Overview
A Master of Science (Thesis) (MSc(Thesis)) in Pharmacology enables you to gain employment as a research assistant or allows you to be eligible for entry into the doctoral programme.
It consists of a full year of research which will develop your skills in:
- Critical thinking
- Experimental design
- Experimental techniques
- Statistical analysis
- Interpreting data
- Oral and written communication of results
The transferable skills you gain from this degree have enabled past Pharmacology masters' students to obtain employment with the NZ National Poison Centre and as a drug representative for pharmaceutical companies. Others have used it for graduate entry into medicine or to continue onto a PhD.
Information for new applicants and programme requirements
You have two options for obtaining a MSc(Thesis).
MSc(Thesis) by papers and thesis
This is a two-year programme with the following entry requirements:
- BSc in Pharmacology or equivalent with at least a B average across your 300-level pharmacology papers
To enter the second year, you must have demonstrated satisfactory progress in your first year. This is defined as a B+ or above in the research component of your Year 1 studies as well as a B+ average or above across your other papers.
The research project (PHAL5) is carried out in the second year in one of the research laboratories. A thesis is submitted for external examination.
MSc(Thesis) by thesis only
This degree consists of a research project carried out in one of the research laboratories. A thesis is submitted for external examination.
- Entry requires completion of one of the following with at least a B+ average in the research component and across the other papers
- Bachelor of Science with Honours in Pharmacology or equivalent
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Pharmacology
- Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences with Honours in Drugs and Human Health
Regulations for the Degree of Master of Science (Thesis) (MSc(Thesis))
Regulations can be found on the MSc(Thesis) qualification page:
Scholarships for Master of Science (Thesis) in Pharmacology
The University of Otago offers scholarships during the research component of the MSc(Thesis). Note that pre-research papers are not covered by these scholarships. The following scholarships are offered:
- University of Otago Fred Fastier Postgraduate Scholarship
- University of Otago Research Master's Scholarship
- University of Otago Māori Master's Scholarship
- University of Otago Research Pacific Island Master's Scholarship
- University of Otago International Research Master's Scholarship
Contact details
For further information about postgraduate study in Pharmacology and Toxicology, contact:
Email pharmacology@otago.ac.nz