MSc Toxicology
Heriot-Watt University
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.2) View reviews

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

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Location

Edinburgh campus

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Full Time

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Start date

SEP-26

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Duration

1 Year

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

Edinburgh campus

Study mode

Full Time

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SEP

Duration

1 Year

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

Edinburgh campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-26

Duration

1 Year

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Course info

Toxicologists assess the adverse, harmful effects that substances have on human health and the environment. Toxic substances can be natural resources such as arsenic and mercury, generated by living organisms such as microorganisms, algae, and shellfish, or generated by humans. Man-made sources include unintentional substances such as pollutants from traffic as well as industrial chemicals or pharmaceuticals. Toxicologists play an important role in making our lives more sustainable, by ...Read more

Toxicologists assess the adverse, harmful effects that substances have on human health and the environment. Toxic substances can be natural resources such as arsenic and mercury, generated by living organisms such as microorganisms, algae, and shellfish, or generated by humans. Man-made sources include unintentional substances such as pollutants from traffic as well as industrial chemicals or pharmaceuticals. Toxicologists play an important role in making our lives more sustainable, by considering safety when designing new substances or by identifying safer alternatives. This MSc programme will provide you with an advanced understanding of the multidisciplinary field of Toxicology. You’ll learn about the fundamental principles of Toxicology, the harmful effects that different substances (e.g., chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, drink, pollutants,) have on human health and the environment, how the safety and sustainability of substances is assessed and improved through design strategies, what regulations exist to protect human health from the harmful effects of substances, as well as topical and emerging issues in Toxicology. Over recent years, there has been a desire to transition away from animal testing in Toxicology and the generation of data using new approach methodologies (NAMs) means that the knowledge and skills required by toxicologists is changing. You will learn why alternative (non-animal) approaches are being increasingly used for hazard identification to make Toxicology testing more ethical, quicker, predictive, and potentially cheaper when compared to more traditional animal (mammalian) tests. You will learn how to critically appraise the quality of existing literature and communicate scientific concepts and research findings to different audiences. You’ll gain skills that enable you to work as a Toxicologist in sectors such as academia, Government, and industry to meet the current growing global demand for trained Toxicologists. The UK currently tackles the regulations and policies related to substance safety, which was previously provided by the EU pre-Brexit, and is desperately seeking trained Toxicologists. The knowledge and practical skills you will gain through this master’s degree, will make you highly sought after upon graduation.

Key stats

  IDP Connect
WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2025 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
33/279
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
25th
What students say
A
Amberlee
10 Nov 25

The university is a bit far out from the city centre, so the reliance on public transport to get a food shop or go out is quite heavy, and that can add up. The on-campus..Read more

M
Mayibongwe
20 Oct 25

Good university accessible learning facilities Teaching delivered well Library is useful and always..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

A minimum of honours degree at 2:2 or non-UK equivalent in a relevant subject such as Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Environmental Science, Zoology, Chemistry or Toxicology.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£12,744 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£28,952 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£28,952 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Toxicology reviews

Toxicology
Toxicology
A
Amberlee
10 Nov 25
MSc Toxicology
The university is a bit far out from the city centre, so the reliance on public transport to get a food shop or go out is quite heavy, and that can add up. The on-campus...
Read more
M
Mayibongwe
20 Oct 25
MSc Toxicology
Good university accessible learning facilities Teaching delivered well Library is useful and always...
Read more
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How Toxicology students rated:

Student rating
( 4.3) 4 reviews
5 star
25%
4 stars
75%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 1,552 reviews
5 star
40%
4 stars
48%
3 stars
10%
2 stars
2%
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0%
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Uni info

Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University , Edinburgh

Heriot-Watt University has a 200-year history, and over that time has cultivated an outstanding reputation for its quality of teaching...

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
25th
Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh Campus, Edinburgh Edinburgh EH14 4AS United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Curriehill  0.4 miles away
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