Program Overview

Master of Pharmacy Practice

The Master of Pharmacy Practice (MPharmPrac) provides an accelerated pathway to becoming a pharmacist for students with an existing Bachelor’s qualification. This program is designed to address the pharmacy workforce shortage in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Program Overview

• The program embodies a holistic approach to health assessment, underpinned by a range of Hauora Māori models, including Te Whare Tapa Whā, Te Wheke, and the Meihana Model.
• Academic learning is integrated with pharmacy practice in the form of community, primary care, and hospital placements under the supervision of clinical academic pharmacists.
• By the end of the two-year master's degree, students will be able to provide culturally and clinically safe practice with expertise in the optimal and equitable use of medicines across New Zealand.

Career Opportunities

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

Program Structure

• The program consists of two years of full-time study, with 240 points required to complete the qualification.
• Locations: Hamilton
• Area of Study: Division of Health
• Start Dates: Trimester A (March)

Degree Information

Plan Your Study

The program is structured over two years, with each year comprising several papers that build on each other to provide a comprehensive education in pharmacy practice.

• Year 1:
  • PHARM570 Introduction to Pharmacy in Aotearoa
  • PHARM571 Equity in Pharmacy
  • PHARM572 Legal, Ethical and Professional Responsibilities of Pharmacists in Aotearoa
  • PHARM573 Pharmacodynamics, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmaceutics
  • PHARM575 Integrated Pharmacotherapy and Pharmacy Practice 1
  • PHARM576 Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Analysis
  • PHARM577 Research Methods in Pharmacy
• Year 2:
  • PHARM580 Integrated Pharmacotherapy and Pharmacy Practice 2
  • PHARM581 Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Immunology
  • PHARM582 Research Informed Decision Making
  • PHARM585 Integrated Pharmacotherapy and Pharmacy Practice 3
  • PHARM586 Pharmacy and Business Management
  • PHARM587 Applying Research to Pharmacy Practice

Entry Requirements

Selection of applicants for the Master of Pharmacy Practice is based on both academic background and suitability for pharmacy. To apply, students must have:

• A bachelor's degree with a major in one of the molecular sciences (e.g., biochemistry, biomedical science, chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, pharmacology).
• Achieved at least a B grade average in their final year of their degree.
• The selection process also includes the provision of a personal statement, references, a criminal record check, and an interview.

Fees and Scholarships

• Estimated fees for domestic students: $11,550 per year.
• Scholarships are available; students can visit the Scholarship finder for more information.

Graduate Outcomes

On successful completion of the Master of Pharmacy Practice, graduates will be able to:

• Embed the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi into their practice as Intern Pharmacists.
• Integrate mātauranga Māori and other worldviews into their practice.
• Exhibit personal and professional integrity.
• Provide culturally and clinically safe practice.
• Communicate effectively.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of pharmacotherapy.
• Provide person-centred care and medicines management.
• Actively engage in public health promotion.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the complexity of managing pharmacy operations.
• Exhibit leadership of self and others.
• Contribute to the advancement of pharmacy through research.

Practical Pharmacy Experience

Students will undertake 375 hours of pharmacy practice in the form of community, primary care, and hospital placements over the two years, under the supervision of highly skilled clinical academic pharmacists.

Becoming a Registered Pharmacist in New Zealand

Students who complete the course requirements will graduate with a Master of Pharmacy Practice, allowing entry into the intern year. The intern year is an apprentice model where graduates work in a pharmacy as an employee and are supported by the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand.

Regulations

For admission into the Master of Pharmacy Practice and regulations, please refer to the University of Waikato Calendar.