Who is this course for?  

Toxicology is the study of poisons. The purpose of this course is to provide students with a firm foundation in the theoretical and applied aspects of Toxicology which will enable them to pursue a career in this important and rapidly changing field. 

Programme outcomes include: 

• Demonstrating a detailed knowledge of the principles and concepts of toxicology and pharmacology.
• Demonstrating an in-depth knowledge of the recent developments and applications in the field of toxicology.
• Demonstrating a high skill level in a wide range of laboratory skills for toxicological investigations.
• Communicating experimental findings in toxicology effectively, using a variety of verbal, written and visual means.
• Designing, conducting, analysing and presenting their original laboratory‐based research. 

What will I study?  

The programme is divided into three trimesters (each of 30 ECTS) in the following manner: 

Trimester One 

• Introduction to Toxicology
• Applied Toxicology
• Fundamental Concepts in Pharmacology
• Applied Concepts in Pharmacology
• Experimental Methods in Pharmacology 

Trimester Two 

• Experimental Toxicology
• Current Topics in Toxicology
• Advanced Toxicology 

Trimester Three 

• Toxicology Research Project

• Range of modules: Includes modules in regulatory, clinical and ecotoxicology that involve instructors from national and European organizations as well as industry.
• Master core concepts: Develop a solid foundation in toxicological principles and apply them to real-world contexts.
• Enhance analytical skills: Build the ability to interpret and analyse data using advanced tools and methodologies.
• Strengthen problem-solving abilities: Learn to approach toxicological issues critically, using both theoretical and practical perspectives.
• Develop professional expertise: Hone the skills required to succeed in diverse roles, including biochemical toxicology, clinical toxicology and regulatory toxicology as a foundation for careers in research, policymaking and consultancy. 

Our graduates have found employment in technical or research roles either in hospitals, universities, in the healthcare industry, and in regulatory bodies, within or outside of Ireland.

How will I learn?

The M.Sc. in Toxicology is delivered across two semesters including an individual research project.  The programme combines taught modules, practical experience, and independent research. 

By the end of the course, learners will be able to: 

• Nomenclature & terminology: Define and correctly use discipline-specific terms to explain concepts and annotate data.
• Laboratory skills: Perform core experimental techniques safely and accurately, recording methods and results to reproducible standards.
• Independent thought: Propose justified approaches to problems, troubleshoot procedures, and reflect on outcomes to plan next steps.
• Experimental design: Formulate testable hypotheses and design controlled experiments, including appropriate controls, replicates, and sample sizes.
• Scientific writing: Produce clear, concise reports and figures (abstract, methods, results, discussion) that meet scholarly and ethical standards.
• Statistical analysis: Select suitable statistical tests, carry out analyses, visualize data, and interpret effect sizes and uncertainty.
• Critical analysis: Appraise primary literature and datasets, identifying assumptions, strengths, limitations, and alternative interpretations. 

The learning outcomes are aligned with the following postgraduate teaching, learning, and assessment methods: 

Teaching & learning activities 

•  Practical classes (laboratories/workshops): supervised application of core techniques.
• Tutorials: guided problem-solving and feedback.
• Invited expert seminars: sessions led by guest lecturers.
• Small-group work: collaborative inquiry and peer learning.
• Independent study: structured self-directed learning.
• Supervised research: independent scientific investigation. 

Assessment methods 

• Written reports/manuscripts: discipline-standard scientific writing.
• Oral presentations: scholarly communication and defence of work.
• Written examinations: evaluation of knowledge and analysis.
• Oral examinations: critical reasoning and synthesis.
• Problem-based exercises: applied problem solving.
• Research thesis/dissertation: capstone research project.

Course queries:
howard.fearnhead@nuigalway.ie 

Programme Director(s):  

Dr Howard Fearnhead   
Course Director and teaching  
School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences
E: howard.fearnhead@nuigalway.ie 
T: +353 91 495 240 

Minimum Entry Requirements 

Successful students will normally hold at least a Second Class Honours Level 8 degree, or equivalent international qualification, from a diversity of undergraduate disciplines. Students are also considered who have a Level 7 degree, or equivalent international qualification, and three years’ relevant postgraduate full-time work experience. IELTS score of 6.5 (with not less than 5.5 in any one component). 

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance. 

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.