- Duration
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- 2026 Semester One – 2 March
- Available locations
- Grafton
- Points
- 60
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
Programme overview
This certificate is designed for registered pharmacists working in an interprofessional healthcare environment. It equips pharmacists with advanced skills in the acquisition and evaluation of medicines information and clinical evidence.
It is possible to take a Prescribing specialisation in this certificate. Prescribing will teach you the following:
- Demonstrate comprehensive pharmacotherapeutic knowledge of medicines within their proposed areas of prescribing practice.
- Access and evaluate relevant clinical information concerning individual patients in order to prescribe safely and effectively.
- Demonstrate skills in patient assessment, diagnosis and clinical decision-making to facilitate good prescribing decisions.
- Demonstrate competence in prescribing practice under supervision.
Programme structure
- 60-point programme
- Advanced core courses include medicines information and management, critical appraisal and pharmaceutical care (60 points)
Prescribing
A specialisation in Prescribing is also available and has different requirements and courses. You will need to have already completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy or an equivalent qualification to gain entry.
The specialisation in Prescribing comprises:
- An advanced taught course covering principles of prescribing (30 points)
- A prescribing practicum, which is an experiential placement where you will develop experience in prescribing under the overarching guidance of a designated medical prescriber (30 points).
The PGCertClinPharm must be completed within two years part-time.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
PGCertClinPharm
Year 1 60 points
-
- Code:
- PHARMACY 764
- Name:
- Medicines Information and Critical Appraisal
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- PHARMACY 765
- Name:
- Medicines Management and Pharmaceutical Care
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
Sample programme structure
PGCertClinPharm (Prescribing)
Year 1 60 points
-
- Code:
- PHARMACY 769
- Name:
- Principles of Prescribing
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- PHARMACY 770
- Name:
- Prescribing Practicum
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
Subjects available in this programme
2025 entry requirements
Programme requirements
Entry to the Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy is limited to 40 students per year. Entry to the Postgraduate Certificate in Prescribing is limited to 10 students per year. Selection is by academic merit based on your grades.
You must have completed an undergraduate degree in pharmacy at a recognised university (or similar institution). You must also be currently registered as a pharmacist or be enrolled in the New Zealand pharmacist pre-registration programme.
The Prescribing specialisation is only available if you have already completed one year of postgraduate study in clinical pharmacy, such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy. You must currently be a New Zealand registered pharmacist with current registration with the New Zealand Pharmacy Council (or be enrolled in the New Zealand pharmacist pre-registration programme).
Further programme requirements
English language requirements
If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency.
You will require an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0. See alternative English language requirements.
How much does a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Pharmacy cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$5,446.20*
- International students
- NZ$26,293*
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 $9.24 per point, estimated at $554.40 for full-time study (60 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: We will consider late applications if places are still available. 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 2025
- 8 December 2024
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
Where could this programme take you?
The specialisation in Prescribing is designed to provide registered pharmacists with the knowledge and skills to register as a Pharmacist Prescriber with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand. 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
- Pharmacist Prescriber
Student 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.
Do you need help?
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Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513