Pharmacy University of Otago

Overview

The Pharmacy programme at the University of Otago offers an innovative curriculum focused on patient-centred care and clinical excellence. Students engage with advanced pharmaceutical sciences and practical applications to become vital members of modern healthcare teams.

This degree moves beyond traditional dispensing to focus on high-level healthcare interventions. You will learn to assess complex prescriptions, treat various health conditions, and provide life-saving vaccinations. The course emphasises the application of science in real-world settings to improve community wellbeing.

The curriculum is designed to integrate foundational knowledge with professional practice from the outset. You will explore how medicines interact with the human body while developing the communication skills necessary for patient consultations.

Why Pharmacy at the University of Otago?

The School of Pharmacy features a state-of-the-art professional practice laboratory that is recognised as one of the finest facilities globally. Students benefit from hands-on training in a dedicated patient care clinic, which is the only university-run pharmacy clinic in New Zealand and Australia.

Teaching at this institution is distinguished by its focus on Hauora, a Māori philosophy encompassing physical, mental, spiritual, and social dimensions of health. This unique approach ensures graduates can provide equitable healthcare services within diverse community settings. The school maintains strong links with the Division of Health Sciences.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: NZD 43253 per year
• National fee: NZD 9584 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The first year consists of the Health Sciences First Year course, followed by specialised pharmacy papers. Modules may include:

Year 2

• Pharmacy
• Fundamental Pharmaceutical Science
• Integrated Modules A

Year 3

• Integrated Modules B
• Integrated Modules C

Year 4

• Elective Studies A
• Pharmacy Practice Leadership and Management
• Elective Studies B
• Structured Practical Experiential Programme
• Applied Pharmacotherapy and Patient Care

Careers with Pharmacy

Graduates find diverse opportunities as community pharmacists, where they manage patient therapy and consult with other healthcare providers. In hospital settings, pharmacists often specialise in areas such as paediatrics, intensive care, cardiology, mental health, or infectious diseases. They play a core role in medical ward rounds and clinical decision-making.

Beyond clinical practice, career paths exist within the pharmaceutical industry, drug companies, and regulatory bodies like Medsafe or Pharmac. Some graduates pursue roles in the Ministry of Health, the armed forces, or academia. Further study can lead to careers in research, clinical pharmacy practice, or social and administrative pharmacy.