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Toxicology

ProfDip (NFQ Level 9)

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

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This course provides an overview of toxicology and current toxicological assessment, and a detailed review of current issues in toxicology. 
  • Provides an introduction to the principles of modern toxicology 
  • Highly trained faculty  in the area of Toxicology deliver the course content
  • Guest speakers deliver ‘state of the art’ contributions

About This Course

  • Be adept at communicating toxicological topics clearly (orally and in writing) with key stakeholders such as peers in academia, industry and the wider public, further to the experience gained in the professional certificate programme
  • Demonstrate an increased knowledge of the current state-of-the-art in toxicology following on from the professional certificate
  • Demonstrate increased skills in toxicological experimental design, problem solving and interpretation of new data
  • Evaluate their independent learning needs and study independently using library resources, computer-assisted learning (CAL), and web-based study activities
  • Have the ability to outline barriers that exist in toxicological assessments using the increased knowledge obtained in the extra modules completed, in particular the professional skills module
  • Understand further the theory and practice of toxicological testing in industrial settings
  • Understand new approaches being applied to further advance knowledge in toxicology again building on the content from the professional certificate

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
PHAR40180 Experimental Tox and Risk Ass Spring  7.5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students to choose 2 Modules from the list below
PHAR40270 Env, Food, Occup Toxicology Autumn  7.5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students to choose 2 Modules from the list below
PHAR40310 Medical and Forensic Toxicolog Autumn  7.5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students to choose 2 Modules from the list below
PHAR40280 Prof. Skills for Toxicologists Spring  7.5

Staff Profile: Dr Tara McMorrow, UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and Director of Toxicology Programmes

"I am a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology and Toxicology in the UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences and I’m also the President of the Irish Society of Toxicology and an Irish and European Registered Toxicologist. My research is in the area of kidney disease, toxicology, pharmacology and epithelial biology. I also provide expert toxicological reports for the pharmaceutical industry and court cases."

ProfDip Toxicology (F053) Part Time
EU          Year 1 - € 1730
nonEU    Year 1 - € 14550
EU          Year 2 - € 1670 aa

ProfDip Toxicology (F132) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 3480
nonEU    fee per year - € 29100

aaSecond Year Fee applies to Students in 2nd Year in 2024 and who were a 1st Year Student on the programme in 2023/24
***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.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
  • Full Time option suitable for:

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

    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. 

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

    ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
    showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt F132
    Toxicology
    Professional Diploma
    Full-Time
    Commencing 2024/2025 September
    Graduate Taught Apply
    showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt F053
    Toxicology
    Professional Diploma
    Part-Time
    Commencing 2024/2025 September
    Graduate Taught Apply
    * you can change options at the top of the page