About Pharmacy
What is a pharmacist?
The pharmacy profession is dynamic, information-driven, and patient-centred. Pharmacists take responsibility for medicines in all their facets and play a vital role in the healthcare system ...read more
What is a pharmacist?
What is a pharmacist?
The pharmacy profession is dynamic, information-driven, and patient-centred. Pharmacists take responsibility for medicines in all their facets and play a vital role in the healthcare system by acting as:
1 Custodians of medicine
Integral members of the professional healthcare team, pharmacists make sound, ethical decisions and take accountability for the quality and safety of pharmaceutical care.
2 Providers of pharmaceutical care
Pharmacists are responsible for the outcomes of drug therapy, actively designing, implementing, and monitoring care plans. They uphold professional ethics, adopt a patient-centred approach, and promote the rational, safe, and evidence-based use of medicines.
3 Sources of healthcare advice and education
Pharmacists provide the public and other healthcare professionals with accurate, accessible information and ensure the delivery of efficient and cost-effective pharmaceutical services.
4 Providers of essential clinical services
These include health screenings, basic diagnostic tests, and referral services, helping to bridge the gap between community and clinical care.
5 Experts in the manufacture and distribution of medicine
Pharmacists formulate, produce, distribute, and ensure the quality and safety of medicines, from development to delivery.
6 Researchers, scientists, and innovators
Pharmacists are trained to analyse and solve complex pharmaceutical and healthcare challenges. They contribute to research and policy while understanding the broader impact of their work within society, governance, healthcare systems, economics, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Sectors of professional pharmacy
The BPharm degree equips students to become fully registered, entry-level pharmacists—ready to practice competently across all sectors of the profession from day one...read more
The Pharmacy Programme
What does the Pharmacy degree entail?
To equip students with knowledge, skills and competencies in order to render professional pharmaceutical services as members of a health team.
What does the Pharmacy degree entail?
To equip students with knowledge, skills and competencies in order to render professional pharmaceutical services as members of a health team.
Aligned with the exit level outcomes of the South African Pharmacy Council, pharmacists should have the following competencies on successful completion of the BPharm program and the compulsory internship:
Dispense and ensure the optimal use of prescribed medicine
Provide pharmacist-initiated treatments of patients and ensure the optimal usage of medicine
Provide education and information on health care and medicine
Improve community health and provide relevant information and advice
Part-take in research to ensure the optimal usage of medicine
Organisation and control of the production, packaging of pharmaceutical products
Quality insurance of pharmaceutical products
Organisation and control of the acquisition, storing of pharmaceutical material and products
Distribution of pharmaceutical material and products
The Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) curriculum
Mode of delivery and language
The Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) is a full-time, four-year undergraduate programme designed to prepare students for a dynamic and evolving healthcare environment.
Mode of delivery and language
Mode of delivery
Students benefit from a variety of engaging and practical learning experiences, including:
Classroom-based theoretical instruction
Technology-based learning, including online learning & AI
Hands-on laboratory practicals
Simulation labs and clinical skills training
Work-integrated learning through clinic and hospital visits
International virtual exchange opportunities
Language of instruction
The programme is offered in both English and Afrikaans. Lectures and practicals are presented in either language, supported by simultaneous translation where applicable. Students may choose to complete tests and exams in their preferred language (i.e., English or Afrikaans). Please note that some textbooks and academic resources may only be available in English. Clinical interactions, especially in public healthcare settings, often require proficiency in English.
Student life at the NWU School of Pharmacy
Through a variety of social, cultural, and community outreach activities, PASV provides opportunities for students to engage, connect, and grow.
Student life at the NWU School of Pharmacy
At the NWU School of Pharmacy, we believe that a well-rounded student life is essential to personal and professional growth. We are committed to nurturing not only academic excellence but also the holistic development of our students through meaningful experiences outside the classroom.
Central to this is the Potchefstroom Pharmacy Student Association (PASV), which serves as the vital link between students and academic staff. PASV leadership is elected annually and plays a key role in creating an inclusive and vibrant student community.
Through a variety of social, cultural, and community outreach activities, PASV provides opportunities for students to engage, connect, and grow. These include:
