1. Programme Aims
The multi-disciplinary Postgraduate Programme in Occupational Health and Safety Management is aimed at professional health and safety advisors and managerial, engineering and scientific staff who have a significant responsibility for occupational health and safety.
The programme uses a combination of short courses and distance learning modules for part-time study.
The programme aims to:
- develop individual skills and prepare participants for management progression in occupational safety and health in their chosen industry sector, mainly through development of both their technical knowledge and skills, and their conceptual, research and analytical abilities;
- enhance the career development and employability of participants;
- encourage participants to pursue personal development and lifelong learning skills and be self-motivating;
- the academic basis for chartered membership of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:
The Programme conforms to the benchmarks published by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education in respect of Masters awards in business and management . Specifically the programme meets the requirements of a specialist Masters degree (Type 1) for a career development.
The following additional reference points also provide a benchmark for programme development, delivery and content:
- The benchmark statement for Masters Awards Business and Management
- The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
3. Programme Learning Outcomes
3.1 Knowledge and Understanding
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of
K1 the structure and application of occupational health and safety law in the United Kingdom;
K2 advanced risk assessment techniques;
K3 the features and application of an occupational health and safety management system;
K4 the significant physical hazards in workplaces and their respective controls;
K5 the significant occupational health hazards in workplaces and their respective controls;
K6 the relevance and application of human factors to occupational health and safety management;
Specific to the MSc:
K7 the uses and limitations of a range of research methods/techniques, both qualitative and quantitative and an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses for providing information and evaluating options in an uncertain organisational environment.
3.2 Skills and other attributes
a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
C1 identify and critically apply the legal framework to a complex range of occupational health and safety situations;
C2 establish criteria in respect of the tolerability of individual and organisational risk;
C3 assess a broad range of health and safety risks using complex tools;
C4 critically evaluate the effectiveness of any occupational health and safety intervention;
C5 learn through reflection on practice and experience.
b. Subject-specific practical skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
P1 influence the development of occupational health and safety policy;
P2 engage effectively in two-way communication including listening, negotiating and persuading or influencing others;
P3 create, identify and evaluate options; implement and review decisions;
P4 make effective use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in a health and safety context;
P5 employ qualitative and quantitative skills;
P6 conduct research effectively and efficiently using a range of sources of occupational health and safety- related materials including journals, legislation, approved codes of practice and recognised guidance.
c. Key transferable skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
T1 create, identify and evaluate options; implement and review decisions;
T2 scan and organise data and communicate knowledge;
T3 use communication and information technology appropriately in acquiring, analysing and communicating information;
T4 listen, negotiate and persuade or influence others;
T5 use effective oral and written communication using a range of media including written reports;
T6 interpret numerical information and use numerical reasoning;
T7 manage themselves and their time effectively, be self-aware, display sensitivity to diversity in people and different situations and manage continued learning;
T8 enhance their career prospects and effectively contribute to the business aspirations of their organisation.
4. Programme structure
4.1 Modules
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Module Weight
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BSPR10
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Occupational Health and Safety and the Law
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15
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BSPR11
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Risk Management
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15
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BSPR12*
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Management of Physical Hazards
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15
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BSPR13*
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Occupational Health Management
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15
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BSPR14
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Safety and the Management of People
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15
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BSPR15†
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Occupational Health and Safety Management Evidence Based Practical Project
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45
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BSPR16†
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Occupational Health and Safety Management Evidence Based Practical Project
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45
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BSPA01†
/BSP547†
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Masters Research Project
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60
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* by distance learning
† partially by distance learning (>50%)
To complete the PG Cert in Occupational Health and Safety Management students must complete 4 x 15 credit modules. To complete the PG Dip in Occupational Health and Safety Management students must complete 5 x 15 credit modules and a 45 credit practical project. Section 5 outlines the specific modules required for each degree award.
To complete the MSc students must complete 5 x 15 credit modules, a 45 credit practical project and a 60 credit research project.
4.2 For full details of the specific assessment requirements for each module see the Module Specification.
5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award
5.1 In order to be eligible for an award, candidates must not only satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI but also:
5.1.1 To be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate, candidates must have accumulated at least 60 credits. Specifically, candidates must complete modules, BSPR10, BSPR11 and two others chosen from BSPR12, BSPR13 or BSPR14.
5.1.2 To be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma, candidates must have completed modules with total modular weight of 120 credits. Specifically, candidates must complete modules BSPR10-15 inclusive.
5.1.3 Apart from circumstances detailed in 5.1.4, to be eligible for the award of MSc, candidates must have satisfied all the requirements outlined in 5.1.2 and in addition, must have accumulated 60 credits from module BSPA01/BSP547.
5.1.4 Holders of recognized diplomas as detailed in Exemptions (see Admissions Criteria section above) to be eligible for the award of MSc, must have accumulated 105 credits. Specifically, candidates must complete modules BSPR16 and BSPA01/BSP547.
6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification
