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Regulatory Affairs & Toxicology

MSc (NFQ Level 9)
Internships Opportunity
Scholarships Available

This course is available through the following application route(s)

Duration:
1 Year
Attendance:
Full Time
Delivery:
On Campus
NFQ Level:
9 (90 credits)
Level:
Graduate Taught
Award:
Master of Science
Next Intake:
September
Country Specific Entry Requirements:
Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
Other School Leaving Requirements:
See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.

Duration:
2 Years
Attendance:
Part-Time
Delivery:
On Campus
NFQ Level:
9 (90 credits)
Level:
Graduate Taught
Award:
Master of Science
Next Intake:
September
Country Specific Entry Requirements:
Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
Other School Leaving Requirements:
See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.

Apply Now

Toxicology is the study of how man-made and naturally occurring substances can have adverse effects on humans, animals, plants, and the environment, and how these effects can be minimised or avoided. Regulatory Affairs is a closely related field that focuses on applying toxicology for the protection of public health in the areas of human medicines, medical devices, biotechnologies, foods, agrichemicals and cosmetics. These courses explore the important role of toxicology in modern society with particular focus on the pharmaceutical, food and chemical industries.

The UCD MSc Regulatory Affairs & Toxicology provides the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to understand the latest toxicological techniques and the current regulatory landscape.

  • This course has been specifically developed to prepare graduates for careers in highly regulated industries including pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, foods, personal care products and chemicals
  • The course is run by European Registered Toxicologists (ERT), with expert guest lecturers from industry, and national and international regulatory bodies
  • The course is approved for accreditation toward becoming a registered toxicologist and for CPD credits toward maintaining registered toxicologist accreditation.
  • Internships are available with industry partners, regulatory authorities and toxicology consultancy companies

About This Course

This focused MSc programme has been developed in consultation with global industry partners and regulatory authorities, and will comprehensively prepare graduates for diverse careers in pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, food, cosmetics, personal care products and chemical sectors. All aspects of product lifecycle management are explored including discovery and invention, quality and CMC, non-clinical testing, management of clinical development, and postmarketing activities. Our graduates are trained in lifecycle and dossier management, regulatory submissions, auditing, pharmacovigilance and safety reporting. They also receive comprehensive instruction in toxicological science, risk assessment and risk management. Graduates will gain the required level of professional ability to operate as independent regulatory toxicologists by developing a sophisticated level of data interpretation, strong communication skills, excellence in problem-solving, and the ability to critically evaluate and form judgements on complex toxicological problems.

All students are offered the opportunity to apply for an internship* during the programme. The following internships are examples of previous placements: Novartis, Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Medical Bureau of Road Safety, Forensic Science Ireland, Pfizer, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Deenamic Ltd, Aspen Pharmacare, Life Scientific, Boston Scientific, BD and more.

*Placements are secured through a competitive process and are not guaranteed.


Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHAR40170 Essential Pharmacology for the Toxicologist Autumn  7.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHAR40270 Env, Food, Occup Toxicology Autumn  7.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHAR40310 Medical and Forensic Toxicolog Autumn  7.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHAR40340 Business Fundamentals Reg Affa Autumn  7.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHAR40180 Experimental Tox and Risk Ass Spring  7.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHAR40280 Prof. Skills for Toxicologists Spring  7.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHAR40320 Adv. Healthcare Reg. Affairs Spring  7.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHAR40330 Intro to Regulatory Affairs Spring  7.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHAR40300 Toxicology Research Project Summer  30


  • Approved for accreditation towards becoming a registered toxicologist and for CPD credits towards maintaining IRT/ERT accreditation.


Thomas Dillane, Global Regulatory Intelligence Specialist, Alexion Pharmaceuticals

My time during the MSc in Regulatory Affairs & Toxicology gave me the skills and knowledge to step into the global world of regulatory affairs. I now work in Regulatory Intelligence & Policy, where I must understand and communicate important regulatory updates from around the world and this Masters gave me the foundation to build these skills. This MSc also raised my awareness and understanding that there is a much wider world when working in regulatory affairs and that there are huge opportunities for me to grow and develop in my career.

Regulatory Affairs & Toxicology (F167) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9720
nonEU    fee per year - € 29500

MSc Regulatory Affairs and Toxicology (F168) Part Time
EU          Year 1 - € 4650
nonEU    Year 1 - € 14755
EU          Year 2 - € 4560
nonEU    Year 2 - € 14550

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please visit International Scholarships.

  • The UCD MSc in Toxicology and Regulatory Affairs is designed to accommodate applicants who have successfully completed a four year primary degree programme (minimum of a 2.1 honours or equivalent) in a biological or chemical science.  This includes a BSc in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Physiology, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Medicinal Chemistry or an equivalent qualification.
  •  An English Language qualification, which includes a minimum score of 6.5 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Other evidence of proficiency in English may be accepted such as the Cambridge Certificate, TOEFL or Pearson’s Test of English.
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: Yes


This course is aimed at individuals with a scientific qualification who wish to develop their skills and knowledge of regulatory affairs nad toxicology, and to gain a recognised third-level qualification in the area. Current, practising toxicologists will also benefit from undertaking individual modules for continuing professional development (CPD), as all of the modules will contribute towards maintenance of professional toxicological accreditation.


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Regulatory Affairs & Toxicology:

ROWCLASS Apply to
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
F167
Regulatory Affairs & Toxicology
Master of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Apply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
F168
Regulatory Affairs and Toxicology
Master of Science

Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Apply
* you can change options at the top of the page
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