Pharmaceutical Science - P6005
Master's degree
Brought to you by the world #2 for Pharmacy and Pharmacology, the new Master of Pharmaceutical Science will equip students with the knowledge and skills that they need for a career in the pharmaceutical sector, as well as in related industries such as cosmetics and food manufacturing.
The MPharmSci offers an alternative qualification to a PhD, the traditional postgraduate pathway to employment in the sector. Where a PhD focuses on the discovery of new knowledge and the formal training to be a scientist, the MPharmSci offers students a breadth of expertise, plus industry knowledge and experience.
The degree has been designed in consultation with major employers to ensure that the course content aligns with areas in the sector where there are skills gaps, and will culminate in an extended industrial or research placement, offering students valuable real-world experience.
The degree is open to students who already have a Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science and want to gain a competitive edge in the employment market. It is also open to students with a degree in general science, biomedicine or engineering who wish to specialise in pharmaceutical science.
Please note that completion of the Master of Pharmaceutical Science is not a pathway towards provisional or full registration as a pharmacist in Australia. The course is not an accredited program of study for pharmacist registration in Australia.
At a glance
Course Details
Location |
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Duration |
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Start date |
First Semester (February) and Second Semester (July) |
Qualification |
Master of Pharmaceutical Science |
This course takes the students on a journey through the drug discovery and development pipeline, with detailed investigations of:
- Target identification
- Drug design and optimisation
- Product formulation and analysis
- Clinical trials
- Regulatory processes
- Employability skills
It uses a range of teaching and learning methods, including case studies, hypotheticals and laboratory experience, to highlight and address key issues and challenges in the pharmaceutical and related industries. Students will have the opportunity to interact with and learn from industry and research leaders as they take a deep dive into what it takes to discover and develop new drugs.
Students will gain hands-on experience in a range of analytical, formulation, modelling and other techniques relevant to the practice of contemporary pharmaceutical science. The guiding principles of social responsibility, sustainability and positive impact underpin all learning in this course.
The course culminates in an extended placement in an industrial or research organisation. The placement is integrated with a capstone unit that gives students the chance to consolidate their learning across the entire degree, giving them a folio of evidence that demonstrates their value in a professional environment.
Please note that completion of the Master of Pharmaceutical Science is not a pathway towards provisional or full registration as a pharmacist in Australia. The course is not an accredited program of study for pharmacist registration in Australia.
What’s it really like to study the Master of Pharmaceutical Science?
Gain an authentic insight into the Master of Pharmaceutical Science with this Q&A between the Course Director and a current student.
Alumni testimonial: Luca Varone
Luca worked in industry for a year before returning to Parkville to start his Master of Pharmaceutical Science. Hear about the opportunities this unique course affords and what Luca found beneficial.
Placements in the Master of Pharmaceutical Science
An extended placement is a compulsory component of the Master of Pharmaceutical Science. In this video, JoJo talks about her placement at a professional services firm including what she gained from the experience.
mRNA manufacturing in the Master of Pharmaceutical Science
Learn about mRNA technologies, one of the world’s most topical areas of medicines right now, from experts who produced Australia’s first mRNA COVID-19 vaccine candidate.
Entry Requirements
You need to satisfy the following entrance requirements to be considered for entry to this course.
Minimum Entry Requirements (Domestic students)
Qualifications
Entry Level 1: 96 points to complete Duration: 2 years full time, 4 years part time. (This entry point is available in semester one only) | An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) in Pharmacy or Science or Biomedical Science or Engineering (in an appropriate discipline e.g. Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Biomedical or Materials) with at least a credit (60%) average. |
| Entry Level 2: 72 points to complete Duration: 1.5 years full time, 3 years part time. (This entry point is available in semester two only) | An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) in Pharmaceutical Science with at least a credit (60%) average. |
Entry Level 3: 48 points to complete Duration: 1 year full time, 2 years part time. (This entry point is available in semester one only) | An Australian bachelor honours degree (or equivalent) in Pharmaceutical Science with at least a distinction (70%) average. Or An Australian bachelor honours double degree (or equivalent) in Engineering and Pharmaceutical Science with at least a distinction (70%) average. |
English requirements
Applicants must also meet the English language requirements.
Level A
| IELTS (Academic): 6.5 Overall score, with minimum band scores: Listening 6.0, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0 and Speaking 6.0 | or | Pearson Test of English (Academic): 58 Overall score, with minimum scores: Listening 50, Reading 50, Speaking 50 and Writing 50 | or | TOEFL Internet-based test: 79 Overall score, with minimum scores: Reading 13, Listening 12, Speaking 18 and Writing 21 | or | Equivalent approved English test |
University entrance requirements
Minimum entrance requirements for admission to Monash University Australia.
The course is structured in four parts: Part A: Foundations of pharmaceutical science; Part B: Case studies in pharmaceutical science; Part C: Advanced pharmaceutical science; Part D: Placement and capstone.
Detailed information and course maps are available in the Handbook.
Making the application
Future students
Current Monash students
You may apply to transfer from another Monash course. Transfers are a competitive process. You may apply mid-year for available courses however consideration will be given as to whether you will be able to follow your course progression.
Please note that if you apply for a course transfer, you should still enrol in your current course as if you were continuing so as not to jeopardise your enrolment in the Faculty if your transfer application is unsuccessful. More about Course Transfer...
Self assess for credit eligibility
Check for study credit using the "Credit search" link on the Credit for prior study page
Fees
Fees are subject to change annually.
Full fee
Fees are per 48 credit points which represents a standard full-time course load for a year. The fees for 2025 are:
A$38,000
As a full fee-paying student, you may be eligible to apply for the optional FEE-HELP to assist you to pay all or part of your tuition fees.
Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
The average annual student contribution amount for 2025 is:
A$9,314
For information about CSP availability and applications, refer to the faculty page.
Note: see information on how fees are calculated.
Fee assistance
As a Commonwealth supported student, you may be able to either:
- pay all of your student contribution upfront, or
- defer payment through the HECS HELP loan scheme.
Fee information specific to this course:
There may be a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for this course. Selection and allocation of available CSP will be based on academic merit.
Scholarships
We offer over 360 types of scholarships, valued at up to $280,000. Some scholarships offer one-off payments while others continue for the length of your course. Learn more about Monash Scholarships.
Other costs and fees
For information on other study costs and fees, see other study costs.