- Duration
- Full-time: 4 years
- Next start date
- 2024 Semester One – 26 February
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- Available locations
- Grafton
- Points
- 480
- Programme type
- Undergraduate
Programme overview
The Bachelor of Pharmacy is developed in consultation with leading New Zealand pharmacists, and the degree reflects the needs of contemporary and future pharmacy practice.
It shifts the focus from traditional drug chemistry and delivery. Our approach incorporates aspects such as drug development, patient use, and the optimisation of pharmacists' patient care through interaction with other health professionals.
Themes in population medicine, social science, pharmacology, pharmacy practice and pharmaceutics continue throughout the programme. These themes are supported by courses in biomedical science, medicinal chemistry, immunology and pharmacy practice – incorporating ethical issues related to practice and pharmaceutical management.
Entry into the BPharm is limited and competitive. You will be selected on the basis of academic merit and personal qualities exhibited during the admission interview (MMI). There are 100 places available each year.
There are two application categories for entry into the BPharm:
- First year entry: Applicants may apply from either the BHSc or BSc at the University of Auckland
- Alternative admission
Please note:
- Entry criteria may change every year.
- There is no direct entry from secondary school. School leavers are encouraged to apply under the First Year entry category.
- Shortlisted applicants will be subject to a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI).
- Special entry schemes are available for domestic students.
Programme structure
- The BPharm is a four year full time degree (480 points).
- Students enter into Part II, having already completed core courses in biological sciences, medical science and population health (60 points), plus courses prescribed for one other undergraduate degree at the University (45 points), and one course (15 points) from the General Education Schedule.
- Year Two (Part II) requires three courses focused on pharmaceutical science and practice (120 points). There is also an English language competency requirement which must be met.
- Year Three (Part III) has two core courses on drug treatments for various diseases (120 points).
- Year Four (Part IV) requires completion of a dissertation (30 points) and two core courses (90 points).
- A series of practice placements enables students to gain experience in appropriate clinical settings under the guidance of experienced pharmacists.
- After graduation, a year long pre-registration training programme is administered by the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand under the supervision of a registered pharmacist.
- Registration as a pharmacist occurs after successful completion of this year.
Most students need to take one or two General Education courses.
Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.
Sample programme structure
Year 1 120 points
-
- Code:
- POPLHLTH 111
- Name:
- Population Health
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- CHEM 110
- Name:
- Chemistry of the Living World
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- BIOSCI 107
- Name:
- Biology for Biomedical Science: Cellular Processes and Development
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- MEDSCI 142
- Name:
- Biology for Biomedical Science: Organ Systems
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage I course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage I course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Name:
- Stage I course
- Type:
- Elective course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Type:
- General Education course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Year 2 120 points
-
- Code:
- PHARMACY 199
- Name:
- English Language Competency
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 0 pts
-
- Code:
- PHARMACY 211
- Name:
- Applied Science for Pharmacy
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- PHARMACY 212
- Name:
- Pharmaceutical Science and Practice
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- PHARMACY 213
- Name:
- Pharmacy 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 60 pts
Year 3 120 points
-
- Code:
- PHARMACY 311
- Name:
- Pharmacy 2
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 60 pts
-
- Code:
- PHARMACY 312
- Name:
- Pharmacy 3
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 60 pts
Year 4 120 points
-
- Code:
- PHARMACY 413
- Name:
- Research Inquiry in Pharmacy
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- PHARMACY 701
- Name:
- Medicine Optimisation 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 45 pts
-
- Code:
- PHARMACY 702
- Name:
- Medicine Optimisation 2
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 45 pts
2023 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
First year entry
To apply for BPharm as a first year student you must complete the first year of the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) or the Bachelor of Science (BSc) at the University of Auckland. This must be completed on a full-time basis and must include the following courses:
- CHEM 110: Chemistry of the Living World
- BIOSCI 107: Biology for Biomedical Science - Cellular Processes and Development
- MEDSCI 142: Biology for Biomedical Science - Organ Systems
- POPLHLTH 111: Population Health
The remaining 60 points must comprise of:
- Three 15 point elective courses from your degree schedule
- One 15 point General Education course listed in the Open or EMHSS Schedule (excluding BIOSCI 100G, EXERSCI 100G, MEDSCI 100G, MEDSCI 101G, POPLHLTH 103G, POPLHLTH 104G, PHARMACY 111G).
Interview Eligibility
You will need to achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 across all 8 first year courses to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI - Multi Mini Interviews).
Interview Ranking
If eligible you will be ranked for interview invitation. This ranking will be based on your grades in the core courses (in bold above). If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection.
Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be offered admission to the programme according to the rank order until the available places in the category are filled. Interviewed applicants’ final ranking is based on a weighting of the following components:
- GPA for core course: 50%
- Multi Mini Interview: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply, this will be determined year to year)
Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on fmhs@auckland.ac.nz.
Alternative admissions
To apply for the BPharm under the Alternative Admissions entry category, applicants must have completed a minimum of two years of full time study in a relevant degree from a recognised university. Your last year of full time study must be no more than five years prior to the year of application. A minimum of 105 points over Semesters One and Two per academic calendar year is required to be considered as full time for BPharm admission. A typical academic calendar year is 120 points.
Depending on your previous study you may need to undertake part or all of the First Year courses before commencing Part II. If you are required to take Part I courses, you must pass all these courses clearly within one year in order to proceed to Part II. This will be assessed as part of your application for admission.
Interview eligibility
Applicants will need to achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0 across your last two years of full time study to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews). Shortlisted international applicants will be interviewed over Skype/phone.
Interview ranking
Eligible applicants are ranked for interview invitations based on the GPA from their last two years of full time study. If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible grade) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection.
Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be ranked for selection based on a weighting of the following components:
- GPA for last two years of study: 50% (a minimum GPA of 4.0 overall is required)
- Multi Mini Interview: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply, this will be determined year to year)
Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on fmhs@auckland.ac.nz.
Other pathways to study
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
- See if you meet the criteria for the Undergraduate Targeted Admission Scheme (UTAS).
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- If you are under 20, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for discretionary entrance.
- If you can demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and maturity, we offer admission to applicants under 16.
First year entry
To apply for BPharm as a first year student you must complete the first year of the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) or the Bachelor of Science (BSc) at the University of Auckland. This must be completed on a full time basis and must include the following courses:
- CHEM 110: Chemistry of the Living World
- BIOSCI 107: Biology for Biomedical Science - Cellular Processes and Development
- MEDSCI 142: Biology for Biomedical Science - Organ Systems
- POPLHLTH 111: Population Health
The remaining 60 points must comprise of:
- Three 15 point elective courses from your degree schedule
- One 15 point General Education course listed in the Open or EMHSS Schedule (excluding BIOSCI 100G, EXERSCI 100G, MEDSCI 100G, MEDSCI 101G, POPLHLTH 103G, POPLHLTH 104G, PHARMACY 111G).
Interview Ranking
If eligible you will be ranked for interview invitation. This ranking will be based on your grades in the core courses (in bold above). If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection.
Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be offered admission to the programme according to the rank order until the available places in the category are filled. Interviewed applicants’ final ranking is based on a weighting of the following components:
- GPA for core course: 50%
- Multi Mini Interview: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply, this will be determined year to year)
Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on fmhs@auckland.ac.nz.
Alternative admissions
To apply for the BPharm under the Alternative Admissions entry category, applicants must have completed a minimum of two years of full time study in a relevant degree from a recognised university. Your last year of full time study must be no more than five years prior to the year of application. A minimum of 105 points over Semesters One and Two per academic calendar year is required to be considered as full time for BPharm admission. A typical academic calendar year is 120 points.
Depending on your previous study you may need to undertake part or all of the First Year courses before commencing Part II. If you are required to take Part I courses, you must pass all these courses clearly within one year in order to proceed to Part II. This will be assessed as part of your application for admission.
Interview eligibility
Applicants will need to achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0 across your last two years of full time study to be eligible for consideration for an admission interview (MMI – Multi Mini Interviews). Shortlisted international applicants will be interviewed over Skype/phone.
Interview ranking
Eligible applicants are ranked for interview invitations based on the GPA from their last two years of full time study. If your final grades are not available at the time of interview ranking, an interim grade (highest possible grade) will be temporarily assigned. Official final results will be used for the final selection.
Final Selection Ranking
Applicants will be ranked for selection based on a weighting of the following components:
- GPA for last two years of study: 50% (a minimum GPA of 4.0 overall is required)
- Multi Mini Interview: 50% (a minimum threshold will apply, this will be determined year to year)
Please note that selection criteria may change from year to year. For further information, refer to our FAQs or contact the Faculty directly on fmhs@auckland.ac.nz.
Other pathways to study
You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:
- Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
- If you have an offer of place from us that is conditional on meeting English language requirements, you may be considered for English Pathway courses from the University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA)
How much does a Bachelor of Pharmacy cost per year?
2023 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$8,558*
- International students
- NZ$48,386*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.38 per point, estimated at $1,005.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Please note: Late/incomplete applications are not accepted. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2024
- 1 July 2023
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 27 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 26 June |
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
How to apply
Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.
Where could this programme take you?
You can work in a range of industries related to the manufacture, prescription and provision of medicines, or choose related industries such as medical publishing or pharmaceutical marketing. We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.
Jobs related to this programme
- Community pharmacist
Pharmacy graduate Johaina Jaffer is currently working as an intern pharmacist in the outpatient setting at Middlemore Hospital.
Read Johaina's storyStudent career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
We advise that the University of Auckland is not involved in the employment of graduates and can make no guarantee of post-qualification registration or employment in New Zealand or any other country.
Key Information for Students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
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