Postgraduate study in Pharmacology

What can you study in Pharmacology?

Postgraduate study in Pharmacology focuses on understanding normal body functions (biochemical and physiological) and the disturbances that occur (pathological). You can learn about a wide range of topics, from the pharmacology of anaesthetics and analgesics, clinical and cancer pharmacology, to molecular and advanced toxicology.

Research interests open to exploration include:

  • Anticancer drugs
  • Clinical pharmacology
  • Cancer clinical pharmacology
  • Cancer preclinical pharmacology
  • Disease progress and drug action
  • Drug metabolism and toxicology
  • Human neurodegeneration research
  • Neural reprogramming and repair
  • Neuro-immune interactions research
  • New therapies for brain diseases
  • Nutritional neurosciences
  • Paediatric pharmacology

Structuring your postgraduate programme in Pharmacology

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (BSc(Hons)) in Pharmacology

Complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form

Requirement:

60 points from:

Or 
 
45 points from:
 

And 

A further 15 points from 700-level courses in a related subject approved by the Head of Department.

60 points: PHARMCOL 787 Dissertation

The dissertation topic must be approved by the relevant Academic Head or nominee prior to enrolment.

Full details are available in the University of Auckland Calendar.

Master of Science (MSc) in Science in Pharmacology 120-point (one-year) Research Masters

Prerequisite:

Completed the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science (Honours) with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 90 points in Pharmacology or the equivalent as approved by Senate or its representative

or

Completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Science with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 90 points in Pharmacology including at least 75 points of 700 level courses, or the equivalent as approved by Senate or its representative

The requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 75 points above Stage II including at least 45 points in Pharmacology or an equivalent subject approved by the Academic Head or nominee.

Requirement:

Research masters

120 points:

PHARMCOL 796 MSc Thesis in Pharmacology

The thesis topic for the 120 point MSc must be approved by the relevant Departmental Postgraduate Committee prior to enrolment in the degree.

Full details are available in the University of Auckland Calendar.

Master of Science (MSc) in Science in Pharmacology 240-point Research Masters

Prerequisite subject: Pharmacology or an equivalent subject approved by the Academic Head or nominee.

Requirement:

Research masters

at least 60 points from:

Up to 60 points from other 700 level courses as approved by the Academic Head or nominee.

120 points:

PHARMCOL 796 MSc Thesis in Pharmacology

Full details are available in the University of Auckland Calendar.

Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Pharmacology

at least 60 points from:

Up to 60 points from other 600 or 700 level courses as approved by the Head of Department or nominee.

Up to 60 points from other 700 level courses as approved by the Academic Head or nominee.

120 points:

PHARMCOL 796 MSc Thesis in Pharmacology

Full details are available in the University of Auckland Calendar.

Prerequisite courses

Prior to applying for the BSc(Hons), 240-point MSc or PGDipSci you must have completed a major in Pharmacology or the equivalent approved by the Academic Head or nominee.

Courses

Explore the postgraduate courses you can take for a Pharmacology specialisation:

Postgraduate Medical Science courses

Postgraduate Pharmacology courses

Where can postgraduate study in Pharmacology take you?

The subjects of Pharmacology and Toxicology are of great practical and commercial relevance in view of the widespread use and abuse of medicines, drugs and chemicals in modern society.

Our graduates work in many different roles in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research and development, clinical teaching and research, government departments and research institutions, medical publishing and drug information, teaching and research in higher educational institutions.

Jobs related to Pharmacology include:

  • Analytical chemist
  • Biomedical scientist
  • Clinical research associate
  • Healthcare scientist clinical biochemistry
  • Healthcare scientist immunology
  • Pharmacologist
  • Research scientist (life sciences)
  • Research scientist (medical)
  • Toxicologist

Scholarships and awards

Each year we award scholarships and prizes to thousands of students.

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for, search available scholarships or begin an application by visiting Scholarships and awards.

Help and advice

For general advice about the programme, please contact Student Hubs or contact Sub-Doctoral DGA Dr Raewyn Poulson.

Further information