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Bachelor of Pharmacy

In 1968 the Victorian College of Pharmacy became the first college in Australia to achieve degree status. Previously, graduates of the pharmacy course had been awarded a certificate. Malcolm Fraser, the Federal Minister of Science and Technology, made the announcement in a press release to the newspapers. The college could, from that point forward, award a Bachelor of Pharmacy and the first recipient was May Admans.

The degree course in 1968 was of three years duration until 1997, when it changed to four years. It has four major areas of study: medicinal chemistry (the chemistry of drugs); pharmacology (the modes of actions of drugs); pharmaceutics (the formulation of drug dose forms); and pharmacy practice (the application of all of these to the professional practice of pharmacy).

During third and fourth year, students undertake work placements in hospitals and community pharmacies through the Practical Experience program. The program provides an understanding of the processes involved in, for example, providing primary healthcare, drug information and clinical pharmacy services in different practice environments.

Students who graduate with the Bachelor of Pharmacy are highly sought after. Following graduation, 98.7 per cent of graduates are employed within four months. Graduates can find employment in: community pharmacy including primary health care, medication management, pharmaceutical care, retailing or management; hospital pharmacy including clinical pharmacy or management; government service, including, for example pharmaceutical benefits or as pharmacy inspectors; the pharmaceutical industry in areas like research and development, clinical research / clinical trials, drug information, sales or management; the armed services; teaching; or research. They can also become members of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.

Since 1998, students have had the option of studying a double degree in pharmacy and commerce. The Bachelor of Pharmacy/Commerce is perfect for students who are interested in adding business skills to their pharmacy degree. The two degrees are studied separately, beginning with four years of full time study at the Parkville campus for the Bachelor of Pharmacy, followed by two years at the Clayton campus for the Bachelor of Commerce. Students can elect to undertake the Bachelor of Commerce degree either full or part time.