Health Sciences
Pharmacy
Study medicines — how they are made, dispensed and used safely to improve health outcomes.
About this field of study
Pharmacy combines chemistry, biology and health science with the practical work of preparing and dispensing medicines. Study covers pharmaceutics, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacognosy and pharmacy practice, alongside the laws and ethics that govern medicines and patient safety.
Pharmacists and pharmacy graduates work across community and hospital pharmacy, pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality assurance, research and development and regulatory affairs. Guidance covers the qualification and registration routes in the relevant jurisdiction and how the field links to the wider pharmaceutical industry.
Key subject areas
- Pharmaceutics and dosage forms
- Pharmacology and therapeutics
- Medicinal chemistry and analysis
- Pharmacognosy and natural products
- Pharmacy practice and patient counselling
- Pharmaceutical law and quality assurance
Potential career paths
- Community and hospital pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing and QA
- Research and development
- Regulatory affairs and drug safety
- Medical writing and pharma sales
- Clinical pharmacy services
A note on these descriptions
The overview above is general to the field of study. Specific courses, durations, eligibility criteria and admission requirements are always confirmed with the institution you apply to — we verify them with you during counselling.
Want to know more about Pharmacy?
Tell us about your goals — a counsellor will walk you through subject options, study routes and next steps.