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Overview

To register and practise as a pharmacist in New Zealand, you will need to successfully complete a four-year University programme leading to a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) degree or Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours degree (BPharm(Hons)), followed by a minimum of 44 weeks of trainee internship under the supervision of a pharmacist preceptor.

The Otago BPharm (the oldest university pharmacy degree in New Zealand) and BPharm(Hons) open opportunities to practise as a pharmacist in various professional settings. It is a broad-based university programme in the physical, biological, social and clinical sciences.

What is pharmacy?

As the experts on medicines, pharmacists are essential members of the healthcare team. They have the skills and knowledge to optimise medicine use and help patients understand and use their medicines in the most appropriate way.

Pharmacists are trusted by other healthcare professionals to assess prescriptions and recommend the best combination of medicines.

Pharmacy is a varied profession, from assessing and treating minor diseases through to optimising patient health-related outcomes and providing ongoing monitoring of medicine effectiveness.

Why study Pharmacy?

Pharmacy is the health profession that links the health sciences with the chemical sciences and ensures the safe and effective use of medication.

Pharmacy teaches you:

  • About the pharmaceutical, biomedical and social sciences, including biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and physiology
  • How to provide patient care by providing information about medicines and monitoring their effectiveness
  • About the quality use of medicines, involving real patients and taking a holistic approach to treating disease

Background required

There are no subject requirements for entry into the Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) programme, which makes up the first year of the Pharmacy degree, but we do strongly recommend you take biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus to Year 13.

HSFY must be your first year of university study and can only be studied at Otago.

If you are considering tertiary study before enrolling, you are strongly advised to contact AskOtago first.

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Entry requirements

The Pharmacy  Admissions Committee considers applications from candidates in the following categories:

Single Programme Preference

Single Programme Preference is available for domestic and international students wishing to only apply to Pharmacy.

  • Goal – The School of Pharmacy, with support of its professional bodies, wishes to recruit students who have signalled a strong commitment to its programme.
  • Eligibility – To be eligible students must meet an academic threshold. For details please refer to the main categories below.
  • Application – To apply students must select their single programme (Pharmacy) as part of their application in eVision. However students are still able to apply for Dental Technology, Oral Health, Radiation Therapy, or any programme outside of the Health Sciences Undergraduate Professional Programmes.
  • Selection – Admissions Committees will firstly select from those applicants who are applying under Single Programme Preference. Thereafter if places are still available, the Committee will select from the group of applicants that have applied to multiple Health Sciences Undergraduate Professional Programmes.

University of Otago Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) category

To be eligible to be selected for admission under the Health Sciences First Year category an applicant must:

  1. Be enrolled in the Health Sciences First Year course at the University of Otago.
  2. Pass all of the papers prescribed for the University of Otago Health Sciences First Year course.

Applicants must have passed the HSFY English Diagnostic Test or have passed ENGL 128.

Selection for applicants who have met these criteria will be based on their academic score.

Single Programme Preference applicants must pass all the prescribed HSFY papers.

First offers are made to single programme preference applicants. Thereafter, if there are domestic places still available, offers will be made to applicants who have applied to more than one professional programme.

Scoring Example HSFY Category (PDF)

You can contact us via AskOtago if you have any questions.

HSFY category checklist

Two or More Years of University Study category

Applicants who are not finalists and have completed two or more years of full-time study at a university in New Zealand will be considered for entry into Pharmacy. The Admissions Committees will score the best 240 points according to the following rules:

  1. Best 3 × 200-level papers scored,
  2. Balance of the 240 points from the best scoring remaining papers (scoring a maximum 120 points at 200-level),
  3. With 100-level papers weighted × 0.5, and all other papers weighted at × 1.5

Due to the scoring system for admission to the Professional Programmes, we are unable to score papers that have a pass / fail grade, nor are we able to score aegrotat passes.

Applicants who are offered a place in second-year Pharmacy, and are missing the First-Year papers (or their equivalent) listed in the BPharm Schedule, will be required to undertake a prescribed course of study.  When the Pharmacy Admissions Committee offer a place, applicants will be advised which papers they must complete, as well as the grades that must be attained in order to be eligible to be admitted to the second year of the BPharm.

An applicant’s  second year of study must include at least three papers at 200-level.

Applicants must not have failed more than two papers in any one year subsequent to a first year of study.

Selection for applicants will be based on their weighted GPA. See scoring example:

First offers are made to Single Programme Preference applicants. Thereafter, if there are domestic places still available, offers will be made to applicants who have applied to more than one professional programme.

You can contact us via AskOtago if you have any questions.

Two or More Years of University Study category checklist

Graduate category

To be eligible for selection for admission under the Graduate category, an applicant must have completed as their first degree, within three years prior to the date of application, and in the minimum academic time, at least one of the following qualifications awarded by a university in New Zealand:

All applicants in the Graduate category are ranked on the basis of a score derived from the grades achieved in:

  • A bachelor's degree,
    or
  • Undergraduate bachelor’s honours degree,
    or
  • A bachelor's degree, followed without a break by a postgraduate diploma or postgraduate honours year.

No preference is given to degree qualification or major subject.

The qualifying degree is the first university degree awarded to the applicant.

The score for candidates applying is based on the following:

  • Papers are given a weighted academic score and are ranked
  • Total points scored would be as per the requirement for the relevant degree (typically 360 points for a three-year degree)
  • Using the regulations for a standard three-year Otago Bachelor's degree as an example, the admission score would be calculated as follows, in order of precedence:
    • Best scoring (maximum of) 120 points at 300-level
    • Best scoring of 200-level and 100-level papers to 360 points
    • With 100-level papers weighted × 0.5, 200-level papers weighted × 1.0, and 300-level papers weighted × 1.5

Please refer to the scoring example below to get indication of your weighted GPA score. Please note that your weighted GPA score will be confirmed as part of the application process in December, and that this spreadsheet is for example purposes only.

Due to the scoring system for admission to the Health Professional Programmes, we are not able to score papers that have a pass / fail grade, nor are we able to score aegrotat passes.

Applicants offered a place under the Graduate category and are missing the First-Year papers (or their equivalent) may be required to pass prescribed papers, to a standard determined by the Committee, before being admitted to second year classes.

Selection for applicants will be based on weighted academic score, see scoring example.

First offers are made to single programme preference applicants. Thereafter, if there are domestic places still available, offers will be made to applicants who have applied to more than one professional programme.

You can contact us via AskOtago if you have any questions.

Graduate category checklist

Alternative category

To be considered for admission under the Alternative category in Pharmacy, a candidate must not be eligible for any other admission category, and meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Hold a degree from a New Zealand university
    or
  • Have completed a degree at an overseas university at a standard of at least New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) Level 7
    or
  • Hold a master's or doctoral degree
    or
  • Demonstrate health-related professional experience in a relevant field to a standard acceptable to the Committee

Applicants offered a place under the Alternative category may be required to pass prescribed papers, to a standard determined by the Committee, before being admitted to second year classes.

Selection of applicants who have met these criteria will be based on academic merit, a single programme preference for Pharmacy and a possible interview.

Alternative category checklist

Equity groups

Te Kauae Parāoa is the policy on admissions for domestic students to the health professional programmes offered by the Division of Health Sciences. This policy supersedes the former Mirror on Society Selection Policy.

Te Kauae Parāoa promotes and facilitates equity for students from underrepresented priority groups with the aim to produce a workforce that represents the communities it serves to improve health outcomes for all.

Applicants may also be considered in one or more of the following sub-categories:

  • Māori
  • Indigenous Pacific (see note)
  • Socioeconomic Equity
  • Refugee Background
  • Rural

An applicant in either the Māori, or Indigenous Pacific, or both of these sub-categories requires verification of ancestry by the University. You can apply for verification of ancestry from the 'My details' section of your eVision portal, and we would encourage you to request this as soon as possible if you are intending to apply for the health sciences professional programmes, to minimise delays in processing your application.

Māori equity group

Applicants wishing to be considered under the Māori equity group must indicate this at the time of application by ticking the Māori equity group box in the online application. Using the form below, applicants will also be required to complete and upload a written personal supporting statement.

Māori – Supporting Statement form (PDF)

In order to be eligible for the Māori equity group your ancestry needs to be verified by the University. You can apply for verification of ancestry from the 'My details' section of your eVision portal.

Note: Successful applicants from the Māori equity group are required to attend a mihi whakatau (greeting) at the commencement of classes in Dunedin and maintain engagement with Raukaha/Māori Health Workforce Development Unit throughout their studies.

It is recommended that students wishing to apply under the Māori equity group attend a relevant information session held by the Division of Health Science Māori Health Workforce Development Unit (MHWDU) and/or contact the MHWDU to arrange a meeting with staff or for further information:

Email mhwdu@otago.ac.nz

New Zealand Resident Indigenous Pacific Origins (NZRIPO) equity group

An application via the NZRIPO equity group requires verification of ancestry for one or more of the following Pacific nations:

  • American Samoa
  • Cook Islands
  • Federated States of Micronesia
  • Fiji
  • French Polynesia
  • Hawaii
  • Kiribati
  • Marshall Islands
  • New Caledonia
  • Niue
  • Palau
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Rapanui (Easter Island)
  • Rotuma
  • Samoa
  • Solomon Islands
  • Tokelau
  • Tonga
  • Tuvalu
  • Vanuatu
  • Wallis and Futuna

Applicants wishing to be considered under the NZRIPO equity group must indicate this at the time of application by ticking the NZRIPO equity group box on the application form.

In order to be eligible for the NZRIPO equity group your ancestry needs to be verified by the University. You can apply for verification of ancestry from the 'My details' section of your eVision portal.

Using the form below, applicants must also complete and upload:

  1. An endorsement of your application by a leader of a Pacific Island Community Group
    and
  2. A written personal supporting statement (500-word limit) giving your reasons for applying under the NZRIPO sub- category.  Please explain your understanding of the NZRIPO subcategory, and outline your commitment to and interest in the health of the Pacific Island Community in New Zealand.

New Zealand Resident Indigenous Pacific Origins (NZRIPO) endorsement and statement form (PDF)

Successful applicants from the NZRIPO equity group are expected to be connected and contribute to the Health Sciences Pacific support network.

It is highly recommended that students wishing to apply under the NZRIPO equity group contact the staff in the Pacific Islands Research and Student Support Unit, in the Office of the Associate Dean (Pacific):

Email vot@otago.ac.nz

Socioeconomic Equity group

To be eligible for the Socioeconomic Equity (EQ) group, you must be a domestic student who has attended a New Zealand secondary school that was decile 1, 2 or 3 until 2024, or has an Equity Index (EQI) number of 479 or greater. You must have attended during Years 11, 12 and 13 within the last five years.

You can apply for Pharmacy under the Socioeconomic Equity group via the HSFY , Two or more Years of University Study or Graduate categories of Admission.

Applicants wishing to apply under the Socioeconomic Equity group must indicate this at the time of application by ticking the Socioeconomic Equity group box in the online application and provide the following supporting information:

It is strongly recommended that students wishing to apply under the Socioeconomic Equity group contact the Division of Health Sciences, EQ Project team (Raukaha Workforce Development - Kōhatu Centre for Hauora Māori).
Email eq.project@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/equity

Note: Successful applicants from the Socioeconomic Equity group are expected to maintain engagement with the EQ/Raukaha team throughout their studies.

Refugee Background equity group

In order to apply under the Refugee Background equity group you must have either been granted refugee status in New Zealand, or have a parent(s)/primary guardian(s) who has been granted refugee status in New Zealand. The Refugee Background equity group applies to all categories of admission.

Applicants wishing to apply under the Refugee Background equity group must indicate this at the time of application by ticking the Refugee Background equity group box in the online application and providing the following supporting information:

If you are applying as a person who has been granted refugee status then you must provide:

Either

  • Certified copies of your Certificate of Identity or your passport confirming refugee status and Permanent Residency.
    or
  • A letter from Immigration New Zealand confirming your status as a permanent resident was obtained on the basis of being a refugee. This must include your full legal name and date of birth.
    or
  • A letter from Immigration New Zealand confirming that you are a former refugee and that you have applied for residency. This must include your full legal name and date of birth.
    Immigration NZ website to request letters

If you are applying as a child or dependent of a parent(s) / primary guardian(s) who was granted New Zealand Residency as a refugee, you must provide:

1. A letter from Immigration New Zealand confirming that your parent(s)/primary guardian(s) was granted NZ residency on the basis of their status as a former refugee. This letter must include their full name and date of birth. If Immigration NZ is not able to provide such a letter, equivalent official documentation can be submitted and will be considered for acceptability. Please contact Dr Jackie Tagg in the Health Sciences Divisional Office for advice.
Email jackie.tagg@otago.ac.nz
and
2. A document that confirms they are your parent(s)/primary guardian(s), for example your birth certificate, a joint passport, or adoption papers.

Using the form below, your application under the Refugee Background equity group must include a personal supporting statement (500-word limit) outlining your understanding of the Refugee Background equity group, how your refugee background will impact your practice as a health professional, and your commitment to the health of former refugees.

Refugee Supporting Statement form (PDF)

It is strongly recommended that students wishing to apply under the Refugee Background equity group contact the Refugee Background equity group support person, Dr Jackie Tagg, in the Health Sciences Divisional Office: Email jackie.tagg@otago.ac.nz

New Zealand Rural Origins equity group

In order to apply in the New Zealand Rural Origins equity group, candidates for admission must:

  • Have undertaken a minimum of four years of their pre-tertiary education at a school in a rural area of New Zealand
    or
  • Have resided in a rural area of New Zealand for a minimum of four consecutive years following the completion of their secondary education
    or
    Have undertaken a combination of pre-tertiary education at a school in a rural area of New Zealand and residence in a rural area of New Zealand, for a minimum of four consecutive years

(Please note pre-tertiary means primary, intermediate and secondary/high school).

Applicants wishing to have their New Zealand Rural Origins status considered with their application must indicate this at the time of application by ticking the New Zealand Rural Origins equity group box in the online application.

Applicants must provide the following supporting information:

either

  • An official letter from the pre-tertiary regional / rural education institution they attended, outlining:
    • The duration of their study,
      and
    • The physical location of the institute

or

  • A statutory declaration, made before an authorised person, confirming residency of four years or more in a rural location (this declaration must specify which years are being claimed as the four qualifying years). A statutory declaration can be used for your residential address only. It cannot be used to confirm school attendance.

An authorised person is a person listed in the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957 as able to take declarations. This person could be a:

Students within New Zealand may wish to check justiceofthepeace.org.nz for a list of Justices of the Peace in their area. Students from remote areas who do not have access to anyone in the approved categories should visit AskOtago for advice.

For applications based on a rural residential address or attendance at a rural school(s) the University classifies rural as per the Geographic Classification for Health (GCH). For the purposes of this policy, applicants will be eligible if the address or school(s) on which the rural equity group application is based on, is classified within Rural 1–3.

Using the map image in the link below, you can undertake an informal check of the classification of the residential area provided in your application.

It is important to note that this should be considered as a guide only. The Statistical Area 1s (SA1s) of the residential address and/or the school(s) provided will be checked against the GCH database during the assessment of your application. If your application is found to not be eligible under the rural category you will be notified, and your application will be processed under the general category.

Students will not be bonded after graduation.

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Application process

Online application and enrolment

New and returning students are required to complete their application through eVision.

You should apply in the first instance to the 'Health Sciences Undergraduate Professional Programmes' and then select 'Pharmacy' from the list.

If you have any questions regarding your application please contact AskOtago:

Tel 0800 80 80 98 (from within New Zealand)
Tel +64 3 479 7000 (from overseas)
Email ask@otago.ac.nz
facebook.com/otagouniversity
Contact AskOtago

Supporting documentation

For details regarding other required documentation, consult the appropriate checklist available at the end of each main category of admission section.

Application deadlines

Applications open 1 July 2025
Applications close 14 August 2025

Note: Applicants must have their personal and financial affairs in order when they apply so that if their application is successful, they are able to take up a place at the start of the first semester.

Outcome of application

You will be advised of the outcome of your application no later than 11pm (New Zealand Time) on 18 December.

Selection criteria

Selection of domestic candidates for the second year of the Bachelor of Pharmacy programme from among those meeting the eligibility requirements established by the programme regulations conforms to the following criteria:

  1. Those applying as members of an equity group undergo additional preliminary assessments:
    1. Applicants are confirmed as equity group members in accordance with the programme regulations.
    2. Confirmed equity group applicants are then considered by the Divisional Academic Board or its delegate against selection attributes for each specific equity group relating to the policy rationale of Te Kauae Parāoa. These attributes are approved by the Divisional Academic Board.

    On the basis of these assessments, confirmed equity group members who are also established as meeting the policy rationale of Te Kauae Parāoa will be prioritised in the selection process outlined below.

  2. Places in the second year of the programme are allocated between the Health Science First Year, Two or More Years of University Study, Graduate, and Alternative categories, with as near as possible to 60% of the places being allocated to the Health Science First Year category, then as near as possible as 20% to the Two or More Years of University Study category, and the balance to the Graduate and Alternative categories.
  3. Applicants for the Alternative category are considered based on a review of the applicant’s full academic transcript and their statement of reasons for wanting to enter the Bachelor of Pharmacy.  Applications will be assessed to determine an overall aptitude towards study, and to confirm that the applicant has an understanding of pharmacy and professional practice.  Applicants deemed suitable for the programme will be selected.
  4. Final selection of candidates in the Health Science First Year and Graduate categories is on the basis of academic ranking within each category using the formulae specified in the Guidelines.  Selections are made in the following sequence:
    1. Members of equity groups in the following sequence:
      1. Māori
      2. Resident Indigenous Pacific
      3. Refugee Background
      4. Socioeconomic Equity
      5. NZ Rural Origins
    2. Single Programme Preference General Applicants
    3. General Applicants who have applied for other professional programmes

Accepting or declining offers

If your application is successful and you receive an offer, this will include a deadline for accepting or declining it. If you do not respond to your offer by this deadline, the offer will be lapsed.

Please think carefully before making your decision; once you have declined your offer there is no opportunity to have the offer reinstated.

What is the waiting list?

If your Outcome of Application indicates that you have been placed on the Waiting List, you will be contacted should a place become available. Separate waitlists are maintained for each Health Sciences Undergraduate Professional Programme.

You could be offered a place from a waiting list any time right up to the time classes begin. It is important  that you continue your enrolment process for any alternative programme of study you may be considering.

Deferral of entry

Successful candidates may request to defer their entry to the following academic year.

Requests will be considered on the following grounds:

  • Graduate category or Alternative category candidates who wish to complete current academic study (e.g. an honours year) that in the opinion of the Pharmacy Admissions Committee will enhance a student's future study in Pharmacy. If approved, the Admissions Committee will advise of the minimum grade(s) that must be attained. Deferral requests, submitted under this criteria, must be received no later than the last day to add a first semester paper.
  • Serious medical grounds or other exceptional circumstances. Candidates that are approved deferral on medical grounds or exceptional circumstances will be required to provide evidence that they are able to resume study.

To apply for a deferral of entry please complete and return the deferral form (PDF)

Deferrals will only be granted for a maximum period of one academic year.

Applicants must have their personal and financial affairs in order when they apply so that if their application is successful, they are able to take up a place at the start of the first semester.

English language requirements

Admission to the programme shall be subject to applicants’ meeting an English language requirement as determined by the Pharmacy Admissions Committee, dependent on the category under which the application is made.

International students

International students are defined as all those students who require a student visa to study in New Zealand. In any given year, a limited number of places in second-year Pharmacy may be available to international students. To be eligible to apply for admission into Pharmacy, international students must have completed all necessary prerequisites at a minimum standard, which is determined on a yearly basis.

Should an international student's residency status change prior to notification of the application outcome, they must notify AskOtago immediately and will have to compete for admission with other domestic students.

Important dates

  • Online application closing date: 14 August 2025
  • Outcome of application emails sent out by: 18 December

Pharmacy second-year start dates

Applicants offered a place into the programme will be advised of the date for the following:

  • Camp
  • Preliminary Lecture
  • Classes begin

Introductory classes are compulsory. Students who fail to attend classes on the start date risk losing their place.

Health and disabilities

Please contact the University of Otago's Manager of Disability Information and Support, or visit AskOtago, if you have a health condition and/or disability that may affect whether or not you are able to meet the requirements of this programme or obtain professional registration.

Any applicant who has a mental or physical condition that could adversely affect their fitness to practice or is found to have failed to declare a condition may be declined admission to the programme by the Pharmacy Admissions Committee on the recommendation of the Health and Conduct Review Group. Any offer of admission made before responses to medical requests or requests for information regarding an applicant's health status have been received is conditional on the information received confirming the applicant’s suitability for admission.

Criminal offences

Any applicant who is, or has been, the subject of criminal convictions, or is, or has been, subject to disciplinary proceedings of a tertiary institution or professional body, or is found to have failed to declare a matter may be declined admission to the programme by the Pharmacy Admissions Committee on the recommendation of the Health and Conduct Review Group. Any offer of admission made before responses to requests for information regarding an applicant's past conduct have been received is conditional on the information received confirming the applicant's suitability for admission.

As some convictions may prohibit registration, applicants are advised to consult the regulations of the appropriate registering professional body:

All applicants must consent to verification from the New Zealand Police and Department of Courts that there are no undeclared criminal charges or convictions.

Health and Conduct Review Group

The Health and Conduct Review Group considers a student's suitability for admission to a Health Sciences Professional Programme having regard to fitness to practice issues.

Health and Conduct Review Group – Terms of Reference (PDF)
Health and Conduct Procedure (PDF)

Children's Act 2014

The Children's Act 2014 is aimed at providing better protection for vulnerable children. One of the ways it aims to do this, is by “safety checking”.

If you will work with vulnerable children – as part of a specified organisation that provides regulated services – the Act requires you to be “safety checked” at least once every three years.

The safety check involves:

  • Identity verification
  • New Zealand Police vetting
  • Reference checking
  • An interview
  • A risk assessment

Applicants who enter the programme will receive further information regarding the timing of these checks.

Further information

University of Otago Child Protection Policy
Oranga Tamariki (Ministry for Children website)
Children's Act requirements (Oranga Tamariki website)

Culturally-sensitive issues

All students must participate in laboratory, practical and clinical activities, including those that may be unusual in some cultures. In Pharmacy, some aspects of the teaching will require individuals to practise certain techniques on each other that may involve partially undressing or body contact with other students. Training occurs under close supervision and all students are required to participate, as it is essential for their acquisition of clinical skills.

Immunity status

All applicants who are offered and accept a place to the second year, or any subsequent year, of the Bachelor of Pharmacy will be required to provide evidence of their serology status.

Because of the nature of their practice, health professionals are required to take steps to ensure they neither acquire infections from their patients nor transmit infections to patients.

Immunity testing arrangements will be made known during December, preceding the start of the programme. It is the responsibility of the applicant to cover all costs associated with completion of immunisation screening and vaccinations.

Please refer to the Infectious Diseases Policy for Health Professional Students (PDF) for further details regarding immunity status.

Domestic place numbers

The maximum number of domestic student places available across all admissions categories for 2025 is approximately 120.

Special examinations and adjusted paper marks

Applications from students sitting special examinations will be placed on hold until the special examination results are released. Once you receive your special examination results you must immediately advise AskOtago to ensure the processing of your application is completed.

As we do not receive special examination results automatically, it is applicants' responsibility to inform us of the results of special examinations, and adjusted paper marks, as soon as they become available.

Programme content

After selection from Health Sciences First Year ( HSFY ), or from one of the other categories, you commence the second year of your four-year degree.

Here you will build on the fundamental sciences studied during HSFY .

You will also learn about the practice of pharmacy along with the legal and social aspects of healthcare which are continued throughout the course. You will then study a series of integrated module-based papers, where the focus is person-centred care in clinical settings and patients in the community.

The integrated studies teach you how to apply what you learn at university to the practice of pharmacy. During these studies, you will have opportunities to learn in different types of pharmacy environments alongside practising pharmacists.

Once you complete your fourth year and graduate, there is a one-year pre-registration programme. You must register with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand to be eligible for the pre-registration training programme. This is undertaken as paid employment at an approved site in a hospital or community pharmacy. It is your responsibility to arrange the employment at this site.

Candidates for the second and subsequent years of the BPharm programme will normally have passed all papers for the previous year of study.

Second-year papers

Third-year papers

Fourth-year papers (for BPharm)

  • PHCY 410 Elective Studies A
  • PHCY 420 Pharmacy Practice Leadership and Management
  • PHCY 430 Elective Studies B
  • PHCY 431 Structured Practical Experiential Programme
  • PHCY 432 Applied Pharmacotherapy and Patient Care

Fourth-year papers (for BPharm(Hons))

  • PHCY 410 Elective Studies A
  • PHCY 420 Pharmacy Practice Leadership and Management
  • PHCY 480 Honours Research Project
  • PHCY 431 Structured Practical Experiential Programme
  • PHCY 432 Applied Pharmacotherapy and Patient Care

Careers

While most pharmacists work in community and hospital pharmacies, many also work in primary healthcare environments (with general practitioners), government organisations, industry, medical writing, and academia.

Opportunities for pharmacists are constantly growing as the healthcare sector changes to meet the needs of our communities.

These opportunities include adherence and clinical medicine review services which aim to optimise health outcomes for their patients.

Pharmacists also provide long-term care services for patients with chronic illnesses, as well as dispensing prescriptions, and assessing and treating some ailments.

The goal of clinical medicines review services is to optimise health outcomes of patients by appropriate choice of medicine and dosing schedule, to both increase the effectiveness of medicines and avoid unwanted side-effects or drug interactions.

Some pharmacists offer specialist medicine review services to rest homes or people with complex medication regimens.

Hospital pharmacists are responsible for serving the medicinal needs of hospital patients, as well as outpatients who require specialised medicines. Their role also centres on patient care with the majority of hospital pharmacists conducting clinical medicines reviews to optimise health outcomes for patients. Hospital pharmacists may also be involved with the manufacture of intravenous and oncology medicines, while others provide expert advice on medicines.

Some pharmacists work in industrial pharmacy, developing new pharmaceutical products for human or veterinary use. Some responsibilities undertaken by industrial pharmacists are formulation and production, quality control, provision of information on new products, clinical evaluation of new products, and the marketing of medicines.

Graduate profile – Kiri Aikman

Kiri Aikman (2015)Kiri Aikman has no regrets about choosing to study pharmacy at the University of Otago. “It was one of the best decisions I’ve made to date,” she says, “I am passionate about helping people and making a positive difference to their health.”

Kiri’s decision to become a pharmacist grew from a part-time job at a community pharmacy while she was at secondary school. After completing Health Sciences First Year, she entered Pharmacy and never looked back. “The School of Pharmacy gave me the knowledge, the skills and the confidence to begin my career as a pharmacist,” she says, “you feel that you graduate as a health professional with a vast knowledge base to build upon.”

There were countless highlights in Kiri’s degree, but she particularly benefitted from the tight bond, due to the small class size, that students form from day one. She also enjoyed learning about diseases, and about the patient behind the disease. “There was always a strong patient focus,” she emphasises. The variety of subjects were both challenging and rewarding and the lecturers were fantastic. “We were taught, and inspired, by some of the best professionals in their field. They became great mentors.”

Where has Kiri’s degree led her? She is now working as a fully-registered clinical pharmacist at Auckland City Hospital, and deals with patients and their medical conditions on a ward-based level as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Kiri has many goals for the future. She hopes to complete further postgraduate study to specialise as a clinical pharmacist and travel the world in this role.

“The rewarding thing about pharmacy is that that career path is not narrow,” Kiri says, “there are many different avenues to explore and it is an evolving profession.”

Regulations

Regulations for the degree of Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)

Disclaimer

The University of Otago makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on its web pages. However the matters covered, including the availability and structure of courses, are subject to regular review and no warranty or representation can be provided regarding the accuracy of such information, and the University does not accept liability for any losses or damage arising directly or indirectly from reliance on the information.

  • While the University of Otago takes all due care in implementing the regulations, policies, and procedures that relate to the admissions process, it reserves the right to correct any administrative errors that may occur.
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