Programme details

Master of Pharmacy Practice

The Master of Pharmacy Practice (MPharmPrac) offers an expedited route to becoming a pharmacist for students who already hold a Bachelor's degree.

Course description

Our Master of Pharmacy Practice is New Zealand’s first graduate-entry pharmacy program, designed to address the pharmacy workforce shortage in Aotearoa.

The program takes a comprehensive approach to health assessment, incorporating various Hauora Māori models, such as Te Whare Tapa Whā, Te Wheke, and the Meihana Model.

You will integrate academic learning with practical pharmacy experience through community, primary care, and hospital placements supervised by clinical academic pharmacists.

Upon completing the two-year program, you’ll be equipped to provide culturally and clinically safe care and proficiently use medicines across New Zealand. You will be eligible to apply for registration as an Intern Pharmacist with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand | Te Pou Whakamana Kaimatū o Aotearoa. After successfully completing the Intern Training Programme, you can apply for full registration as a Pharmacist.

Given the limited number of spaces, the application deadline is 1 November of the year before your intended start date.

Occupational Registration

Certain occupations require registration by law in New Zealand. This programme leads to registration with Pharmacy Council of New Zealand.

Immigration benefits

This course qualifies for 5 points if applying for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.

This course may qualify for the following visa rights:
In-study work rights
Partner visitor rights
Partner work rights
Post-study work rights

Career Prospects

Intern Pharmacist
Registered Pharmacist
Primary and community health care
Hospital-based care
Pharmaceutical research

Entry requirements

Applicants for the Master of Pharmacy Practice are selected based on their academic qualifications and suitability for the pharmacy profession.

To apply, you must have:

– A bachelor’s degree with a major in molecular sciences, such as biochemistry, biomedical science, chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, or pharmacology.
– A minimum B grade average in your final year.

The selection process also involves submitting a personal statement, providing references, undergoing a criminal record check, and participating in an interview. The Selection Committee reviews all applications individually.