Fast Facts
Location
Commencing
- Townsville: February
- Cairns: February
- Mackay: February
Fees
$8,301.00+
+estimated annual Commonwealth Supported Fee for a full-time study load
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
Duration
4 years full-time
6 years part-time
Only Levels 1 & 2 can be completed part-time
Entry Requirements
ATAR 76.00
English (Units 3/4,C), Chemistry (3/4,C), General Mathematics (3/4,C)
QTAC Codes
- 316151
- 326151
- 336151
Course detail
Learn about the practical use of medicines, preventative healthcare strategies and effective communication. You will study a comprehensive range of core subjects including chemistry, human anatomy and physiology, biology, pharmacology, therapeutics and research.
Access expertise from leading pharmacists who are experienced and passionate about helping you succeed. Benefit from small class sizes with individual support to help you achieve your best.
Become skilled through hands-on experience with clinical placements in low-resource communities (in both community pharmacies and hospitals), where you’ll get to make a real difference to the health of regional, rural, remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Working in these settings gives you a wide scope of experience, equipping you with the skills to work in any setting from the outback to the city.
With over 600 hours of placement, JCU’s Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) degree has the highest number of clinical placement hours for any undergraduate pharmacy degree within Australia.
Be prepared for clinical practice in Australia and develop the skills to conduct pharmacy practice research, whether in community, hospital or other areas of practice. Students can choose from a professional or research stream in the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours). In the professional honours stream, you will be part of a team investigating a problem in the clinical environment. Students in the research stream independently research projects to identify new knowledge and develop research skills.
Once a semester all students from Townsville, Cairns and Mackay gather together at JCU Townsville to access world-class pharmacy laboratories, where they will practice and develop their skills further. Find out more about accommodation options.
View the Handbook for a detailed overview of available subjects, as well as pre-placement requirements.
About JCU's Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
You have a passion to make a difference in the health and future of the community. Gain hands-on experience and practical training to equip you for success. Partner with James Cook University and graduate with a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) degree (similar to a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy).
You Don't Have to Go Far, to Go Far
Work in diverse clinical settings from hospital and local pharmacies, rural and remote communities, to cities. Familiar with contemporary best practices and knowledgeable about future trajectories in pharmaceutical practice, be the graduate employers are looking to hire. Similar to many pharmacy bachelor studies in Queensland, this degree is accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council.
Become highly sought after by employers due to your widely recognised, strong clinical skills. Graduate from your JCU pharmacy bachelor studies in Queensland and prepare to work in hospitals, government health services, clinical research, or manage your own pharmacy.
Study Pharmacy at JCU and Get a World-Class Education
Experience has no substitute, and you want to study pharmacy in a hands-on learning environment where you can hone your clinical skills.
Benefit from JCU’s unique placement program where students benefit from personal supervision and learning in world-class facilities. Your Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) studies at JCU will include more than 600 hours of clinical and professional placements so you graduate ready to enter the workforce.
Study in a small-class environment with lecturers committed to student success and ready to help you take your first steps towards a rewarding and successful career. With your Queensland pharmacy degree, you will graduate eligible to register as a professional with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
A Pharmaceutical Degree That Will Leave You Ready for Any Challenge
Develop as an elite professional highly adept at conceptual and analytical thinking with a JCU pharmaceutical degree. Throughout your placement, put theory into practice and gain a diverse skill set working with various community or patient needs.
Learn how to integrate professional knowledge within appropriate contexts and obtain and interpret clinical data to make decisions that improve the health of your patients.
Study Pharmacy and Lead the Way
There are many pharmacy schools to choose from - at JCU you receive a top-of-class education. A degree and a job are important, as are the skills to stand out as a leader in the professional world.
Through JCU Pharmacy, learn how to communicate clearly, how to apply your skills in varying contexts, and how to pursue cutting-edge research. With your comprehensive understanding of preventative strategies and practical medicine, JCU graduates are leaders in their chosen setting.
Enrol in JCU's Bachelor of Pharmacy and Differentiate Yourself
Your Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) degree from James Cook University equips you to rise up and meet new exciting challenges.
Follow your passions and prepare yourself to make a difference in your own community or anywhere in Australia. Partner with JCU today and take the first step towards improving the health and wellbeing of people.
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Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours).
JCU Pharmacy (Honours) graduates have extensive medical knowledge and are employed in a wide range of settings. You could find employment as a community pharmacist, hospital pharmacist, work in primary care settings within multidisciplinary teams, work as a consultant pharmacist, industrial pharmacist, researcher or educator. You could also work in the Australian Defence Force, in drug development, in aged care facilities, health service management, government and much more.
JCU Pharmacy students and graduates are eligible for registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
Entry score threshold
These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2022. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in June each year. Meeting the threshold doesn't guarantee admission.
ATAR/Selection Rank: 79.30
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) for Semester 1, 2022. The table includes offers deferred to Semester 1, 2022 which may have been assessed using the entry score threshold of an earlier year.
JCU Townsville
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 98.55 | 99.95 |
Median | 92.15 | 98.77 |
Lowest | 78.05 | 84.9 |
JCU Cairns
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 99.4 | 99.95 |
Median | 85.22 | 93.62 |
Lowest | 76.5 | 82.5 |
JCU Mackay
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | <5 | <5 |
Median | <5 | <5 |
Lowest | <5 | <5 |
Notes:
<5 – indicates less than 5 OP/ATAR-based offers made.
* Refer to Adjustment Factors
Find out more about who you might study with by viewing this course’s student profile.
Adjustment factors
James Cook University applies bonus ranks under the Regional Preference Scheme and QTAC’s Educational Access Scheme (EAS). Learn more about JCU’s adjustment factors.
Handbook year | Information valid for students commencing in 2023 |
Course code | 70809 |
Course type | Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF Level 8) |
Professional Accreditation Status | This course is accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council. Students enrolled in this degree will be registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for the duration of their program of study or until they are no longer enrolled. Graduates will be eligible to apply for professional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). |
Owner | Academy |
College | Medicine and Dentistry |
Award Requirements
Admission Requirements
Course pre-requisites | English (Units 3/4,C), General Mathematics (Units 3/4,C), Chemistry (Units 3/4,C) |
Minimum English language proficiency requirements | Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 3a – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy. Students also need to take note that in accordance with the National Registration Board’s requirement, they must hold a valid IELTS (academic module) minimum overall score of 7.5 with a minimum of 7 in each of the four components within 2 years prior to applying for registration upon graduation |
Additional selection requirements | Students will be eligible to be offered a position in the Research Honours major by the Academic Head if they have achieved an average GPA of 5.5 across level 1 and level 2. Students that are not offered a position in the Research Honours major, or that are offered a position in the Research Honours major but decline this offer, will continue in the Professional Honours major for levels 3 and 4. Information published by JCU or otherwise made available to students when applying, may specify additional criteria to be considered in ranking applicants in order of merit if the number of applications exceeds a quota or other limit on the places made available for the course. Information provided by applicants during the application process and any other information obtained by JCU in the application process may be used by JCU to rank applicants in order of merit by reference to those additional criteria. |
Special admission requirements | A quota on entry into the research major may be applied depending on the availability of supervisors. |
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s) | Clinical placement/professional practice: This course includes prescribed professional or clinical placements. Students may be required to undertake such placements away from the campus at which they are enrolled, at their own expense (Note: health professional courses generally involve extensive professional or clinical placements). Further information about placements can be found at: Coursework Enrolment Procedure. |
Post admission requirements | Computer and internet access is required. |
Academic Requirements for Course Completion
Credit points | 96 credit points as per course structure |
Course learning outcomes | On successful completion, graduates of the course will be able to:
|
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements | Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University's learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please visit: Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours). |
Reasonable adjustments | All JCU students have the opportunity to demonstrate, with reasonable adjustments where applicable, the inherent requirements for their course. For more information please visit: Student Disability Policy and Procedure. |
Course Structure
CORE SUBJECTS
Level 1
Teaching Period 1
BM1000:03 Introductory Biochemistry and Microbiology
CH1001:03 Chemistry: A Central Science
PC1001:03 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1
PC1101:03 Introduction to Pharmacy
Teaching Period 2
PC1002:03 Human Anatomy and Physiology 2
PC1102:06 Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutics 1
PC1103:03 Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1
Level 2
Teaching Period 1
PC2202:06 Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutics 2
PC2203:03 Pharmaceutical Chemistry 2
PC2204:03 Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics for Pharmacists
Teaching Period 2
PC2207:06 Integrated Therapeutics 1
PC2208:06 Pharmaceutical Public Health and Primary Healthcare for Pharmacists
OPTIONS
Select a Major from Table A
TABLE A (Majors)
Type of major | Single |
Credit points in major | 48 credit points |
MAJOR | AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Townsville JCU Cairns JCU Mackay | Only available full time | |
JCU Townsville JCU Cairns JCU Mackay | Only available full time Students must achieve an average minimum GPA of 5.5 across levels 1 and 2 to be offered a position in the Research Honours major. |
Location
COURSE AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Townsville | This course is offered in mixed attendance mode with compulsory weekly face-to-face attendance at the JCU Townsville campus. Compulsory residential attendance is required at the JCU Townsville campus at the end of each teaching period. |
JCU Cairns | This course is offered in mixed attendance mode with compulsory weekly face-to-face attendance at the JCU Townsville campus. Compulsory residential attendance is required at the JCU Townsville campus at the end of each teaching period. |
JCU Mackay | This course is offered in mixed attendance mode with compulsory weekly face-to-face attendance at the JCU Townsville campus. Compulsory residential attendance is required at the JCU Townsville campus at the end of each teaching period. |
Candidature
Expected time to complete | 4 years full-time or 6 years part-time (levels one and two may be completed part-time however levels three and four must be completed full-time) |
Maximum time to complete | 8 years |
Maximum leave of absence | 2 years |
Progression
Course progression requisites | Must successfully complete all level 1 and level 2 subjects before attempting any level 3 subject. |
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s) | This course includes prescribed professional or clinical placements. Students may be required to undertake such placements away from the campus at which they are enrolled, at their own expense (Note: health professional courses generally involve extensive professional or clinical placements). Further information about placements can be found at: Coursework Enrolment Procedure. |
Special assessment requirements | At the discretion of the College Dean, students may be required to undertake a prescribed English language test to ensure that they have an acceptable level of English language proficiency, including at least at the level required to be admitted to the course, to safely participate in professional experience placements. Refer to Review of a Student’s Suitability to Continue a Course Involving Placement policy. |
Professional accreditation requirements | Nil |
Supplementary exam for final subject | Not applicable |
Credit
Eligibility | Students may apply for credit transfer for previous tertiary study in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure. |
Maximum allowed | 24 credit points |
Currency | Credit will be granted only for studies completed in the 5 years prior to the commencement of this course. |
Expiry | Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 11 years after the date of the examination upon which the credit is based if, by then, the student has not completed the course of study prescribed for the degree. |
Other restrictions | Credit will not normally be granted for subjects prescribed for levels 2, 3 or 4 of the course. |
Award Details
Award title | BACHELOR OF PHARMACY (HONOURS) |
Approved abbreviation | BPharm(Hons) |
Inclusion of majors on testamur | No majors will appear on the testamur |
Exit with lesser award | Students who have completed 24 credit points of their course award requirements, and withdraw from or fail to meet the requirements for progression in the later years, may be eligible for the award of Diploma of Tertiary Studies. Students who have completed 48 credit points of their professional course award requirements, and withdraw from or fail to meet the requirements for progression in the later years, may be eligible for the award of Associate Degree of Health Sciences. Students who have completed 72 credit points of their professional course award requirements, and withdraw from or fail to meet the requirements for progression in the later years, may be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Life Sciences. |
Course articulation | Not applicable |
Special awards | Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure |
Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD8,301.00
A Student Services and Amenities fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.
A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.
An ATAR is the score required for entry into most undergraduate courses. If you are not a Year 12 school leaver or do not have an ATAR, you can be assigned an equivalent score. Scores are calculated from previous study that you might have completed, either secondary, tertiary or vocational, or previous paid employment experience.
JCU offers pathway courses to help you move into a degree. Pathway courses provide you with an individualised study plan and specialised support as you transition to university.
Contact us to find out more.
Learn more about pathways to Pharmacy at JCU (PDF, 210 KB).
Note the course QTAC code for the location you've chosen. You'll need to enter it as part of your QTAC application.
Application dates vary between courses, whether they're delivered in semester, trimester or carousel study modes. View our Application due dates page for more information.
ATAR score is indicative only. Entry scores will be finalised in the major offer round.
Real stories
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Student
Chris Simpson
Bachelor of Pharmacy
Other universities don’t have the experiences and exposure we have and it shows when we graduate. I like the hands-on aspect – it’s different from being in the classroom. Experiencing it in real life builds on what you learn at uni. When you step into the real clinical world you get that full exposure to everything.
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Alumni
Kiralee Gross
Bachelor of Pharmacy
A lot of people think that pharmacists just stick a label on the box, but that's not the case at all. There’s just so many different opportunities available to pharmacists that not many people are aware of. It’s a really interesting degree that can take you many places.
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Lecturer
Associate Professor John Smithson
Head of Pharmacy
JCU Pharmacy is one of the best places to learn the skills and knowledge to become a Pharmacist. We have one of the highest amounts of clinical placement time, allowing you to apply your learning and making JCU graduates highly sought after. After 20 years, you can find JCU Pharmacy alumni just about everywhere!
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Employer
Nick Loukas
Pharmacist, Brand Manager and Alive Pharmacy Founder
I’ve worked with JCU Pharmacy students since the course began. We love having JCU Pharmacy students for placements and on staff. We employ JCU Pharmacy graduates as our first choice and have many working now in our stores.
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Employer
David Aprile
Pharmacist Owner, Mackay Discount Drug Store
I have regularly mentored and employed JCU pharmacy students, interns and pharmacists. I have always found them to be knowledgeable with a good clinical understanding of medicines and drugs and with an attitude well suited to roles in community pharmacy.