Occupational Health MSc/Diploma/Certificate

Over the past 20 years this programme has been completed by over 300 doctors, nurses, scientists, economists and physiotherapists. The programme is based on a multidisciplinary approach to tackling a wide range of occupational health issues and is accredited by both the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) for graduate membership.

Course details

Organised by the Institute of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (IOEM) at the University of Birmingham this programme is designed to meet the needs of postgraduate training in the prevention and control of work-related ill health and to understand the issues of ill health and its effect on work in the 21st century.

Open to graduates with relevant first degrees and those with appropriate work experience including doctors, nurses, hygienists, and health and safety personnel.

Why study this course

Aiming to develop the practitioner in occupational health and associated disciplines, this programme combines the academic and practical aspects of occupational health so that you can contribute to the development of occupational health services as well as improving practices and dealing effectively with management issues.

Benefits of studying this programme: 

  • The course focuses on current key topics including fitness for work, mental health, health screening, musculoskeletal disorders and management of health risk. 
  • Students with both clinical and non-clinical backgrounds benefit from understanding how workplace data can be collected and integrated to solve occupational health problems 
  • You have regular interaction with experts in occupational health and visits to workplaces enables you to put concepts into practice. The course will equip you to understand and solve a wide range of occupational health problems. 
  • The IOEM has a dedicated reference library and access instruments used for health screening and exposure monitoring. 

International students

The course has a history of welcoming both home and international students to the IOEM. Since its inception, graduates of the course still maintain links with the Institute. This communication allows us to continually build working relationships at a national and international level. Recent graduates have been from the United Kingdom and countries including:

  • Bahrain
  • Ghana
  • Greece
  • Lebanon
  • Nigeria
  • Oman
  • Zimbabwe
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Kuwait
  • UAE
  • Japan

Modules

All modules are compulsory for a full MSc award.

Core modules for the PGCert are as follows (30 credits):

The remaining MSc modules are optional to complete the PGCert (30 credits).

Related staff

Fees and funding

Fees

2018/19

Home/EU
MPH: £9,250 FT, £4,625 PT
PGDip: £6,167 FT, £3,083 PT
PGCert: £3,083 FT, £1,542 PT

Overseas
MPH: £21,690 FT
PGDip: £14,460 FT
PGCert: £7,230 FT

Self funding students can choose to pay in instalments by direct debit.

Learn more about fees and funding.

For EU students applying for the 2020/21 academic year

The UK Government has confirmed that EU students will continue to be eligible for 'home fee status' for entry in September 2020, and will continue to have access to eligible financial support via the Postgraduate Masters or Doctoral loan for the duration of their course. For more information visit the gov.uk website.

You can also visit our EU Referendum information page for more information and updates.

Postgraduate Loans for Masters students

You can apply for a government loan of up to £10,280 per student for postgraduate Masters study. This is a contribution towards the costs of study and whether the loan is used towards fees, maintenance or other costs will be at the discretion of the student. Find out more about the Postgraduate Loan.

Scholarships

Global Scholarships for Excellence

The College of Medical and Dental Sciences is offering a number of Global Scholarships for Excellence for outstanding students on our postgraduate taught programmes. The value of each award is £2,000 to be off-set against tuition fees, is tenable for one year only and cannot be deferred to a later year. 

Overseas Research Scholarships

International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government. Visit our website for information about scholarships for international students.

For information about all Home/EU and International funding opportunities please visit the Postgraduate Funding Database.

For other funding queries contact the School directly or get in touch with the Student Funding Office via the online enquiries system.

Entry requirements

You should have a relevant first degree, although those with relevant work experience or appropriate expertise will be considered

Learn more about entry requirements 

International students:

Academic requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.

English language requirements
You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:

English to IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component).

If you need help with your English language skills then support is available. 

The English for Academic Purposes Presessional course is for international students who have a conditional offer to study at the University, but who do not currently meet the English language requirements. The course is tailored to your level of English and allows you to meet the English language requirements for your programme without retaking IELTS. The EAP programme runs throughout the year and offers different programme lengths ranging from 42 weeks to 6 weeks. The length of course you need depends on your future course, your existing IELTS score and the English level you need for your university degree.

Find out more about the English for Academic Purposes Presessional course.

How to apply

International students requiring visas

Monday 1 July 2019 is the application deadline for international students who require a visa to study in the United Kingdom. We are not able to consider applications for 2019 made after this date - a new application should be made for September 2020. Applications will reopen for 2020 entry in early October 2019.

Before you make your application

You may wish to register your interest with us to receive regular news and updates on postgraduate life within this Department and the wider University.

Making your application

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Apply now

OverviewLearning and teaching

  • Teaching methods include formal lectures, tutorials, group work, case studies and workplace visits; the majority of lectures and practicals take place within the IOEM, which allows high-quality interaction between the academic staff and students
  • The programme of teaching is supported by a variety of workplace visits that enable students to see at first hand the extent of occupational health in practice
  • Each module includes tutorial time, providing an opportunity to re-address concepts and approaches to problem solving
  • Learning is supported by the use of the electronic curriculum (Canvas), allowing students to access learning materials when away from the campus
  • Every student on the programme has a personal tutor who can be contacted to discuss course material and understanding of specific topics as well as matters which may affect academic progress

Assessment methods

The majority of the modules on the MSc Occupational Health  require the preparation and submission of written assignments. Some modules require written examinations to be taken.

Related research

Course detailsEmployability

Please see the profile below to give you idea of what of our students have to say about the programme.

Chris Baird-Clarke

Physiotherapists who have demonstrated specialist competency in the fields of occupational health or ergonomics may be interested in finding out more via the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Occupational Health and Ergonomics (ACPOHE)

Careers Support for Postgraduate Students

Careers Network – We can help you get ahead in the job market and develop your career

We recognise that as a postgraduate student you are likely to have specific requirements when it comes to planning for your next career step. Employers expect postgraduates to have a range of skills that exceed their subject knowledge. Careers Network offers a range of events and support services that are designed for all students, including postgraduates looking to find their niche in the job market. The Careers Network also have subject specific careers consultants and advisers for each College so you can be assured the information you receive will be relevant to your subject area. For more information visit the Careers Network website. 

Learning and teachingStudent life

Birmingham is one of Europe's most exciting cities. If you are already based here you know what this vibrant, forward-thinking, international city has to offer. If you are moving here you are going to have great fun finding out. It is more than somewhere to study; it is somewhere to build a successful future.

Living in Birmingham

Whether you are looking for university accommodation or a rented property in the private sector, our accommodation services team, 'Living', can help you find the right place.

Postgraduate and Mature Student Association (PGMSA)

If you are a mature student it's worth considering joining the Postgraduate and Mature Student Association (PGMSA). This voluntary, student-led group has an active Facebook group where you can keep up with all the events and activities on offer.

Are you an International Student?

The University of Birmingham has one of the largest international student communities within the UK. The mix of nationalities and cultures on campus greatly enriches our learning and teaching environment and will help you feel at home during your time with us. Find out more at our international student website

Accommodation

University accommodation for postgraduates is located across the University's three student villages, all of which are within walking distance of the main campus. We have a range of accommodation types, including flats with study bedrooms, sharing bathroom and kitchen facilities; flats with ensuite study bedrooms; and studio apartments where you have exclusive use of both kitchen and bathroom facilities.

The City of Birmingham

One of Europe's most exciting destinations, Birmingham is brimming with life and cultures, making it a wonderful place to live, study and work. Our students fall in love with the city - around 40% of our graduates choose to make Birmingham their home.

Employability