Medical Toxicology (MSc)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Part time distance learning
Open day
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Why study this course
This programme is available to those who have already completed our PgDip in Medical Toxicology.
This MSc in Medical Toxicology is a part-time distance learning course for medical personnel. It is particularly designed for clinical pharmacologists in training, specialist trainees in accident and emergency medicine or acute medicine and other disciplines, and those intending to enter or already working in the pharmaceutical industry.
It is also designed for those working in poisons centres, for health professionals, including hospital and community pharmacists and for those with a degree in Life Sciences or other individuals seeking a career in the government regulatory bodies or the pharmaceutical or chemical industry.
The course is available to a selected number of candidates, who have successfully completed our postgraduate diploma in Medical Toxicology to an acceptable standard.
The course aims to:
- Introduce you to the broad principles underlying medical toxicology.
- seek to integrate an understanding of the mechanisms by which drugs and other chemicals produce toxic effects and how these can be predicted, treated and whenever possible, prevented.
A key aim of the teaching programme is to encourage critical thinking, as we aim to equip you with practical and factual knowledge and also provide a basic approach to toxicological problems, encouraging attitudes and abilities which will be of lasting value in the future.
Distinctive features
The distance learning format helps candidates to complete requirements in their own time. The topic usually depends on the local workplace and relates to the improvement of existing services.
Where you'll study
School of Medicine
We are of the largest medical schools in UK, committed to the pursuit of improved human health through education and research.
Admissions criteria
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved the Cardiff University Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in Medical Toxicology within the past three years. If your result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts.
- A project proposal of a maximum 500 words. In the project proposal you should outline the problem, give background of the problem, pose your research question, suggest a type of study, and give details of any research issues such as ethical approval or information governance.
Application Deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
Your project proposal and your ranked performance in the Postgraduate Diploma will be used as part of the MSc selection process.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
The MSc in Medical Toxicology (dissertation stage) is available to a selected number of candidates only, and eligibility is dependent upon successful completion of the Cardiff University Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Toxicology to an acceptable standard.
The MSc is a separate programme to the Postgraduate Diploma and so a new application must be completed. Places are limited and may be allocated on a competitive basis taking past performance into account.
It consists of one stage (post-diploma) – “stage R” (research dissertation stage), which lasts for one year and will include a dissertation of 60 credits at Level 7, to achieve a combined total of 180 credits (including 120 credits from the Cardiff University Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Toxicology) to achieve the MSc.
Your dissertation, which will normally be of not more than 20,000 words and supported by such other material as may be considered appropriate to the subject, will embody the results of your period of project work. The subject of each student’s dissertation will be approved by the Chair of the Board of Studies concerned or his/her nominee.
The dissertation is worth 60 credits and, in combination with the Postgraduate Diploma taught stage(s), is weighted 50% for the purpose of calculating the final mark:
Stage Weighting
- Taught modules (from Cardiff University Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Toxicology) 50%.
- Dissertation (stage R) 50%.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2024/25 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2024.
Year one
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnosis and Management in Poisoning | MET751 | 20 credits |
| Poisoning by Commonly Used Pharmaceuticals | MET752 | 20 credits |
| Poisoning by Non-Pharmaceuticals | MET753 | 20 credits |
Year two
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanisms of Toxicity | MET754 | 20 credits |
| Preventive and Regulatory Toxicology | MET755 | 20 credits |
| Environmental and Industrial Toxicology | MET756 | 20 credits |
Year three
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation: Medical Toxicology | MET750 | 60 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
Studies at MSc dissertation level will largely consist of guided independent study and research, making use of the extensive learning and research facilities available. A project supervisor will be allocated to support and advise you on researching and writing up your specific dissertation topic. A formative module on Research Methods will be delivered online via Cardiff University’s online learning platform, Learning Central™.
How will I be assessed?
The MSc dissertation stage will be wholly assessed based on the final dissertation. Expectations for the format, submission and marking of the dissertation will follow the current Senate Assessment Regulations, supplemented where appropriate with additional requirements of the Programme/School/College and any specific requirements arising from the nature of the project undertaken.
How will I be supported?
The course is entirely delivered as a distance-learning course via Cardiff University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), Learning Central, on which you will find course materials, links to related materials and assessments.
All students are allocated a personal tutor, for help and support with academic and pastoral needs, who you can contact to discuss progress and to provide advice and guidance as needed.
Feedback
Formative feedback will be communicated through electronic and written means in a timely manner. Summative feedback on assessment will be delivered within the timeframe set by the University.
What skills will I practise and develop?
By fully engaging in this course, you will have the opportunity to develop a wealth of skills and abilities you can apply to any professional setting. In addition to greater conceptual understanding of current knowledge, issues and methods, you will have the opportunity to practise and develop abilities in critical analysis, the application of evidence based medicine and in dealing with complex issues systematically and creatively.
Your studies should also help you develop your problem-solving and decision-making abilities by enabling you to utilise evidence effectively and communicate important concepts to colleagues and others. You will have the opportunity to develop and enhance skills such as literature review, critical evaluation, research design, research methodologies, data collection, data analysis and research principles.
In addition, by fully engaging in this course, you should be able to:
- Critically evaluate medical toxicology literature relevant to a specific topic.
- Use originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline.
- Accept accountability in decision-making including appropriate interactions with supervisor(s).
- Effectively communicate results of research to peers orally and in writing.
- Critically analyse, interpret and evaluate complex information, concepts and theories to produce modified conceptions.
- Demonstrate an understanding of relevant theoretical and methodological perspectives and how they affect your area of study or work.
- Demonstrate expertise in highly specialised and advanced technical, professional and/or research skills.
- Design and apply appropriate research methodologies.
- Design and undertake research to inform the area of work or study or produce organisational or professional change.
- Identify and use appropriate methodologies and approaches.
- Exercise broad autonomy and judgement across a significant area of work or study.
- Display the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.
- Understand the wider contexts in which the area of study or work is located.
Tuition fees for 2024 entry
Due to the duration of this programme only Welsh and EU domiciled students who meet residency requirements (English domiciled students are excluded) are eligible for a postgraduate loan. See more information about eligibility for UK Government Postgraduate loans.
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £5,725 | None |
| Year two | £5,725 | None |
| Year three | £5,725 | None |
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2024/25 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £9,450 | £2,500 |
| Year two | £9,450 | None |
| Year three | £9,450 | None |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Will I need any specific equipment to study this course/programme?
You will need a reliable computer with high speed Internet access (and up-to-date virus and malware protection) and appropriate software.
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Career prospects
This programme is aimed at those who have completed the Diploma in Medical Toxicology and wish to complete a research project or literature review to expand their academic knowledge on the subject.
This Masters programme enables you to demonstrate you are taking the opportunity to develop your abilities in critical analysis, problem-solving, decision-making, finding and using evidence and in dealing with complex issues. Whilst we do not formally assess clinical skills or competencies in a face-to-face context (so the programme is not a substitute for a formal specialty training programme), studying at this level should help successful students demonstrate numerous academic skills that should be highly regarded in relation to their career development and progression. In particular, the programme offers opportunities to demonstrate the development of knowledge and skills in relation to the application of evidence-based medicine and the potential enhancement of services and governance frameworks. As such, it should provide evidence of commitment and potential that may assist you in relation to taking on greater responsibilities or perhaps seeking management, research, scholarship, or leadership roles.
Next steps
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
