MSc Toxicology is a 2-year postgraduate programme focusing on study of adverse effects of substances on living organisms. The course covers various areas like environmental, forensic, and industrial toxicology. This further offers diverse career choices in research, industries, and regulatory agencies.
MSc Toxicology equips the learner with skills like observing and reporting symptoms, mechanisms, detection, and treatments of toxic substances. Minimum eligibility to enrol in MSc in Toxicology is a bachelor’s degree with a 55% in aggregate from a recognized University/Institution. Average course fee ranges between INR 70,000 to 90,000, depending on the institute.
MSc Toxicology Course Highlights
MSc in Toxicology is a subfield of bioscience. It can be pursued by any Biology graduate interested in studying the toxic effects of environmental substances or chemical reagents in food, humans, or other living organisms.
Particulars | Details |
Programme name | Master in Toxicology |
Duration | 2 years (full time) |
Eligibility | BSc with 55% from UGC UGC-approved university |
Admission | Entrance or Merit-Based
Common entrance exam: NFAT by NFSU |
Programme Fee (Average) | INR 70,000 to 90,000 |
Average starting salary | INR 6 to 8 LPA |
Top Job Profiles | Forensic analyst, Assistant Professor, Research Associate, Senior Research Fellow, Jr. Forensic Scientist, etc. |
Top Recruiting Sectors | Universities, Forensic Labs, Government Agencies, Research Centers, etc. |
Why Pursue MSc Toxicology?
Pursuing an MSc in Toxicology offers a rewarding career in healthcare, research, education, and government sectors. It provides opportunities to work for food safety, human welfare, crime investigations, and justice.
- One gets to work in a forensic team investigating crime to provide evidence that serves justice.
- Individuals may work on environmental toxicology and contribute to protecting human and animal life.
- After completing M.Sc Toxicology, one can explore research and innovation as a career path to develop new drugs, therapeutic strategies, or methods for disease prevention.
MSc Toxicology Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum eligibility for M Sc Toxicology is a BSc in any branch with at least 55%.
- Students with other bachelor's degrees like B.Tech Biotechnology or BSc Hons. Biology can also apply for this course.
- Students may be required to qualify for the entrance exam of the chosen university to be eligible for admission.
- The most common entrance exam for M Sc Toxicology is NFAT, conducted by NFSU. Other universities may consider GATE scores.
MSc Toxicology Admission Process 2025
M.Sc Toxicology admission is either on direct basis or entrance exam based, depending on the institute’s policy. Most renowned universities like NFSU, GU, etc conduct their own, university-level entrance exam for admission in MSc in Toxicology.
Here is the basic admission process.
- Step 1: Check the admission guidelines and selection process of the chosen institute by visiting their official admission portal.
- Step 2: Fill out the application form with the necessary details like personal, educational, and contact information, with supporting documents.
- Step 3: Pay the registration fees and appear in the exam, if applicable.
- The university will release the cut-off list and confirmation to the selected applicants.
MSc Toxicology Syllabus
M.Sc Toxicology syllabus involves subjects like pharmacotoxicology, environmental biology, molecular biology, practical sessions, and a dissertation in the final semester.
The table below represents the NFSU MSc Toxicology syllabus taught at the Gujarat Campus.
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Forensic Science and Law | Clinical and Forensic Toxicology |
Essentials of Toxicology | Occupational and Industrial Toxicology |
Analytical Toxicology | Mechanistic and Systemic Toxicology |
Food and Environmental Toxicology | Drug Discovery and Regulatory Toxicology |
Pharmacotoxicology I | Pharmacotoxicology II |
Laboratory Course I | Laboratory Course II |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Research Methodology and Biostatistics | Major Project |
Molecular Toxicology / Applied Toxicology | |
Developmental and Genetic Toxicology / Pesticide and Metal Toxicology | |
Laboratory Course III | |
Minor Project |
MSc Toxicology Colleges in India
Limited institutes are offering this course. Some of the best universities are tabulated below.
Name | Admission | Average Course Fee (INR) |
University of Madras | BSc merit | - |
Jamia Hamdard University | JHET + BSc merit | 73,000 |
Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut | Entrance + BSc merit | 10,000 |
NFSU (All campuses) | NFAT or GATE + BSc merit | 65,000 |
MSc Toxicology VS MSc Forensic Science
Both M Sc Toxicology and MSc Forensic Science deal with toxicology analysis studies for legal investigations.
MSc in Toxicology focuses on the study of harmful effects of chemicals on living organisms, while an MSc in Forensic Science is a broader field that applies scientific principles to legal investigations, including forensic toxicology as one of its specializations.
Parameter | M.Sc Toxicology | MSc Forensic Science |
Focus | It focuses on the study of toxic substances and their effects | The focus is more on the application of science to legal investigations |
Career Paths | Research, regulatory agencies, pharmaceutical industry, forensic toxicology | Forensic laboratories, law enforcement, government agencies, private consulting |
Skills | Analytical chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology | Analytical skills, problem-solving, evidence analysis |
Specializations | Toxicology, pharmacology, analytical chemistry | Forensic toxicology, forensic chemistry, forensic biology, Forensic Biotechnology, etc. |
Average starting salary | INR 6 to 8LPA | INR 3 to 5 LPA |
MSc Toxicology Jobs
After completing an MSc in Toxicology, people may find jobs in industry, research or academia.
Jobs after an MSc in Toxicology in the research and academics sector are as follows.
- One can explore working as a scientist, analyst, consultant, lecturer, and regulatory affairs specialist.
- Such positions often focus on areas like drug safety, environmental toxicology, and forensic science.
- Other job profiles in the research and innovation area are Toxicology Researcher, Clinical Research Associate or JRF/SRF/RA/SRA.
- People working on such positions can earn up to INR 6 to 10 LPA as per the government regulatory affairs and Research Funds Policies.
Jobs in the Pharma or Food Industries are as follows.
- Product Safety Specialist: They evaluate the safety of products and ensure they meet regulatory requirements.
- Quality Control Analyst: They perform tests and analyses to ensure the quality and safety of products.
- Medical Writer/Toxicologist: They develop scientific and medical content for pharmaceutical companies, regulatory agencies, and other organizations.
Government Jobs after MSc in Toxicology are as follows.
- Scientific Officer: Their job is to conduct research, develop policies, and enforce regulations related to public health and environmental protection.
- Drug Inspector: They do inspect pharmaceutical facilities and ensure compliance with regulations in order to ensure drug safety for humans.
- Forensic Inspector: They analyze evidence in criminal cases involving drugs and toxins.
- Environmental Scientist: They monitor and assess environmental hazards and develop strategies for remediation.
- Food Safety Officer/Scientist: They do toxicological analysis on food ingredients of Dairy products, packaged, and frozen food.
MSc Toxicology FAQs
Which is better: MSc Forensic Science or M.Sc Toxicology?
Both these courses involve toxicology study and analysis. The difference lies in their depth of concepts and training. MSc in Toxicology is a core specialization focusing on toxicology analysis, while Forensic Science is a broad area covering a small part of toxicology study as one of its specializations. Hence, it depends on the individual's interest and goal to pursue the course.
What is the qualification requirement to pursue M.Sc Forensic Science at NFSU?
For NFSU, it is mandatory to have 10+2+3 in Science, with at least 60% for General/OBC/EWS category candidates and 55% or equivalent for SC/ST and PwD category candidates. Also, qualifying for the NFSU entrance exam is a must.
Which country is best to study an MSC in toxicology?
Apart from India, some of the best places to study MSc in Toxicology are Harvard University, USA, University of London, Fudan University, China, China Pharmaceutical University, and Monash University, Australia.
