Aula Medica

Master's Programme in Toxicology

Master's Programme in Toxicology

  • 120 credits
  • 2 years
  • Start of programme: Introductory week late August. Lectures begin September 2, 2024.  
  • Degree: Master of Medical Science (120 credits) with a Major in Toxicology  

The Master's Programme in Toxicology gives you in-depth knowledge of the broad and interdisciplinary field of toxicology, clearly integrating aspects of sustainable development, as well as the latest developments in research and methods. The programme focuses on human health and prepares you for either a research or professional career. It provides a solid platform for doctoral education in the field of life science or employment in risk/safety assessment of drugs and chemicals, in the public sector or in industry.

The programme fulfils all the course requirements for the European Register of Toxicologists (ERT).

Programme presentation

The Master's Programme in Toxicology is unique in its two-year cohesive education in the broad and interdisciplinary area of toxicology, where interactions between chemicals and the human body are in focus.
 
The programme covers principles and applications of toxicology and risk/safety assessment for a broad range of chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, cosmetics, environmental contaminants, occupational exposures etc. We strive to teach the latest developments from science, methodology and chemical regulations, such as Adverse Outcome Pathways, novel non-animal methods and strategies for endocrine disruptors, nano materials and chemical mixtures. In addition, students learn how research and work in the field of toxicology contributes to sustainable development. The programme also puts a special emphasis on group dynamics and development, as well as giving the students opportunities to develop their own networks and prepare for their future careers.
 
Students at the programme benefit from the close connection to high-quality research and risk assessment work within the Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM). The programme also collaborates with pharmaceutical and chemical industries, national authorities, and researchers at other departments, both within and outside KI. The programme regularly visits the European Commission Joint Research Centre and especially their laboratory for alternatives to animal testing (EURL-ECVAM).

The first semester is focused on the mechanisms and effects from interactions of cells and tissue with chemicals and drugs, while the second semester highlights methods and concepts for studying toxic effects and assessing health risks. The third semester puts everything into the context of policy, ethics, and society, clearly incorporating a global sustainability perspective. Here, students choose one of two tracks for in-depth studies in "Molecular and cellular toxicology" or "Risk assessment and in silico toxicology".
 
Finally, the master's thesis project is based on the interest of each student and may be a laboratory-based project with direct or indirect relevance to toxicology, or a literature-based project in the risk assessment area. Students find their project at KI, other universities in Sweden or abroad, at authorities or companies.

Programme syllabus - read more about the learning objectives, content and structure of the programme

Programme web page - for current students on the programme or if you are interested in learning more

Career opportunities

The programme provides a solid foundation for a career in toxicology and life science, as either a PhD student or a risk/safety assessor in the public or private sector in Sweden or abroad. Previous students/alumni are employed in:

-Academia: as doctoral students/researchers at various universities world-wide
-Governmental agencies: Swedish, European and other agencies for chemicals, food, pharmaceuticals etc.
-Industry: pharma and chemicals
-Consultancies: safety assessment support to small and medium sized companies, e.g. in the area of cosmetics

Recent years have seen stricter regulations for chemical safety of various types of products globally and especially in the EU. There is a clear and increasing demand for toxicologists and risk assessors in society.

Application Autumn 2024

  • Full time (100%), Lecturing in daytime
  • Study location: Solna
  • Language: English
  • Application deadline: 15 January 2024
  • Documentation deadline: 1 February 2024
  • Application code: KI-D1006

Specific entry requirements

A bachelor's degree or a professional degree equivalent to a Swedish Bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits in biomedicine, biology, cellular and molecular biology, pharmaceutics, chemistry, medicine, nutrition, biotechnology, or the equivalent. Check the country specific requirements for information on how to meet the requirement of a degree equivalent to at least 180 credits. Applicants who are in their final year may be conditionally admitted.

Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary school course English 6/English B. You must prove that you meet the English language requirement either through an internationally recognised test, previous university studies or upper secondary school studies. Instructions on how to document your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.

Selection

The selection is based on an overall assessment of the applicant's qualifications such as previous education, relevant work and/or research experience, ambition and initiative, and statement of intent. Letters of recommendation are not required.

Applicants to Karolinska Institutet's global master's programmes are asked to complete a CV form that will be used in the selection process. In the CV form you will find instructions on how to certify your experiences. Only experiences which have been certified according to the instructions in the CV form, will be considered in the selection.

All documents must have reached University Admissions by the deadline for supporting documents 1 February 2024.

Documentation requirements

Applicants with foreign academic credentials should follow the documentation requirements for master's applicants at universityadmissions.se

Applicants with Swedish academic credentials should follow the documentation requirements at antagning.se

All documents must have reached University Admissions by the deadline for supporting documents 1 February 2024

Application

The application is made through University Admissions in Sweden. The online application opens 16 October 2023.

Apply at universityadmissions.se

Fees

If you have citizenship within the EU/EEA, or Switzerland, you are not required to pay application or tuition fees. For further details: universityadmissions.se.

Application fee

900 SEK

Tuition fee

Total amount: 400 000 SEK
First instalment: 100 000 SEK
Payment of fees
Scholarships

Application process

Read more on entry requirements, documentation requirements and the selection process at Admissions to Global Master's Programmes.

Contact

For information on the application process please contact the Admissions Office at Karolinska Institutet.

For more information about the programme and its outline, please contact:
Annika Hanberg, Programme Director, annika.hanberg@ki.se

Contact information for the central Study Guidance Office

Read more