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.
This course is available through the following application route(s)
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.
Download the UCD Science Graduate Taught Courses brochure (pdf)
- 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 towards becoming a registered toxicologist and for CPD credits towards maintaining registered toxicologist accreditation.
- Internships are available with industry partners, regulatory authorities and toxicology consultantancy companies
Contact Us
- EU Enquiries: biotech@ucd.ie
- Non-EU Enquiries: internationalenquiries@ucd.ie
About This Course
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.
| 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.
Graduate Profile
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.
EU fee per year - € 9300
nonEU fee per year - € 29100
MSc Regulatory Affairs and Toxicology (F168) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 4450
nonEU fee per year - € 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.
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. 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.
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Regulatory Affairs & Toxicology:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to | Application Type | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | F167 Regulatory Affairs & Toxicology Master of Science |
Full-Time Commencing 2024/2025 September |
Graduate Taught | Closed |
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | F168 Regulatory Affairs and Toxicology Master of Science |
Part-Time Commencing 2024/2025 September |
Graduate Taught | Closed |