Masters | Postgraduate Course - Toxicology and Epidemiology MSc, PG Dip Course Details within Cranfield University

MSc/ PgDip 1 Year FT up to 3 Years PT

This course is designed to provide focused training in both toxicology and epidemiology - two complimentary and key areas in times of continued concern over environmental safety and significant changes in chemicals and safety legislation. 

The MSc will provide you with an understanding of the impact chemical properties have on human health, the environment and integrated ecosystems enabling you to develop integrated strategies to minimise the risk of future health and environmental issues.  
On successful completion of the MSc course a student will be able to:

• Develop and apply a research protocol
• Demonstrate effectiveness in numeracy, IT, communication, team-working, project management, report writing and presentation
• Apply and evaluate statistical methods for analysis of scientific results
• Describe the techniques and principles of toxicology with special emphasis on pre-clinical aspects
• Describe the techniques and principles of epidemiology including applied statistics
• Describe the techniques and principles of risk assessment and risk based regulation
• Apply the principles and participate in the discourse on toxicology and epidemiology in relation to health and the environment
• Source, review and discuss key pieces of literature in a specific field of Health and the Environment
• Demonstrate a critical knowledge of pre-clinical studies and evaluate results in terms of safety, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and efficacy
• Describe the ethos, requirements and legislation surrounding clinical research and evaluate research monitoring processes
• Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of epidemiology methods and their links with toxicology, public health and policy, and apply epidemiological and statistical methods to analysis of databases
• Demonstrate their ability to apply experimental design principles and appropriate methods, including decision making, problem solving and independent learning, to obtain, analyse and discuss data through the individual research project.

Toxicology and Epidemiology are two individually diverse but inter-related disciplines where there is an increasing demand for trained scientists, who have the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to operate under new EU legislation, deal with risks associated with emerging technologies and recognise how environmental conditions pose a risk to human health.

Cranfield’s MSc in Toxicology and Epidemiology is a unique course in the UK and Europe in that it provides focused learning in these two intimately connected disciplines. The MSc will provide you with an understanding of the impact of chemicals on human health, the environment and integrated ecosystems enabling you to develop comprehensive strategies to minimise the risk of future health and environmental issues.  

The course is suitable for new graduates from a scientific background who are interested in a career within the fields of Toxicology and Epidemiology, and  also for professionals already working in either field who would like to train to enhance their career opportunities. Available on a full and part-time basis, the course offers flexibility and support for those who wish to train whilst remaining in employment.

The MSc comprises a formal taught ten-modules, an integrated component and a research project and thesis. For the part-time course, modules are delivered over five days and can be attended over a maximum of three years - minimising time away from the workplace.

Students can benefit from a project placement, potentially with industry or a government partner, encouraging them to make contact with prospective employers before even completing their degree. Professionals following the part-time option normally carry out the research project at their place of work, allowing them to apply their training and make an immediate impact in their own working environment.

The course is divided into three parts:

Taught modules

A formal taught component comprising ten modules, each of two weeks duration and consisting of one week of lectures, practical work, site visits and one week for private study. This element constitutes 50% of the overall mark.

The marks for each of the ten modules are obtained from a piece of coursework which may take the form of a portfolio, debate, lab report or presentation. The pass mark for all components is 50%.

Integrated component

This element brings together the major themes of the MSc, leading to a conceptual awareness of key aspects within the food chain. This element constitutes 10% of the overall mark. The marks are obtained from a written and oral assessment.

Research project and thesis

This element constitutes the remaining 40% of the overall mark. The marks are obtained from a combination of a submitted thesis, application and initiative shown during the project which is assessed by the day-to-day project supervisor, and assessment of an oral presentation of the project.

The research project can be undertaken with an industry or government partner. It acts as a fantastic opportunity for you to practically apply your new knowledge in a real-life environment and meet prospective employers before even completing your degree.  

Professionals following the part-time option normally carry out the research project at their place of work, allowing them to apply their training to solve a particular problem or investigation within their own company. 

The content of this course has been designed to give you the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed for a successful career in the toxicology or epidemiology field. 

Modules

1.   Introduction to Toxicology and Epidemiology 

2.   Research Design and Methodology 

3.   Statistical Analysis and Interpretation 

4.   Principles of Toxicology 

5.   Preclinical Research 

6.   Research Governance and Ethics 

7.   Basic Epidemiology and Statistics 

8.   Applied Epidemiology 

9.   Business Principles 

10. Risk Assessment and Regulation 

Integrated component 

Individual research project 

1st or 2nd class UK honours degree, or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline such as biology, biochemistry, chemistry, environmental sciences or other life sciences-related disciplines. Candidates with appropriate professional experience wishing to develop their careers are also invited to apply. Where applicable, students must demonstrate competency in English, such as a minimum International English Language Testing System Score (IELTS) of 6.5 or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) 580. Our Academic Summer Programme offers pre-sessional training in English.

Cranfield graduates are very successful in achieving relevant work. Some 93% are in relevant employment or further study six months after graduation. For professionals already in industry, Cranfield qualifications enhance their careers, benefiting both the candidate and their employer.

Our Toxicology and Epidemiology qualification opens doors to those who wish to pursue or enhance a career within the complimentary areas of toxicology and epidemiology. Graduates of this course will have the opportunity to enter varying roles in risk management/ assessment, regulatory affairs, planning and policy in a number of Government departments and agencies, pharmaceutical companies, contract research laboratories and the NHS. In addition the course will equip students with the skills needed to continue a career in academia - typically by way of a PhD programme.