, in a variety of pharmacy environments.

The industry cadetship program allows you to gain paid workplace experience between semesters, giving you the chance to build on your skills and build your career. See cadetship program.

Overseas study opportunities

Gain valuable overseas experience by studying with one of our global exchange partners. La Trobe has partnerships with over 100 universities in more than 30 countries in Asia, Europe, and North and South America. See education abroad.

Student and graduate profiles

Students from our Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.

About the academic staff

You'll get to meet a large number of academic staff during your studies, from tutors through to lecturers and supervisors. You can view staff in Pharmacy or search all staff in the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering.

Pharmacy events

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