Human and Environmental Toxicology with Law MSc

This interdisciplinary MSc course in Human and Environmental Toxicology with Law, uniquely combines cutting-edge toxicology with essential legal and regulatory knowledge, to prepare you to take on real-world challenges in protecting human and environmental health. With opportunities for practical placements in industry and government, you'll develop both scientific and legal expertise, positioning you to lead in bridging the gap between toxicology research and policy-driven environmental solutions.

The world is experiencing an environmental catastrophe due to chemical pollution, making graduates of this course more important than ever. Globally, pollution kills three times more people than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. It also degrades water, air, and soil, contributing to a staggering loss of 69% of biodiversity since 1970. If you want to learn how to use scientific evidence to protect human and environmental health and make meaningful changes to those shocking statistics, this is the course for you.

With placement opportunities in sector-leading industry, government and regulatory organisations, this MSc helps students develop a highly interdisciplinary knowledge base with hands-on experiences that stand out to employers, providing an exceptional platform to launch your career at safeguarding people’s rights to a healthy environment in countries around the globe.

Course Structure

What makes this course different?

• Unique skillset development: this MSc is the first to meet recruiter demands in toxicology, offering a multidisciplinary platform to kick-start graduates’ careers in human and environmental toxicology. It enhances employability by providing knowledge in cutting-edge science and policy, preparing graduates for roles in industry, regulatory bodies, government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and academia.
• Learn from chemical safety assessment pioneers: the MSc is taught by a multidisciplinary team of Centre for Environmental Research and Justice (CERJ) experts, including environmental lawyers, toxicologists, biologists, and bioinformaticians, offering a course that blends traditional toxicological methods with cutting-edge, interdisciplinary approaches.
• Experience action research: the CERJ team leads several high-profile, groundbreaking research projects such as PrecisionTox, PARC, and UPSTREAM. These close connections provide exceptional opportunities for you to conduct action research as part of your final project.
• Outstanding placement opportunities: Graduates of this course will have access to opportunities with our partner organisations, such as Bayer Crop Science, Syngenta, UK Food Standards Agency (FSA), UK Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), NC3Rs, and the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) creating exceptional experiences and hands-on opportunities to help you stand out.

Assessments

At the beginning of each module, you will be provided with information on how and when you will be assessed. Examples of assessment include exams and projects, quizzes, peer reviews, and ongoing feedback, supporting continuous learning and improvement throughout the course.

Student support

You will have a personal tutor who will offer tailored academic support, understanding your needs, strengths, and goals. They will guide you through coursework, help overcome challenges, and keep you on track. Additionally, your tutor will play a crucial role in your final project by connecting you with experts in your field of interest, refining your research, and providing resources to help you succeed.

In addition to your personal tutor, dedicated wellbeing officers are available to support you with a range of issues, including extensions, disabilities, and extenuating circumstances. They offer professional advice, discuss any challenges you're facing, and help connect you with further support on campus and beyond.

The Academic Skills Centre helps you become a more independent learner through workshops on topics like note-taking, reading, writing, and presentation skills. If required, the Academic Writing Advisory Service (AWAS) offers individual support for essays and dissertations, with guidance from writing advisors and subject-specialist postgraduate tutors.

Our Student Experience Team will help you get the most out of your academic experience. They offer research opportunities, study skills support, and help you prepare for your post-university career. They also organise social events, such as field trips, to help you meet fellow students from your course.

The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

2025/26 Session

The following must be taken:

Relevant undergraduate degrees include but are not limited to: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Dentistry, Ecological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Epidemiology, Human Sciences, Law and Legal Studies, Medical Science, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Science, Pharmacology, Public Health, Zoology/Animal Biology.

Graduates not fully meeting the criteria but with at least two years approved postgraduate experience may also be considered.

A Level

Minimum 3 A-Levels is required with an A/B in at least two Science A Levels (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics). Other A Levels considered if they contained empirical study and quantitate analysis.

Graduates with alternate qualifications (e.g., BTEC, International Baccalaureate Diploma, etc.) are also accepted, provided that the equivalent grade and subject-specific requirements are met.

Introductory Summer School

This course is highly interdisciplinary, and we don’t expect students to hold qualifications spanning both science and law. Our academic team hosts an introductory Summer School, which is optional but recommended. This additional week ensures all students begin the MSc with the same foundational understanding regardless of background:

• Students with a science background may attend ‘Introduction to Law Summer School’
• Students with a law background may attend ‘Science Summer School for Environmental Justice’

The Summer Schools are highly recommended but not included in the formal mandatory programme. To support all students, corresponding online courses will contain session recordings and additional resources to ensure a solid base of understanding for advanced and multidisciplinary learning materials.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

Summer School : To ensure everyone commences their studies with the same relevant knowledge, we offer the unique opportunity to take part in Summer Schools. These are designed to teach you the relevant skills required to understand the content of this MSc. The Summer Schools come highly recommended but are not included in the formal mandatory programme. To ensure flexibility and accessibility, a corresponding Canvas online course containing session recordings and additional resources will be provided to students.

Science Summer School for Environmental Justice : To support your transition to postgraduate study in this field and to provide relevant background information required to understand the scientific concepts taught in this MSc.

Introduction to Law Summer School : If you have little to no experience in law, we will teach you crucial legal skills to ensure you have the relevant understanding to excel within this MSc.

We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Our graduates develop a knowledge and skillset specifically designed to meet recruiter-identified gaps in toxicology, making them ideal candidates for organisations developing and delivering front-line chemical safety assessment. Example of roles include Toxicologist, Policy Advisor, Risk Manager, Research Scientist, Environmental Consultant and Environmental Advocate.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.