MSc Regulatory Affairs and Toxicology

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)

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 which 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

Careers & Employability

This programme provides a comprehensive overview of toxicology, and current toxicological assessments, highlighting current issues in toxicology. Graduates will gain the required level of professional ability to operate as independent toxicologists by developing a sophisticated level of data interpretation, communication skills, excellence in problem solving, and ability to critically evaluate and form judgements on complex toxicological problems. Currently practising toxicologists will also benefit from undertaking individual modules for continuing professional development (CPD).

Graduates of this programme will find employment in toxicological testing and product quality testing within industry or government agencies or in the field of regulatory toxicology within governmental and international regulatory bodies. Graduates may also enrol in PhD programmes and further academic studies in related disciplines.

View our video 'Questions and Answers' with the course director

Curricular information is subject to change

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Who should apply?

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.

Course Description

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

The programme

provides a broad, modern training in theoretical and practical aspects of fundamental and applied toxicology
prepares individuals to collate, interpret and communicate toxicological information
provides an opportunity to study at the cutting edge of research in a chosen specialist field of toxicology
develops student awareness of the importance of toxicology to industry, health, the environment and society
You will graduate with an MSc in Regulatory Affairs and Toxicology from the internationally-recognised UCD School for Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, allied with the UCD Conway Institute, giving you a competitive advantage over other graduates.
This advanced graduate degree has also been developed in consultation with employers and is specifically tailored to meet their needs. A major advantage of this degree programme is that graduates will be eligible for professional accreditation as European Registered toxicologists, once they are employed in a relevant toxicological area for a specified time.
Graduates will also have the opportunity to become part of a network of UCD alumni in the fields of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science.

Vision and Values Statement

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 MSc in Toxicology and Regulatory Affairs is aimed at individuals with a scientific qualification who wish to develop their skills and knowledge of toxicology and global regulatory affairs, whilst gaining a recognised third-level qualification in the area. The programme was developed in consultation with international regulatory bodies in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food and medical device sectors, and has been designed to provide graduates with industrially relevant expertise in toxicology and regulatory affairs. 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. Successful completion of the MSc and experience working in this area will also allow graduates to apply for registration with the Irish Register of Toxicologists (RTI) which is the national accrediting body for registered toxicologists in Ireland. Accreditation at national level also awards the status of European Registered Toxicologist (ERT), which is required for professional toxicological practice. 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 and regulatory affairs, 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 24 month MSc (F110) or a full-time 12 month programme (F130). There is also the option to obtain a Professional Certificate, Professional Diploma or Graduate Diploma if students complete sufficient taught modules.

What modules can I take?

View All Modules Here

This is a full-time, one-year programme, divided into three semesters (from early September until the end of August). The programme consists of lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and case studies. To complete the MSc in Regulatory Affairs and Toxicology, you must successfully complete 8 core modules. You must also successfully complete a research project which includes an internship placement with a regulatory authority or a relevant industrial partner.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

MSc Regulatory Affairs and Toxicology (F167) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 8490
nonEU fee per year - € 27720

MSc Regulatory Affairs and Toxicology (F168) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 4240
nonEU fee per year - € 13860

***Fees are subject to change

Professional Accreditation

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

Entry Requirements

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.

Testimonial

Faculty Profile

Dr Craig Slattery
UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science
I am a Lecturer in Toxicology & Regulatory Affairs in the UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences.Previously, I worked as an assessor in Human Medicines at the Health Products Regulatory Authority. I am a Registered Toxicologist and I act as an external assessor for national regulatory bodies, and an external advisor for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

How to apply?

The following entry routes are available:

MSc Regulatory Affairs and Toxicology FT (F167)

Duration

1 Years

Attend

Full Time

Deadline

Rolling*

Apply Now

MSc Regulatory Affairs and Toxicology PT (F168)