KollegeApply logo
KollegeApply logo

M.Sc. in Toxicology

Dharti Bhadla's profile picture

Updated on May 06, 2025

Dharti Bhadla

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 Toxicology is 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 Toxicology is a subfield of bioscience. It can be pursued by any Biology graduate interested in studying toxic effects of environmental substances or chemical reagents in food, human or other living organisms. 

In this course, students will learn about the relationship between doses and their effect on the exposed organisms. This course brings the opportunity to work with forensic investigators and scientists.

Programme name Master in Toxicology
Duration 2 years (full time)
Eligibility BSc with 55% from 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 MSc 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 MSc Toxicology, one can explore research and innovation as a career path to develop new drugs, therapeutic strategy, or method for disease prevention.

MSc Toxicology Eligibility Criteria

  1. Minimum eligibility for MSc Toxicology is a BSc in any biology branch with at least 55%.
  2. Students with other bachelor degrees like B.Tech Biotechnology or BSc Hons. Biology also can apply for this course.
  3. Students may be required to qualify the entrance exam of the chosen university to be eligible for admission.
  4. Most common entrance exam for MSc Toxicology is NFAT conducted by NFSU. Other universities may consider GATE scores.

MSc Toxicology Admission Process

MSc Toxicology admission is either on direct basis or entrance exam based, depending on the institute’s policy. Most renowned universities like NFSU, GU, etc conducts their own, university-level entrance exam for admission in MSc Toxicology.

Here is the basic admission process.

  1. Check the admission guidelines and selection process of the chosen institute by visiting their official admission portal.
  2. Fill out the application form with necessary details like personal, educational, and contact information with supportive documents.
  3. Pay the registration fees and appear in the exam, if applicable.

University will release the cut-off list and confirmation to the selected applicants.

NFSU MSc Toxicology Syllabus

MSc Toxicology syllabus involves subjects like pharmaco toxicology, environmental biology, molecular biology, practical sessions, and dissertation in the final semester.

The table below represents NFSU MSc Toxicology syllabus taught at 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 Best Colleges in India

There are limited institutes offering this course. Some of the best universities are tabulated below.

Name NIRF Ranking (University category) Admission Average Course Fee (INR)
University of Madras 39 BSc merit 14,000
Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut 151-200  Entrance + BSc merit 10,000
Jamia Hamdard University 40th JHET + BSc merit 21,000
NFSU (All campuses) - NFAT or GATE + BSc merit 65,000

MSc Toxicology Vs. MSc Forensic Science

Both MSc Toxicology and MSc Forensic Science deal with toxicology analysis study for legal investigations. 

MSc 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 MSc Toxicology MSc Forensic Science
Focus It focuses on study of toxic substances and their effects The focus is more on 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, 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

Jobs after MSc Toxicology

After completing MSc Toxicology, people may find jobs in industry, research or academics. 

Jobs after MSc Toxicology in the research and academics sector are as follows.

  • One can explore working as

    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 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 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.

FAQs

Which is better: MSc Forensic Science or MSc Toxicology?

Both these courses involve toxicology study and analysis. Difference lies in their depth of concepts and training. MSc Toxicology is core specialization focusing on toxicology analysis while Forensic Science is a broad area covering a little part of toxicology study as one of their specialisations. 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 the NFSU entrance exam is a must.

How many NFSU campuses offer MSc Toxicology course?

There are 3 NFSU campuses offering MSc Toxicology course including Gujarat, Goa, and Bhopal.

How many seats are there for MSc Toxicology at NFSU?

NFSU admits 20 students for the MSc Toxicology course at all the 3 campuses.

Do NFSU provide placement after MSc Toxicology?

Yes, NFSU provides best placement assistance and have marked salary packages grabbed up to INR 40 LPA.

Which country is best to study MSC in toxicology?

Apart from India, some of the best places to study MSc Toxicology are Harvard University, USA, University of London, Fudan University, China, China Pharmaceutical University, and Monash University, Australia.

How would you rate your experience with this page up to now?

😣

😕

😊

😎

😍

KollegeApply logo

Discover Excellence: Latest Updates on India's Leading Colleges,  Admissions, and Exam News

Built in India

india
Regular Helpdesk:+91 95997 49001
Online Helpdesk:+91 97178 19001

© 2025 INDO INTERNET PRIVATE LIMITED