Ranking
10th
in UK
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If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please speak to our team.
Course overview
As the only course of its kind in the country, MSc Toxicology offers integrated research-led teaching in a highly interactive environment. Study at the cutting edge of research and kickstart your career in this vital field.
MSc Toxicology is taught by top academics and industry experts at the internationally recognised School of Biosciences. You’ll gain the theoretical knowledge and expertise to address future toxicology challenges, build transferable skills, and understand the role of toxicology in industry, the environment, and society.
World-class course, implementing a diverse portfolio of many scientific and clinical aspects. The course offers a programme that is comfortable for anyone with sufficient scientific background (any speciality) with exemplary support and feedback to excel in a field that is undervalued, fast-growing, long-term, and essential for the future of human-beings.
Course Structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each semester. This is based on a full time Masters course.
Term 1
Term 1
Study of the process of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of foreign compounds by the body, pharmacokinetics, and genetic variation of metabolism. Introduction to forensic and clinical toxicology including the recognition and management of poisoning lectures at NPIS at City Hospital. You can expect development of transferable knowledge including delving into the forensic and clinical aspects of toxicology alongside practical skills.
Term 2
Term 2
Testing of chemicals for toxicity both in vitro and in vivo, pathology of organ systems and how they are affected by toxins. Data driven science and new approaches for assessing toxicity using omics and non-model organism. Further development of transferable skills assessing toxic potential, regulatory science and integrated toxicology.
Term 3
Term 3
Research project. By the end of the project, you will have developed into someone who can do independent research be it in the laboratory or computer or other desk-based work and you will have taken your first steps toward being an independent scientist!
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Course highlights
This modern, comprehensive course has strong industry and research connections. With input from external industry partners, it will prepare you for the future needs of the sector. You’ll gain valuable skills through vocational training in theoretical, clinical, and laboratory aspects of toxicology. This holistic approach not only enriches the educational journey but also bridges the gap between academia and industry, fostering opportunities, for future careers in the vital field of toxicology.
- Be part of a highly interactive teaching environment, with a modern curriculum• Integrated teaching by well-established centres of bioscience, pathology, clinical pharmacology and toxicology, occupational health and environmental and eco-toxicology.
- Our course is the only Toxicology MSc in the UK and has strong links to industry and input from international experts in the pharmaceutical industries, contract research companies, government and external toxicology centres.
- The School of Biosciences is internationally recognised as a major centre for toxicology, offering integrated research-led teaching.
- Benefit from important contributions from external contacts including the provision of resources, specialist applied aspects of the training allowing you to build relationships with future employers
- 10th
in the UK for Biological Sciences
(QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
- 68th
in the QS World University Rankings 2027
- One of a kind
The only Toxicology MSc taught in the UK.
Course delivery
Immerse yourself in a comprehensive curriculum that blends lectures, hands-on labs, and workshops with real-world insights from industry professionals.
- Lectures – delivered by academic experts and researchers
- Workshops – contributions from external experts working in pharmaceutical and other industries
- Practical classes – hands-on activities to build on your practical skills
- Site visits – to external centres of toxicology
Module information
There are six 30 credit taught modules and a 60 credit laboratory or literature research project. There are two taught modules in each semester that run parallel and are taught on Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday respectively.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
Full-time
Full-time
2026/27 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Practical Skills for Toxicologists Part B | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Integrated Toxicology | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Practical Skills for Toxicologists Part A | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Assessing Toxic Potential | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Biosciences Postgraduate Masters Skills Programme | 0 | Full Term |
| Forensic, Clinical and Occupational Toxicology | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Metabolism and Mechanisms of Toxicity | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Regulatory Science and Toxicology for the 21st Century | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Research Project | 60 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1/2:2 in a relevant discipline
in Biochemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Microbiology, Zoology/Animal Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science, Physiology, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Medical Science.
Graduates not fully meeting the criteria but with at least two years approved postgraduate experience may also be considered.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL iBT taken before January 2026: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking and 19 in Writing
- TOEFL iBT taken from January 2026: 4.5 Overall with no less than 4 in each skill
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill
English presessional programmes
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
International entry requirements
Fees and scholarships
- £12,150
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Tuition fee deposits for international students
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
Postgraduate Masters loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we have put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 28 August 2026
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
Career opportunities are excellent. Toxicology remains a necessary and important area for funding given the current concern over environmental safety.
Recent graduates have been employed in:
- the pharmaceutical industries
- contract research laboratories
- government bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive, Health Protection Agency, Food Standards Agency
- NHS Poisons Units
- water research establishments in pollution control
- hospital and research laboratories
Your careers toolkit
Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.
Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:
- Careers support services and Careers Network
- Work experience and placements
- Enterprise and entrepreneurship
- Alumni and employer connections
- Global opportunities and life experience
- Careers in the curriculum
We are consistently one of the top universities targeted by graduate employers
We are one of the most consistently targeted UK universities by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2026). Read more about the achievements of our alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.