For people wishing to undertake a coursework masters our school offers a part time online coursework masters in Pharmacy. Please view the course and application process below, and visit our list of Graduates and their research topics.
Graduates 2013 – 2014
Graduates 2015 – 2016
Graduates 2017 – 2018
Graduates 2019 – 2020
Graduates 2021 – 2022
Graduates 2023 – 2024
Graduates 2025
Applications for 2026 are open and close on 31 August 2025
Masters of Pharmacy (online)
The Master of Pharmacy (online) qualification provides the competencies required for the preparation of clinical pharmacists and drug utilisation pharmacists. The purpose of the M.Pharm is to produce competent professionals who can practice in the area of clinical pharmacy services and drug utilization reviews. Graduates from this programme will have statistical, rational drug use and research methodology as well as scientific literature evaluation perspective on the application of pharmacy practice.
| Pharmacy Practice:- | In this stream students will realise that before relying on a published study, pharmacists should ensure that it meets criteria related to a valid study. They will explore ways of critically assessing the literature and how to conduct a sound study that can be used to support decisions in such diverse areas as individual patient treatment, formulary management, drug-use guideline development, disease management initiatives, and pharmaceutical service evaluation. For more information about academic issues contact Dr Andy Gray |
Course Structure
These courses are only offered as part time courses and as such they are taken over two years (with a four year completion requirement).
Year One
In year one the core courses for all of the courses above are:-
Semester One
- HLSC8H1W1 Basic Epidemiology
- HLSC8H2W1 Introduction to Biostatistical Concepts
Semester Two
- HLSC8H3W2 Research Methods and Design
- HLSC8H4W2 Evidence Based Practice
Year Two
In the second year of study students are required to conduct their research throughout the year and make their selection in their area of specialization for the courses run in the first semester.
Semester One
Master of Pharmacy (Pharmacy Practice)
- PHRM8PTW1 Rational Drug Use, and
- PHRM8PRW1 Clinical Service Development & Evaluation
- PHRM811W1 Research Project
Semester Two
Master of Pharmacy – Pharmacy Practice
- PHRM811W2 Research Project
Pre-requisites
For the Master of Pharmacy prospective students will have to have completed a four year undergraduate degree (Health Science Professional Bachelors qualification). For the Master of Pharmacy at least two additional years of practise in their field (community service and/or internships can be included in this two year period) is required, but students are expected to be in full time employment in their field of study as this has direct implications for their research and data collection). Prior qualifications earned outside of South Africa will need to be submitted for equivalence assessment (SAQA) before the application process is completed. (Ms Ngcobo will be able to assist or advise you in this regard).
Candidates are also advised that they should have ubiquitous and reliable access to the internet as all courses are fully online and intensive.
Application Process
The University only accepts online applications. All applicants must use the online system as it generates a unique student number for applicants new to the university, and all applicants, old and new, must upload all required documentation online.
To prepare for the online application, please make a note of the following essential information and prepare the following documents for uploading. All certified documents, certification must NOT be older than 3 months :-
- Make a note of the Qualification code for you online application.
- Masters in Pharmacy Practice – M-PHPP
- An up to date copy of your CV saved to PDF format.
- A concept paper giving a rough outline or draft of your research question for your proposed dissertation/research project, indicating where you would source the data and proposed method of data collection.
- Certified copy of your Academic transcript
- Certified copy of South African ID or Passport if you are not a South African citizen
- Certified Degree certificate
- Certified SAQA certificate (qualifications earned outside of South Africa)
Once you have the documents collated, go to Applications and follow the prompts from that screen as applicable to you and upload all the required documents to complete your submission.
If you have any queries or encounter any problems with this process please contact Ms Thuli Ngcobo, Post Graduate Officer in the School of Health Science (ngcobot5@ukzn.ac.za)
Please note the application fees for the 2026 admissions are as follows
- R210.00 for local South African students (should a late application be negotiated this fee would double).
- R490.00 for students from SADC and countries in Africa,
- USD153.00 for applicants from countries outside of Africa.
Applications for students wishing to commence their masters course in 2026 close on 31 August 2025 at 16h00, South African Time. No late or incomplete applications will be considered.
Proforma Invoice:
Masters Pharmacy (Pharmacy Practice)
Queries may be directed to Ms Ngcobo via email at ngcobot5@ukzn.ac.za
Applications for 2026 are open and close on 31 August 2025
Applications will be screened and successful applicants will be informed by the end of November regarding their status.