University of Waikato

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework with a substantial research or practice-based project to deepen clinical knowledge, professional judgement and leadership capability. Typical topics and modules cover advanced pharmacotherapy and clinical decision-making, medicines safety and optimisation, advanced clinical skills (including patient assessment and monitoring), health systems and medicines management, pharmacokinetics and therapeutics, evidence-based practice and research methods.

Students can expect a mix of taught units and a dissertation or major project that applies research methods to real-world pharmacy practice questions. Teaching methods commonly include seminars, case-based learning, clinical placements or workplace-based assessments for practising pharmacists, and supervision by academic staff for research components. There is emphasis on interprofessional practice and culturally responsive care, including consideration of Māori health perspectives in medicines use and health service delivery.

Entry requirements

• A recognised undergraduate qualification in pharmacy (for example, Bachelor of Pharmacy) or an equivalent professional qualification.
• Registration, or eligibility for registration, as a pharmacist in New Zealand (or proof of equivalent professional registration in another jurisdiction), and evidence of relevant professional practice experience is usually required.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating satisfactory performance in prior studies; applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the University's English language requirements.
• Some applicants may be required to provide a statement of purpose outlining their professional goals, a curriculum vitae, and references. Admission may be subject to interview or a discussion with programme staff to confirm suitability and proposed project supervision.
• Where a research project is proposed, applicants should indicate potential supervisors or research topics; the University can advise on aligning project ideas with available expertise.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Pharmacy Practice commonly move into advanced clinical and leadership roles. Typical career directions include advanced practice clinical pharmacist positions in hospitals and primary care, roles in medicines management and policy with district health boards or health services, community pharmacy leadership and ownership, pharmacist consultancy, and specialist positions such as antimicrobial stewardship or specialist clinics (eg, diabetes, cardiology).

Other outcomes include research and academic careers, positions within the pharmaceutical or healthcare industries (eg, medical affairs, regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance), and roles in public health, health informatics or policy development where advanced knowledge of medicines use and evidence-based practice is required.

Why study at University of Waikato

The University of Waikato offers a focused, practice-oriented Master of Pharmacy Practice delivered by staff with active involvement in clinical teaching and pharmacy research. The programme is designed to be relevant to practising pharmacists and often provides flexible delivery options that accommodate working professionals, including blended learning, workplace-based projects and supervision that links study to real clinical practice.

The University has connections with regional health providers, which supports clinically relevant projects and placements, and it emphasises culturally responsive health education, including attention to Māori health needs and partnership approaches in healthcare. Students benefit from personalised supervision, opportunities to undertake applied research, and a learning environment that supports development of leadership and advanced professional skills.