Study the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science (BPharmSc)
From discovery to next-generation products
At Otago, you'll learn from researchers whose discoveries are shaping the future of pharmaceutical science. Their teaching brings together the latest research with practical learning, showing you how ideas become medicines, skincare, natural products and other innovative formulations.
At Otago's Dunedin Health Sciences campus, you'll study in modern laboratories, work alongside students from related disciplines, and benefit from small classes and personalised support. You'll also explore medicines from both scientific and cultural perspectives, including rongoā Māori, giving you a broader understanding of how pharmaceutical science can improve lives and create products that make a real difference.
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Programme details
Regulations for the Degree of Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science (BPharmSc)
Structure of the Programme
Every programme of study for the degree
- shall consist of papers worth not less than 360 points
- shall include at least 180 points for papers above 100-level, of which at least 72 points shall be for papers above 200-level
- shall satisfy the requirements set out in the Schedule of papers required for the degree
- may include one or more optional minor subjects that satisfy the Minor Subject Requirements listed in Science Schedule A, Arts and Music Schedule A, Commerce Schedule A, or the Bachelor of Health Sciences Schedule. No paper may count for both the Schedule of papers required for the degree and a Minor Subject Requirement or for more than one Minor Subject Requirement unless that paper is at 100- or 200-level and specified as compulsory for both requirements.
Prerequisites, Corequisites and Restrictions
Every programme of study shall satisfy the requirements for prerequisites, corequisites, and restrictions set out in the Prescriptions (published in the Guide to Enrolment).
Cross Credits
A candidate who is enrolled for the degree concurrently with another degree, or who has completed one degree and is proceeding with the programme for the degree of Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, may cross-credit 100- and 200-level papers that are common to both degrees up to a maximum of 126 points where the other degree is a three-year degree.
Variations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study that does not comply with these regulations.
Explore more in Pharmaceutical Science
Learn where this subject can take you and discover the full range of study options, from undergraduate programmes to postgraduate pathways.
Study Pharmaceutical Science at Otago
Career opportunities
Graduates apply their skills across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, cosmetics, natural products and agrichemical industries, as well as government, research and healthcare organisations.
Career opportunities include:
- Research scientist developing new medicines and innovative products
- Formulation scientist in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics or agrichemical industries
- Clinical trials associate supporting the development of new therapies
- Regulatory affairs officer evaluating medicines and therapeutic products
- Analytical scientist working in forensic, quality assurance or border-control laboratories
Many graduates also continue into postgraduate study and research.
University jargon
Starting to research your study options and already feeling lost in the jargon? Here are some handy links for common terms you’re likely to come across.
- What’s a degree and how does it work?
- What’s a double degree?
- What’s a combined degree?
- Explore all terminology
Where curiosity becomes innovation
At Otago, you'll be part of a learning community where you'll know your lecturers and gain confidence through personalised support. Practical laboratory learning is woven throughout the programme, helping you apply scientific theory to real-world challenges.
You'll explore how medicines, skincare, natural products and other formulations are developed, while gaining insight into both scientific and cultural perspectives. By combining hands-on experience with research-led teaching, you'll graduate ready to contribute to industries that develop the next generation of products and improve lives.
Further study
We offer postgraduate opportunities tailored to your interests at Honours, Master's and PhD level.
More information
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