Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

Overview

• Gain expert knowledge in risk assessment, risk management, ergonomics, occupational health, law, and safety technology.
• Complete in 2 semesters full-time, or 4 semesters part-time.
• Flexible study options - on campus or externally.
• Graduate prepared for a senior management career in national and international industries.
• Opportunity to progress to the new Master of Health, Safety and Environment.

Details

Why choose this course?

This course focuses on developing occupational health and safety professionals who are able to apply current knowledge and analytical methods to the management and improvement of occupational health and safety in an organisation.  The course explores a number of areas of fundamental importance to OHS practice to ensure graduates are prepared to work across a range of industries and have the advanced knowledge and skills suitable for leadership positions.

Course structure

During your studies you will examine all facets of occupational health and safety practice. You will also develop the skills to assess the relevant literature so that you can base your advice and decisions on sound evidence.
 
As a student you will:

• Discuss and analyse risk assessment methods including risk analysis techniques such as HAZOP, FMEA, hazard indices, fault trees, event trees, reliability analysis, statistical analysis and probability.
• Explore the impact of legislation and industrial relations on the management of OHS, including the regulation of physical, biological, and chemical hazards.
• Learn about the nature of materials in regards to failure, fire, and explosions and how to configure appropriate safety systems including storage, handling and transport of hazardous materials.  
• Analyse the theory and practice of OHS management and how the structure of an organisation, its environment, and potential loss exposures contribute to risk management.
• Understand the role of ergonomics in optimising OHS and productivity, and develop skills in analysing the relationships between the worker, the work space, and the environment.  
• Explore health hazards in the workplace which can result in disease and disorders, including occupational skin conditions, respiratory diseases, psycho-social stress, musculoskeletal injuries and the needs of special groups.
• Learn about toxicology and the recognition, evaluation and control of chemical and physical hazards and how to provide professional judgement in investigating, analysing, and evaluating workplace hazards.

Career outcomes

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) professionals are responsible for assisting organisations achieve a safe and healthy working environment. They achieve this by applying scientific principles and legal requirements in safety and health to the myriad of issues that can affect worker health and safety.

OHS professionals deal with a range of issues from the ergonomic design of heavy machinery to management of occupational stress, in industries as diverse as mining and call centres. OHS professionals work in corporations, small business, government and consulting firms, and spend considerable amounts of the time interacting with workers. If you are interested in working with people and are passionate about promoting safety and health in the community, this is an exciting and challenging career.

Course articulation

The Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety articulates into the new Master of Health, Safety and Environment.

Units

Course structure

Students complete eight core units. The course is available full-time and part-time. Internal and external modes are available.

Entry requirements

Bachelor degree or equivalent in a relevant area from a recognised institution.

Applicants may be considered for admission on the basis of work experience and responsibility in occupational health and safety.

Course fees

Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. All fees are based on current fixed fee prices. We review fees annually.

Scholarships and financial support

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

View all scholarships