Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No

This course is directed towards practicing toxicologists or those who are interested in developing further skills and knowledge in the area of toxicology. The course content has been approved by the Register of Toxicologists in Ireland and is recognised as credits for continuing professional development in this area. This course is also aimed at individuals with a scientific qualification who wish to develop their skills and knowledge in toxicology and gain a recognised 3rd level qualification in the area. 

These courses provide an introduction to the principles of modern toxicology in relation to environmental, occupational, and public health in the context of the chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries. These courses are aimed at individuals with a scientific qualification who wish to develop their skills and knowledge of toxicology and 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. The course content has been approved by the Irish Register of Toxicologists (IRT) and is recognised as accreditation for CPD in this area. These courses have been developed in close collaboration with the Irish Register of Toxicologists (IRT) and are also approved for accreditation towards becoming a registered toxicologist and for CPD credits towards maintaining IRT/ERT accreditation. The courses are run by European Registered Toxicologists (ERT), including guest lecturers delivering ‘state-of-the-art’ contributions as practising experts in a range of toxicological roles, from basic research to national and European regulatory bodies.

Toxicology and careers in toxicology are undergoing rapid and dramatic changes as new technologies, new regulations and new discoveries occur at an accelerated rate. The Professional Certificate in Toxicology is aimed at individuals with a scientific qualification who wish to develop their skills and knowledge of toxicology and gain a recognised third-level qualification in the area. It was developed following consultation with regulatory bodies and is designed to provide graduates with industrially relevant expertise in toxicology. We aim to produce highly motivated, independent thinkers with well-developed problem-solving ability who are capable of working effectively in a professional environment either alone or in teams. Current practising toxicologists will also benefit from undertaking individual modules for continuing professional development (CPD), as all of the modules have been developed to contribute towards maintenance of professional toxicological accreditation.The programme includes presentations and lectures from experts in toxicology, including external practitioners, giving students the opportunity to learn from leaders in the field. Multiple teaching approaches from our dedicated, expert academic staff facilitate student development throughout this programme. A variety of assessment strategies are also employed, including classical written examinations, presentations and case studies. The programme is offered as a part-time 12 month programme. There is also the option to obtain a Professional Diploma or Graduate Diploma if students continue their studies and complete sufficient taught modules.  

• Be able to study independently using library resources, computer-assisted learning (CAL), and web-based study activities
• Be adept at communicating toxicological topics clearly (orally and in writing) with key stakeholders such as peers in academia, industry and the wider public
• Demonstrate knowledge of the current state-of-the-art in toxicology
• Demonstrate skills in toxicological experimental design, problem solving and interpretation of new data.
• Understand conceptual development and new approaches being applied to further advance knowledge in toxicology
• Understand the theory and practice of toxicological testing in industrial settings

View All Modules Here

This part-time course runs sequentially over two semesters, with successful completion of the coursework and examinations leading to the award of a Professional Certificate in Toxicology. Assessment is by multiple choice questions (MCQs), projects, presentations and practical examinations. There will also be continual assessment throughout the course.

The modules include lectures, laboratory components, computer-lab teaching sessions, presentations, group discussions, and home study of written and electronic media. This programme comprises of two modules which are directed at areas of toxicology of particular relevance to practicing toxicologists.

ProfCert Toxicology (F052) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 1720
nonEU    fee per year - € 13860

***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 see International Scholarships.

This programme is a graduate programme and applicants must possess an undergraduate degree or relevant experience in the area of toxicology/pharmacology.

If English is not your native language, unless you have done your primary degree through English in an English speaking country, an English language qualification is required for all programmes. 

• Professional Diploma Toxicology PT

F051,F110

The following entry routes are available:

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised