Programme presentation

The Master's Programme in Toxicology is unique in its two-year education in the broad and interdisciplinary field of toxicology. It meets the clear and increasing demand for toxicologists and risk assessors in society. 

You will learn the principles of toxicology and how apply them in practice in research, testing and risk/safety assessment for a wide range of chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and environmental contaminants. We strive to teach you the latest developments in science, methodology and chemical regulations, such as Adverse Outcome Pathways, new non-animal methods and strategies for especially challenging areas such as endocrine disruptors, nanomaterials, and chemical mixtures.  

In addition, you learn how research and work in the field of toxicology can contribute to sustainable development.  

As toxicologists usually work in teams the programme emphasises group dynamics and development, as well as providing the opportunities to build your own networks and prepare for your future career. 

You will 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 the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, national authorities, and researchers in other departments, both within and outside KI. The programme regularly visits the European Commission Joint Research Centre and in particular its Reference Laboratory for Alternative to Animal Testing (EURL-ECVAM). 

The first semester focuses on the mechanisms and effects of interactions of cells and tissues 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, you 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 your interest and can be a laboratory-based project with direct or indirect relevance to toxicology or a literature-based project in an area related to risk assessment. You can perform your project at KI, at other universities, authorities, or companies in Sweden or abroad. 

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

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 you with a solid foundation for a career in toxicology and life science, either as a PhD student or as a risk/safety assessor in the public or private sector. 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: pharmaceutical and chemical industry. 
• Consultancies: safety assessment and sustainability support to small and medium sized companies, e.g. in the field of cosmetics. 

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