Master of Pharmacy Practice

Course Overview

The Master of Pharmacy Practice gives graduates the knowledge and practical skills needed for professional pharmacy practice. The programme combines academic study with 375 hours of supervised clinical placements in community pharmacies, hospitals, and primary healthcare settings. Students gain experience in patient care, medicine management, clinical decision-making, public health, and pharmacy operations.

Graduates who complete the programme can apply to become Intern Pharmacists with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand. After finishing the required intern training, they may apply for registration as pharmacists. The qualification opens career opportunities in community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, primary healthcare, pharmaceutical research, government health services, and the medicines industry. The University of Waikato works with healthcare partners across New Zealand, giving students valuable workplace experience before graduation. The programme supports the growing need for qualified pharmacists and prepares graduates for professional practice in New Zealand and other countries that recognise comparable pharmacy qualifications.

General Eligibility

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• A recognised bachelor's degree with a major in molecular sciences such as biochemistry, biomedical science, chemistry, pharmacology, or molecular and cellular biology.
• A minimum B grade average in the final year of undergraduate study.
• Successful completion of the pharmacy selection process.
• Police vetting and other fitness to practise requirements before clinical placement.
• Proof of English language proficiency for international applicants.
• Required academic documents and identification during the application process.

Scholarships

The University of Waikato offers scholarships for domestic and international students. Awards are based on academic achievement, leadership, country of citizenship, and other eligibility requirements. Students can apply for university-funded scholarships before the programme begins.

Application Process

1. Complete the online application through the University of Waikato.
2. Submit academic transcripts and degree certificates.
3. Provide English language test results if required.
4. Complete the programme selection process.
5. Receive an offer of admission.
6. Accept the offer and apply for a New Zealand student visa if applicable

Part Time Work Details

International students with a valid New Zealand student visa may work up to 20 hours per week during study periods and full-time during scheduled holidays, subject to Immigration New Zealand rules.

Language Requirement

• Applicants whose first language is not English must meet one of the following requirements:

  Test	Minimum Score
  IELTS Academic	Overall 6.5 with no band below 6.0
  TOEFL iBT	Overall 90 with a minimum writing score of 21
  PTE Academic	Overall 58 with no communicative skill below 50
  Duolingo English Test	Overall 120 (or equivalent accepted by the university)

  Equivalent English qualifications approved by the University of Waikato may be accepted.