Postgraduate Study in Physiology
Physiology is the study of how our bodies work at the molecular, cellular, and organ systems levels.
Understanding human physiology is therefore a key part of knowing ourselves. And of course, knowing what’s normal is crucial to understanding the abnormalities that lead to disease, and enabling development of effective treatments.
The importance of Physiology is recognised by the fact there is a specific Nobel Prize category for Physiology and Medicine. Although much has been learned, mysteries still remain – will you be involved in solving them?
Why study Physiology?
A university-level understanding of how the body works is an excellent preparation for a wide range of career options. Some Physiology graduates go on to higher degrees in Physiology because they wish to become full-time researchers and academics, designing their own research and leading research teams. Other graduates use their Physiology degrees to gain access to a wide range of jobs where employers are looking for specific knowledge of human biology, including as laboratory research technicians, advisors to TV and movie productions, in medical technology companies, aviation and space medicine research, hospital sleep laboratories, and marketing pharmaceuticals – to name just a few.
Furthermore, a Bachelor of Science (BSc) can provide entry into any career where employers are looking for tertiary-level education. We also find it can be a platform for entrepreneurs who go on to set up their own businesses – from setting up vineyards and wine making, to running sporting goods shops.
A degree in Physiology is also a perfect platform for entry to further study towards qualifications in health-related professions that lead to specific careers, such as audiology, dentistry, medical technology, medicine, pharmacy, and physiotherapy.
If you find human biology interesting and want to know more about how the human body works – or why it sometimes fails to work properly – then Physiology is for you.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Physiology as an undergraduate at Otago.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, Master’s, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a Master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
A one-year programme which builds on an undergraduate science degree, encompassing coursework and a chosen research topic
Master of Science (MSc)
A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options, the MSc may be taken by a combination of coursework and thesis, or by thesis only
Graduate Qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
PHSL papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHSL101 | 2025 | Physiology for Sport and Exercise | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PHSL232 | 2025 | Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PHSL233 | 2025 | Cellular, Gastrointestinal and Renal Physiology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PHSL251 | 2025 | Exploring Human Physiology | 21 points | Semester 1 |
| PHSL341 | 2025 | Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurophysiology (I) | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| PHSL344 | 2025 | Cardiovascular Physiology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PHSL345 | 2025 | Physiological Aspects of Health and Disease | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| PHSL471 | 2025 | Systematic Physiology | 20 points | Full Year |
| PHSL472 | 2025 | Neurophysiology | 20 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (24 February 2025 - 30 May 2025) |
| PHSL473 | 2025 | Cellular Physiology | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| PHSL474 | 2025 | Research Topics | 20 points | Full Year |
| PHSL480 | 2025 | Research Project | 40 points | Full Year |
| PHSL490 | 2025 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year |
| PHSL495 | 2025 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 40 points | Full Year |
Contacts
Department of Physiology
School of Biomedical Sciences
Email physiology@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/physiology
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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