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 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

Careers & Employability

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 ability to critically evaluate and form judgements on complex toxicological problems.

Curricular information is subject to change

Open All

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

These modules are delivered by staff of international renown in toxicology and regulatory science. The courses have been developed in close collaboration with the Irish Register of Toxicologists (IRT) and are preapproved for accreditation towards becoming a registered toxicologist. The core programme team is European Registered Toxicologists (ERT). Across our modules guest lecturers, who are practicing regulatory toxicologists and regulatory affairs specialists, contribute state-of- the-art seminars from a range of sectors including pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, food safety, cosmetics and environmental protection. All students are offered the opportunity to undertake an internship during the programme. Study days and e-learning are utilised to maximise flexibility in how students manage their study time.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

MSc Regulatory Affairs and Toxicology (F167) Full Time
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

Student Internships

Internship Opportunities*

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.

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

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.

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)