Why study Pharmaceutical Science?

Otago's new three-year BPharmSc is the only degree of its type in Aotearoa New Zealand. It offers a curriculum that is responsive to industry needs and intertwines rongoā Māori to help understand medicines beyond western practices. Otago's School of Pharmacy is ranked in the top 100 pharmacy schools globally (2019 QS ranking), and the BPharmSc is taught by industry experts and academics.

As a pharmaceutical science student at Otago, you will benefit from small class sizes, personalised instruction, and a modern student-centred curriculum. You will have access to a state-of-the-art laboratory, an interprofessional learning environment, and a supportive student culture.

Second and third-year papers are taught via lectures, laboratory classes and tutorials, and incorporate contemporary student- centred learning, including interactive workshop sessions.

Career opportunities

Otago produces independent, innovative and career-ready graduates. With a degree in pharmaceutical science, you will be qualified to take on many professional roles, including:

• Scientist researching and developing new drugs and medicines
• Formulation scientist in food, cosmetics, pharmaceutics and agrichemical industries
• Regulatory affairs officer evaluating medicines for government agencies and companies
• Border control agent conducting identification and analysis of drugs
• Clinical trials associate testing the safety and efficacy of medicines
• Marketing and sales of medicines for human, veterinary and agricultural use
• Quality control chemist testing to ensure high-quality medicines are produced
• Patent attorney advising on intellectual property and patent law.