Regulatory Affairs & Toxicology

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



Student Internships

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.

Stage 1 Core Modules

PHAR40170 Essential Pharmacology for the Toxicologist Autumn 7.5

PHAR40270 Env, Food, Occup Toxicology Autumn 7.5

PHAR40310 Medical and Forensic Toxicolog Autumn 7.5

PHAR40340 Business Fundamentals Reg Affa Autumn 7.5

PHAR40180 Experimental Tox and Risk Ass Spring 7.5

PHAR40280 Prof. Skills for Toxicologists Spring 7.5

PHAR40320 Adv. Healthcare Reg. Affairs Spring 7.5

PHAR40330 Intro to Regulatory Affairs Spring 7.5

PHAR40300 Toxicology Research Project Summer 30

- 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.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

90

1 year full-time (F167), 2 year part-time (F168). Delivery: On Campus.

MSc Regulatory Affairs and Toxicology (F167) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 7775

nonEU fee per year - € 25600


MSc Regulatory Affairs and Toxicology (F168) Part Time

EU fee per year - € 3880

nonEU fee per year - € 12800


***Fees are subject to change

Next Intake: September 2025.

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.