Career opportunities
When you finish the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science you’ll be ready for roles in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and health-science sectors. You’ll have solid skills in research, formulation and drug development. Careers include:
- Scientist researching and developing new drugs and medicines
- Formulation scientist in food, cosmetics, pharmaceutics and agrichemicals
- Regulatory affairs officer evaluating medicines for governments or companies
- Border control or forensic analysis agent identifying and analysing drugs
- Clinical trials associate testing safety and efficacy of medicines
Future-focused, industry-ready
Discover how Otago’s hands-on Pharmaceutical Science degree prepares you for a global career—guided by world-class experts, grounded in Aotearoa, and connected to industry and innovation.
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Pharmaceutical science at Otago is an innovative program inspiring tomorrow’s scientists for a global career. The world needs more skilled scientists to contribute to the discovery, design, development, formulation, and use of drugs. All of this will help protect our global health.
At Otago, our world-renowned scientists and industry experts will ignite your passion, and our modern student-centred curriculum is responsive to industry changes and needs.
You will gain a unique Aotearoa New Zealand perspective. Learn about rongoā Māori to understand medicines beyond Western practices.
A Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science at Otago is the perfect introduction to a diverse and rapidly growing pharmaceutical industry. This lab-based degree will prepare you for further education into a PhD or a global career as a research scientist, formulation scientist, and more.
Build a bright future in Ōtepoti Dunedin. Beautiful scenery and vibrant culture coupled with our inclusive campus means you’ll feel right at home.
Study Pharmaceutical Science at Otago today. Become a world leading scientist tomorrow.
How you will learn
As a Pharmaceutical Science student at Otago, you’ll benefit from small class sizes, personalised instruction and a modern, student-centred curriculum. You’ll have access to a state-of-the-art laboratory, an interprofessional learning environment and a supportive student culture that helps you thrive.
Your studies combine lectures, laboratory classes, tutorials and interactive workshops, giving you a balance of theory and practical experience. You’ll explore chemistry, biology and physiology before diving into areas such as pharmaceutical chemistry, formulation science, disease processes and medicinal discovery.
You’ll also investigate contemporary topics including natural products and medicines, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug delivery and the pharmaceutical industry. The programme’s flexibility lets you shape your learning journey, with space to take papers from other Otago departments that match your interests and career goals.
Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study
There are no secondary school subject requirements for entry into the first year at Otago, but we strongly recommend you take chemistry, biology and maths.
All applicants seeking admission to the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science programme must have completed 108 points in Health Sciences First Year at the University of Otago (or equivalent) and a further 18 100-level points.
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Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
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Related subject areas
Explore all subject areasNew Zealand’s home of pharmaceutical discovery
At Otago, you’ll study in a collaborative environment with expert staff, modern labs and a culture that supports your success. Our programme emphasises real-world relevance in drug science and explores medicines from both Western and Māori perspectives through rongoā Māori.
You’ll join a community of students and researchers in Dunedin, where you’ll experience a vibrant student life and access to resources that help you learn, grow and explore. With Otago, you’re not just studying science, you’re preparing to shape the future of medicines.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BIOC 192 Foundations of Biochemistry | 18 |
| CELS 191 Cell and Molecular Biology | 18 | |
| CHEM 191 The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health | 18 | |
| HUBS 191 Human Body Systems 1 | 18 | |
| HUBS 192 Human Body Systems 2 | 18 | |
| PHSI 191 Biological Physics | 18 | |
| 200-level | PSCI 201 Pharmaceutical Chemistry | 18 |
| PSCI 202 Medicines and Disease | 18 | |
| PSCI 203 Formulation Principles 1 | 18 | |
| PSCI 204 Formulation Principles 2 | 18 | |
| 300-level | Four of: PSCI 301 Chemical Biology PSCI 302 Medicinal Chemistry PSCI 303 Natural Products and Medicines PSCI 304 Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics PSCI 305 Drug Delivery PSCI 306 Topics in Pharmaceutical Industry | 72 |
| Plus | 108 further points of which 36 must be at 200-level or above. | 108 |
| Note: Students should check the prerequisites for each paper. | ||
| Total | 360 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
PSCI papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSCI201 | 2026 | Pharmaceutical Chemistry | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| PSCI202 | 2026 | Medicines and Disease | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PSCI203 | 2026 | Formulation Principles I | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| PSCI204 | 2026 | Formulation Principles II | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PSCI301 | 2026 | Chemical Biology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PSCI302 | 2026 | Medicinal Chemistry | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| PSCI303 | 2026 | Natural Products and Medicines | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| PSCI304 | 2026 | Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PSCI305 | 2026 | Drug Delivery | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PSCI306 | 2026 | Topics in Pharmaceutical Industry | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
More information
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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