Why study Science of Occupational Health, Safety and the Environment MSc/Diploma at Birmingham?
The course aims to teach the science and practice of occupational health, safety and environmental control in the context of a team approach. On successful completion of the Masters programme, students should be in a position to identify, evaluate and provide solutions to a wide range of health, safety and/or environmental problems, and function well in a multi-disciplinary team. It recognises the increasing demand from both industry and enforcement bodies to integrate occupational health, safety and environmental issues. The comprehensive syllabus recognises the importance of technical, and practical skills as well as the need for good management skills. This programme is a collaborative endeavour with the Institute of Occupational Health.
Find out how other students have benefited from this course by reading a student profile:
Accreditation
The Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)| is the professional body which accredits the PG Diploma. Accreditation is renewed on a 5 yearly basis, and currently runs from 2006-2011. Accreditation of a student’s PGDip depends on the selection of appropriate optional modules for study. The research based modules, which are required to upgrade the PGDip to an MSc, can count towards up to 50% of the professional development required for an individual’s chartered membership status with IOSH. The University follows the framework syllabus set by the IOSH and there is regular contact between the University and IOS
Teaching and Learning
Teaching Methods
Formal lectures; group work; case studies; practical simulations; industrial/commercial visits; and student centred learning.
Assessments
In Year One all students will complete an extended essay as assessment for the Core Module. Each Option Module is assessed by a piece of coursework and a 3-hour examination held at the end of the year. All elements must accrue a pass mark. Students who successfully complete the above will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma unless they wish to proceed to study for an MSc. In year two assessment is via the dissertation report and associated viva voce examination. Students achieving an overall mark of 70% or more may be awarded an MSc with distinction.
The MSc is offered on a full-time (1 year) and part-time (2 year) basis. The Postgraduate Diploma is only available part time. In the Full time MSc, both of the following elements are taken concurrently.
Part time MSc Year 1: taught elements (described below) - a mixture of block and day release
Part time MSc Year 2: research elements
The part time Postgraduate Diploma follows the same syllabus as the PT MSc Year 1. View the course timing schedule (PDF - 31KB)|.
What you will learn
In the first year all students follow a compulsory Core Module. Students then have a choice of three modules from a selection of five. (Please note that the availability of individual option modules will depend upon student numbers).
Research Methodology Module:
This module will provide students with the underpinning skills necessary for them to successfully undertake an MSc research dissertation. It will provide students with an understanding of processes needed to plan, implement and evaluate a research based study. In particular there will be sessions looking at hypothesis generation, survey design, sampling strategies, questionnaire design, computing skills for research, literature searching and an introduction to some basic statistical techniques. During the module students will be expected to formulate their project ideas and to write their research protocols. These will then be presented at the end of the module.
Project:
An in-depth piece of project work which is supported by appropriate research and has practical application will be submitted in the form of a 10,000 - 15,000 word dissertation. Projects can take the form of laboratory based or field-work type research.