Welcome from the Head of School

Pharmacists and the services that they provide span the whole of the New Zealand health care system. From drug delivery scientists working in research and development through the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry to medicines distribution, in direct patient care in both community and hospital settings, and in pharmaceutical and health policy arenas, pharmacists have a pivotal role in looking after the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders. 

Your studies in pharmacy will equip you for the challenges you will face and the lifelong learning needed for a fulfilling health-related career. While the study of pharmacy has a professional focus, the underpinning knowledge of medicines and how they are used is deeply rooted in the medical sciences of physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology and pharmaceutical science. Overlaid are the health sciences of epidemiology and evidence-based practice, health psychology and human behaviour – to name just a few. By graduating with a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) you will be well prepared with the knowledge, experience and skills required to enter pharmacy practice, or to continue with graduate or other studies.

Pharmacy in Auckland is relatively young. Established in 2000, initially as the Division of Pharmacy before becoming a school in its own right, the School of Pharmacy has rapidly developed a reputation as a leader in the region. Now, as a part of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, we are leading the way in pharmacy education through the delivery of our integrated, practice-based undergraduate curriculum that embeds inter-professional teaching and learning from day one. Our BPharm programme is accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council, on behalf of the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand.

In addition to our BPharm, we have active postgraduate taught courses, including a postgraduate certificate and diploma, and research programmes, with students pursuing research topics in a variety of areas in pharmacy and the pharmaceutical sciences towards postgraduate research qualifications, including Masters and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

Whether you are a student participating in the undergraduate BPharm programme or a graduate student continuing your education I wish you every success in your endeavours.  You can be assured of the support of our school in whichever path you chose to take with us. 

Professor Jeff Harrison

Head of School, Pharmacy