University of Otago

What you'll study

The Graduate Diploma in Pharmacy delivers a concentrated programme of core pharmacy disciplines that prepares you for professional practice and registration. Teaching combines pharmaceutical sciences, clinical therapeutics and applied pharmacy practice with a strong emphasis on patient-centred care.

• Pharmaceutics and formulation — dosage forms, compounding principles, quality assurance and medication stability.
• Pharmacology and therapeutics — mechanisms of action, drug interactions, therapeutic uses and monitoring across major disease areas (cardiovascular, respiratory, infectious diseases, mental health, pain management, etc.).
• Clinical pharmacy and patient care — medication review, clinical decision-making, communication skills, chronic disease management and medicines reconciliation.
• Pharmacy law, ethics and professional practice — regulatory frameworks in New Zealand, consent and confidentiality, dispensing accuracy and professional accountability.
• Pharmacy practice placements — supervised experiential learning in community and hospital settings to apply classroom knowledge to real patients and interprofessional teams.
• Laboratory and simulation work — practical skills in compounding, dispensing, aseptic technique and use of clinical simulation to develop patient consultation and emergency response skills.

Assessment typically combines written exams, OSCE-style clinical assessments, coursework and performance evaluation during supervised placements.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification. Preferred backgrounds include biomedical sciences, pharmacy-related disciplines, or other health science degrees that include foundational coursework in chemistry and human biology.

• Academic record demonstrating capability to complete intensive professional study — specific GPA or grade thresholds are set by the university and assessed as part of the selection process.
• Prerequisite knowledge in areas such as chemistry (including organic and inorganic chemistry) and human physiology or anatomy may be required; applicants who lack specific prerequisites may be asked to complete bridging courses.
• Evidence of English language proficiency where English is not the first language, in line with the University of Otago's standard requirements for taught programmes.
• Selection may involve an application review and, where applicable, interview or practical assessment to determine suitability for patient-focused practice.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to register and practise as pharmacists in New Zealand and can pursue careers across multiple sectors of the medicines and health system.

• Community pharmacy — dispensing, medication counselling, immunisation services, minor ailment clinics and chronic disease management.
• Hospital pharmacy — clinical pharmacy services, medicines reconciliation, antimicrobial stewardship and formulary management.
• Primary care and allied health — embedded pharmacist roles within general practice and multidisciplinary teams.
• Pharmaceutical industry and regulatory affairs — roles in quality assurance, medical information, regulatory compliance and drug development.
• Research, public health and education — opportunities in pharmacoepidemiology, clinical trials, policy development and teaching.

Why study at University of Otago

The University of Otago's School of Pharmacy is the established centre for pharmacy education in New Zealand, offering a curriculum that integrates rigorous scientific foundations with hands-on clinical training. Students benefit from strong partnerships with local hospitals and community pharmacies for placement experience, modern simulation and laboratory facilities, and teaching staff who are practising pharmacists and researchers.

Studying at Otago also provides access to interdisciplinary learning across health faculties, student support services, and a distinctive campus environment in Dunedin that supports both academic and professional development for aspiring pharmacists.