Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

The Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety is multidisciplinary in design and equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in risk assessment, risk management, ergonomics, occupational health, law, management, and occupational hygiene.

Graduates of this program can pursue management positions in a variety of industries locally and overseas.

Domestic Students

Students complete eight core units. The course is available full-time and part-time. Internal and external modes are available. 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, mental disorders, cancer, musculoskeletal disorders 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.

 

International Students

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

Academic entry requirements

• A completed recognised bachelor degree(or higher award) in any discipline; or
• A completed recognised diploma in occupational health and safety with at least three years full-time equivalent work experience in an occupational health and safety role

 

Careers and outcomes(DOM,INT)

Occupational Health and Safety graduates take responsibility for leading and facilitating organisations to attain healthy and safe working conditions, safe systems of work and to comply with work health and safety legislation.

OHS graduates are employed throughout industry, however the majority of OHS positions are in construction, mining, manufacturing, transport and human services. OHS professionals work in corporations, government and consulting firms. Entry level professionals will generally spend considerable amounts of time at workplaces interacting with workers and frontline management. This course provides a pathway towards mid to senior level employment in diverse organisational contexts.

Professional recognition(DOM,INT)

The course is accredited by the Australian OHS Education Accreditation Board.

Course articulation(DOM,INT)

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

 

Possible careers

• Occupational Health and Safety Advisor
• Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator
• Occupational Health and Safety Manager
• Senior Advisor (Health and Safety)
• Work Health and Safety Advisor
• Work Health and Safety Coordinator
• Work Health and Safety Manager
• Work Health and Safety Officer