Resources for starting out in regulatory affairs

If you are looking for your first role in regulatory affairs for human or animal medicines, or for medical devices, TOPRA's careers pages are an essential port of call. As a leading professional body for healthcare regulatory affairs we are committed to delivering the support you need throughout your career.

Here are some useful tips for starting your regulatory affairs career:

  • Be prepared to take another role in the drug or device development process as a stepping stone.
  • Review your CV for skills and experience that would be particularly transferable (eg, good communication skills, project management and/or the ability to synthesise information).
  • Enrol with a specialist regulatory recruitment consultant who can advise you.

 

How TOPRA can help

Our courses for those new to Regulatory Affairs

TOPRA offers two levels of in-person courses for those new to or exploring a career in healthcare regulatory affairs. Basics courses are one-day primers on pharmaceutical, veterinary or medical device regulatory affairs; our Introductory courses are multi-day classes covering pharmaceutical or medical device regulatory affairs in much greater depth. 

Upcoming Basics courses

Begin DateTitleDescriptionCityCountry
 Essentials of European Veterinary Regulatory AffairsThe world of veterinary regulatory affairs can be complex and challenging, especially for those without a formal background in veterinary or regulatory science. This course offers a clear and concise introduction to the vital role regulatory affairs plays in obtaining and maintaining marketing authorisations for veterinary medicinal products.LondonUnited KingdomVETB0326F
26/11/2025Essentials of European Medical Device Regulatory AffairsThis course will provide an overview of regulatory requirements and considerations for medical devices in a relaxed and interactive environment.LondonUnited KingdomMDB1125
26/11/2025Essentials of European Medical Device Regulatory AffairsThis course will provide an overview of regulatory requirements and considerations for medical devices in a relaxed and interactive environment. OnlineMDB1125O
05/02/2026Essentials of European Pharmaceutical Regulatory AffairsThis course offers a basic but comprehensive understanding of European pharmaceutical regulatory affairs in a relaxed and interactive environment. Learn from industry experts and gain practical insights you can apply in your role.LondonUnited KingdomBAS0226F
05/02/2026Essentials of European Pharmaceutical Regulatory AffairsThis course offers a basic but comprehensive understanding of European pharmaceutical regulatory affairs in a relaxed and interactive environment. Learn from industry experts and gain practical insights you can apply in your role. OnlineBAS0226O
17/03/2026Essentials of European Veterinary Regulatory AffairsThe world of veterinary regulatory affairs can be a confusing and complex place, particularly if you have no formal veterinary or regulatory affairs background. The purpose of this course is to provide you with a clear and concise understanding of the role played by regulatory affairs in obtaining and maintaining marketing authorisations for veterinary medicinal products. OnlineVETB0226O

 

Upcoming in-depth Intro courses

Begin DateTitleDescriptionCityCountry
04/11/2025Overview of EU and UK Pharmaceutical Regulatory AffairsThis course covers all aspects of the product development process, and provides a sound overview of EU and UK legislation and regulatory procedures, including the central role regulatory affairs plays in modern healthcare companies.LondonUnited KingdomIC0112025
04/11/2025Overview of EU and UK Pharmaceutical Regulatory AffairsThis course covers all aspects of the product development process, and provides a sound overview of EU and UK legislation and regulatory procedures, including the central role regulatory affairs plays in modern healthcare companies. OnlineIC21125O