Occupational Health and Safety focusses on protecting and enhancing the well-being, health and safety of people in the workplace. The primary goal is to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses and accidents by identifying potential hazards in the work environment and introducing preventative safety measures.
An MSc in Occupational Health and Safety in the UK is an advanced programme which builds on the foundation material covered in an undergraduate course, focussing on the study of principles, best practices, and current regulations relating to workplace safety. The degree covers a wide range of topics including risk assessment, safety management systems, occupational health strategies and legal frameworks.
There are 15 such courses in the UK, and entry typically requires an undergraduate degree in a relevant field; however, due to the highly vocational nature of this course, it’s possible to gain admission to an MSc course without a prior degree if you have sufficient recent work experience and can demonstrate the ability to study at postgraduate level.
What to expect
You’ll understand workplace hazards, safety culture and how to implement effective measures to prevent accidents and promote a healthy work environment. Courses are studied for one year with full-time attendance, or two years with part-time attendance, and the programme will include practical applications, site visits and engagement with industry professionals.
You can expect to emerge as a competent health and safety specialist, with a qualification that is accredited by The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Britain’s top regulatory body for workplace health and safety. The degree provides a pathway for career advancement and leadership roles in ensuring workplace well-being.