Carolina and Australia’s Monash University launch joint pharmaceutical sciences program
The Master of Global Medicines Development will prepare pharmacy students to advance globally coordinated approaches to medicines.
Pandemics, supply chain disruptions and rising health care demands serve as reminders of the urgent need for collaboration. In response, the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy and the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, have come together to create a new program: the Master of Global Medicines Development.
This joint degree, offered by two of the highest-ranked schools in pharmacy and pharmacology in the world, is designed to train the next generation of leaders in the science, policy and practice of bringing medicines to people around the globe. Graduates of the MGMD will be prepared to apply expertise to solve pressing global challenges in medicine access and development.
“We are excited about this new degree offering,” said Stephen Eckel, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy associate dean of global engagement. “Having the opportunity to get a joint degree from two of the best pharmacy schools in the world is unprecedented.”
The MGMD is a joint venture, with faculty from both universities working together at every stage of the student journey. From the first classroom lecture to the final capstone project, students will benefit from the combined expertise, networks and resources of two world-class universities known for their excellence in pharmaceutical sciences and health outcomes research.
The program’s didactic journey, based on Monash’s campus in Melbourne, Australia, spans the first two semesters, where students gain foundational knowledge in medicines development, regulation and access. This is followed by a third semester focused on placements that immerse students in real-world problem solving with global pharmaceutical companies, international organizations and research institutions. Placements will be based in either Melbourne’s biotechnology industry or North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park.
There are a variety of impactful career pathways for MGMD graduates. Opportunities include roles in pharmaceutical companies, global health organizations, international supply chain management, academic research, consulting and more. Whether shaping policy for medication access, advancing research in global clinical trials or ensuring that supply chains reach underserved populations, MGMD alumni will be well-positioned to make a lasting difference.
“By uniting the strengths of Carolina and Monash, this program stands as a testament to what global collaboration in education can achieve,” said Eckel. “The MGMD is more than a degree—it is a commitment to preparing leaders who will advance medicine development on an international scale.”
Learn more about the program at an informational webinar on Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. ET.
