GD-OCHLSF v.2 Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

Graduate Diplomas prepare students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.

This course has an emphasis on practical and theoretical occupational health and safety (OHS) skills with a strong mix of science and management. Core discipline areas include risk management, accident prevention, ergonomics, occupational hygiene, health and safety economics, and compensation and injury management. There is an emphasis on industry based assessment and the development of practical skills. This course attracts students from a wide variety of professions and industries, from those who are already working in OHS and wish to gain formal qualifications to those intending to work in OHS, including engineers, health professionals and managers. Upon successful completion of this course, students may apply for admission into the Master of Occupational Health and Safety. All students will be required to undertake an academic skills module at the commencement of the course.

Course Accrediation

This course has national accreditation from the Australian Occupational Health and Safety Education Accreditation Board and international accreditation from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) (UK).

Professional Recognition

The course is recognised by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) (UK). Upon graduating, graduates are eligible to apply for IOSH membership and certification with the Safety Institute of Australia.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can gain employment in a variety of industries including mining, oil, gas, manufacturing and construction. There is also demand for graduates in corporate, government, health and academic sectors. With the stringent legislative requirements for health and safety in the workplace and the increase in resources and commodity prices expected to continue, future demand for tertiary qualified occupational health and safety professionals is expected to be high.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.

Graduate Diplomas contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from to pursue learning in a specialised area of study.

This course consists of eight core units. All units are offered fully online.

Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply and integrate the knowledge and principles of occupational health and safety and practical skills required for the prevention of injury and occupational disease in the workplace environment

2. apply logical and rational processes to critically analyse issues relevant to OHS and think creatively in the generation of solutions to problems

3. develop information literacy skills with access, evaluation and synthesis of relevant information and evidence from a range of resources available in the field of OHS and use appropriate information and communication technology practices

4. communicate effectively and function as part of a team and in collaboration with a range of people including community groups, workers, employers, statutory authorities and their representatives and other professionals

5. use scientific and technological methods with an understanding of their advantages and limitations

6. facilitate, educate and promote health and safety in the workplace in relation to individuals, families, the community and environment

7. recognise the global nature of OHS issues and be familiar with appropriate international standards

8. demonstrate an understanding of how culture can influence OHS issues

9. develop appropriate skills and knowledge to provide leadership for the improvement of OHS in the workplace

Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is one year full time study or equivalent part time study conducted on a fully online basis. Full-time study is available if required, but is subject to availability of units.

Location and delivery Mode

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.

Course Organisation Note

Although fully online, assessments for some units may require sitting a final exam at a nominated venue approved by the University

YEAR 1 SEMESTER 1

YEAR 1 SEMESTER 2

Applicants for a Graduate Diploma are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://study.curtin.edu.au/. Applicants generally require a Bachelor Degree or Graduate Certificate. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.

Specifically, applicants require a Bachelor degree, preferably with a health, science or management related background, or a graduate certificate in occupational health and safety, from a recognised tertiary institution.

Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au/non-school-leavers/rpl.cfm

Intermediate Awards

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate awards approved for this course:

GC-OCHLSF Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to some Master degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.

This course is an exit award of the MC-OCHLSF Master of Occupational Health and Safety.