Overview 2025
Location
- What is an ATAR
- Course rules
- Australian Qualification Framework level: 5
- Download Course Planner (PDF 149.0 KB)
Commonwealth Supported places available
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the list of distance courses (i.e. online and taken outside Australia) that are offered to international students
This course will prepare you for future study in the Bachelor of Pharmacy or you can choose to enter the workforce with highly employable skills in roles such as pharmacy assistant or pharmacy technician.
You’ll complete a mix of units needed to enter the Bachelor of Pharmacy, units to develop your study skills and disciplinary subjects taught by the School of Medicine. You’ll also meet the University’s General Entry Requirements when you complete this course, which may allow entry into other university courses.
Key contacts
Current student enrolment questions and advice | UConnect |
Course Coordinator | Dr Sarah Dempster |
Course objectives
The Diploma will provide a structured pathway to the Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours, progressing students to the point where they will meet the maths and chemistry pre-requisites for the course, as well as providing students with enhanced communication skills and industry-relevant knowledge in over-the-counter medicines.
Learning outcomes
Career outcomes
Diploma of Pharmacy graduates would have a range of skills which would enable them to be employed and/or enhance their employability within the primary care sector as pharmacy assistants or pharmacy technicians. The content would complement existing education offered within the pharmacy sector by TAFE and professional bodies.
Course structure
The Diploma of Pharmacy Studies requires completion of 100 credit points including 75 credit points of Core units and 25 credit points of Discipline Electives.
Year 1
Counselling and Advice on Medicines focusses on patient-centred care with patient counselling concepts and application of communication skills in clinical scenarios. This patient-centred care is extended to the study of over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Principles of drug therapy such as adverse…
Credit Points: 12.5
Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Online | Semester 2 |
View all details for CSA123 Counselling and Advice on Medicines
In this unit you will be introduced to foundational concepts of pharmacist roles and responsibilities within the context of ethical and safe professional practice within the Australian health care system. You will begin using core online pharmacy resources to introduce…
Credit Points: 12.5
Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Online | Semester 1 |
Core
Pulling together the disciplines of sociology, law and complementary medicine this unit is designed for students who want to understand, debate and critically analyse the use and place of complementary medicines in healthcare today. Learning modules include: understanding the use…
Credit Points: 12.5
Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Online | Semester 1 | ||||
Online | Semester 2 |
View all details for CSA120 Complementary Medicines in Contemporary Society
This unit provides underpinning skills, theories, techniques, and strategies to prepare you for university-level study and to understand yourself as a learner. You will be introduced to concepts of self-management and relevant practical skills that can be applied effectively in…
Credit Points: 12.5
Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
Online | Semester 1 | ||||
Online | Semester 2 |
XAB084 Introductory Scientific Principles is designed to give you the foundation knowledge in both theoretical and practical science. The unit will introduce you to the importance of engaging with scientific thinking and reasoning, methodology, precision and accuracy in measurement, written…
Credit Points: 12.5
Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
Online | Semester 1 | ||||
Online | Semester 2 |
View all details for XAB084 Introductory Scientific Principles
Core unit dependent on attendance mode
This unit can provide you with an introduction to chemical principles sufficient to be used as a pre-requisite for first Year chemistry units that are part of a chemistry major at the University of Tasmania. It is not designed to…
Credit Points: 12.5
Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Online | Semester 1 | ||||
Online | Semester 2 | ||||
Online | Summer school |
This unit is designed to provide an accessible and practical introduction to chemistry. In this unit, you will acquire and apply knowledge of chemistry principles and techniques as relevant to applied or industry contexts, with a particular emphasis on biochemical…
Credit Points: 12.5
Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Online | Semester 2 |
Discipline Electives
Mathematics, equipped with the powerful tools logic and reasoning, is the key ingredient that enriches all areas of education. A sound knowledge in mathematics not only opens up numerous career options, but also helps to understand the world in which…
Credit Points: 12.5
Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Cradle Coast | Semester 1 | ||||
Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
Online | Semester 1 | ||||
Online | Semester 2 |
Mathematics, equipped with the powerful tools logic and reasoning, is the key ingredient that enriches all areas of education. A sound knowledge in mathematics not only opens up numerous career options, but also helps to understand the world in which…
Credit Points: 12.5
Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Hobart | Summer school | ||||
Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Launceston | Summer school | ||||
Cradle Coast | Semester 2 | ||||
Cradle Coast | Summer school | ||||
Online | Semester 2 | ||||
Online | Summer school |
View all details for KMA100 Introduction to University Mathematics
Bridging Maths explores essential foundation skills and knowledge in mathematics. This unit is designed to help you to improve your maths skills, build self-confidence, develop logical thinking skills, and encourage good study habits to support independent study. You will have…
Credit Points: 12.5
Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Online | Semester 1 | ||||
Online | Semester 2 |
This unit introduces you to effective professional communication techniques and practices applicable to the workplace and study. You will learn about the foundations of communication, the various communication styles, professional etiquette, and different types of communication behaviours. A central focus…
Credit Points: 12.5
Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Online | Semester 1 |
Entry requirements
For Domestic students
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study at UTAS.
Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education (in the past two years)
This course does not use ATAR as part of the admission process. To be an eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) or an equivalent qualification.
Domestic applicants with higher education study
To be eligible for an offer, you must have:
- Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). You must have completed at least one unit of study (equivalent to 12.5 UTAS credit points), at 100 level or higher and which may include 100 level units completed in the UTAS Diploma of University Studies. If you have failed any units, your application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; OR
- Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).
Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study
To be eligible for an offer, you must have completed a Certificate III or higher (or equivalent) in any discipline.
Applications on the basis of work or life experience
Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement.
Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and / or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION
If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors for special consideration, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition or disability. We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.
For International students
This course is not available to international students. Please enquire online for advice on alternative course options.
Credit transfer
Passes in units in other incomplete courses in this University or another approved tertiary institution (or other approved professional examining body) may be credited towards the Diploma, with a course plan developed to detail the units required to qualify for the Diploma.
Maximum credit for units completed in a course at within UTAS or another approved tertiary institution will not exceed 50 credit points. The maximum of 50 credit points will apply to courses completed at Diploma level (AQF level 5) or higher.
Articulation
The Diploma of Pharmacy Studies is an entry pathway to the Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours for students who would like to study pharmacy but do not meet the pre-requisite requirements. It will progress students to the point where they will have the maths and chemistry pre-requisites for the course, as well as providing students with enhanced communication skills and industry-relevant knowledge in over-the-counter medicines. A student who has completed the Diploma and met the Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours pre-requisites within the Diploma will be eligible for a place in the course.
Detailed Admissions Information
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.
If you’re a domestic student, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place in this course. This means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.
You may also be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.
Further information is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.
Student contributionStudent contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.
Further informationDetailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 13 8827 (13 UTAS)
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries