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
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
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.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
September 2025
UCD College of Science
Room E1.09/E2.09,
UCD O'Brien Centre for Science - East,
BELFIELD,
Dublin,
Republic of Ireland
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.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by Princeton University:
A minimum score of 600 in the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), with Test of Written English at 475 +; a minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.
Cambridge Examinations: English language examinations administered by the University of Cambridge: 176+ on Cambridge English scale (with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English)
Acceptable Examinations:
Pearson English Language Text: Minimum of 63 and at least 59 for each item of both skills profiles.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
UCD is the most international and diverse university in Ireland, and is the destination of choice for over 10,400 international students.
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