Postgraduate
Graduate Certificate in Quality Use of Medicines and Prescribing
Contact us
Address
Student Central
The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009
Telephone
131 UWA (131 892)
International
(+61 8) 6488 1000
Hours
Frequently asked questions
Events you may be interested in
Show more eventsCareers and further study
Explore the career opportunities available to you.
Career Pathways
This certificate will provide skills, expertise, knowledge and understanding, which will assist you in taking the next step in your career.
Further study
Set yourself up for future opportunity that offers you pathways to stack qualifications to advance your career options.
This course articulates with the Doctor of Pharmacy Practice and the Master of Advanced Clinical Practice.
After completing this Graduate Certificate, you will have completed 24 credit points towards either of these higher qualifications. You'll be halfway to completing the Doctor of Pharmacy Practice after completing this course.
Fees and scholarships
Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course.
Commonwealth Supported Places
This course is available as a Commonwealth Supported Place. This means that the federal government subsidises your study costs.
As a pharmacy course, this means that in 2026, the Federal Government will pay $7,949 towards the cost of your course. This leaves $4,769 to pay, that you can pay either up-front or defer using HECS-HELP.
More information on Commonwealth Supported Places is available here.
Domestic Student Fees
There is no current fee information available for this course. Please visit the fee calculator to browse course fees from a previous year, or other courses.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
Cost of living
Admission requirements
If you’re interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate course, find out the admission details below
Admission Requirements
(a)(i) a bachelor's degree in a health profession, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; or
(ii) a master's degree in a health profession, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA
and
(b) registration as a pharmacist with the relevant regulatory body (such as AHPRA)
Ranking and Selection Process
English competency
English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.
Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.
How to apply
Ready for the next step?
Find out how to apply through our simple online application process.
We'll guide you through our entry requirements, admission pathways available to you and application deadlines for your chosen course.
We can’t wait for you to join us!
Course details
About the course
This course is designed to enhance the skills of pharmacists to meet the demands of the expanding scopes of quality use of medicines and prescribing. You will develop skills to deliver a person-centred consultation and the ability to undertake shared decision making. Through this course you will develop critical thinking and the ability to analyse, and problem solve complex issues within the health care system in prescribing and medication safety.
Quick details
- Postgraduate
- 93210
- This course is not available to international student visa holders
Course structure
Take all units (24 points)
- PHCY515 Advanced Clinical Reasoning
- PHCY5152 Quality Use of Medicine and Safe Prescribing
- PHCY5167 Advanced Clinical Skills: Interpret pathology tests
- PHCY5168 Advanced Clinical Skills: Patient reported measures
Community Pharmacy Enhanced Access Program
Complete this extensions of the Advanced Clinical Skills units if you want to participate in the Community Enhanced Access Program.
- PHCY5153 Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot: Clinical Skills
Microcredentials
Australian registered pharmacists can complete this qualification either:
(A) By completing the three microcredentials and then applying for the Graduate Certificate in Quality Use of Medicines and Prescribing; OR
(B) Apply for and enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Quality Use of Medicines and Prescribing then complete the unit(s).
| Units | Credit/PD Points | Microcredentials | Credit/PD Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHCY5167 Advanced Clinical Skills: Interpret pathology tests | 6 |
PHCYM504 Advanced Clinical Skills |
12 |
| PHCY5168 Advanced Clinical Skills: Patient reported measures | 6 | ||
| PHCY5151 Advanced Clinical Reasoning | 6 |
PHYM505 Prescribing Skills for Pharmacists |
12 |
| PHCY5152 Quality Use of Medicines and Safe Prescribing | 6 | ||
| PHCY5153 Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot: Clinical skills | PHCYM506 Clinical Skills for Pharmacists Enhanced Access Program | 0 |
Accreditation
Why study this course
- This course is designed flexibly to be delivered via microcredentials or by enrolling directly in the qualification. It is interactive and engagingly designed, to help you be a better pharmacist.
- Developed by an interdisciplinary team of medical practitioners and allied health professionals, you will be prepared for the expanding scopes of practice in prescribing medicines.
- Develop your skills to undertake physical assessments and differential diagnoses.
- Learn how to undertake consultations.
- You will receive detailed preparation to understand laboratory tests and patient reported measures.
Pathway to the Doctor of Pharmacy Practice
Build your prescribing capability with clarity and confidence.
The Graduate Certificate is a standalone qualification and also a step towards the Doctor of Pharmacy Practice.
Designed for progression
- Once you complete this Graduate Certificate, you’ll be eligible to articulate into the Doctor of Pharmacy Practice. Your prior learning is recognised, so you won’t need to repeat prescribing content.
Prescribing units you can rely on
- Whether you complete the Graduate Certificate in Quality Use of Medicines and Prescribing or progress into the Doctor of Pharmacy Practice, the prescribing units are the same units in both courses meaning you’ll be qualified to undertake the same prescribing activities in either course.
- The Doctor of Pharmacy Practice builds on this foundation with additional units focused on advanced practice, leadership, and broader clinical capability.
A clear and supported path
- Progression from the Graduate Certificate to the Doctor of Pharmacy Practice is clearly structured and designed to minimise barriers.
Overall, if your goal is to develop the skills to prescribe, either course will get you there.