Graduate Certificate in Workplace Health and Safety

The Graduate Certificate in Workplace Health and Safety is a 40-unit postgraduate coursework program that develops knowledge, skills and interest in four of the major areas in occupational health and safety principles and practice. The topics covered include: Occupational Health, Occupational Hygiene and Toxicology, Law for Occupational Health and Safety, and current practice in OHS. Note: this program is subject to final University approval.

The program is delivered entirely on-line and may be undertaken from within or outside Australia. The Graduate Certificate is an embedded program in the Masters of Workplace Health and Safety and students with a relevant bachelor degree or those who attain a Grade Point average of at least 5.0 can gain entry into the Masters program with 40 units of credit.

A Special Entry option applies for those seeking admission to the Graduate Certificate program on the basis of relevant non-university qualifications and at least 3 years relevant professional experience in an approved designated health and safety role as approved for this purpose by the Pro Vice-Chancellor.

Graduates will be qualified to work in a variety of roles within the field of workplace health and safety.

Domestic Australian and International applicants must lodge a formal application through GradSchool.com and provide evidence of:

• Relevant Bachelor degree from an approved institution or
• Special entry into the Graduate Certificate will be offered to those with relevant non-university qualifications and at least 3 years relevant professional experience in a designated health and safety role, approved for this purpose by the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Health.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants for whom English is not the first language must provide evidence that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirements http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000104.html

The program does not require completion of any practice placements. However students can ‘tailor’ the courses to their own development or workplace needs by relating assessment items to their current work situations or professional experience.

While Graduate Certificates are not accredited with the Australian OHS Education Accreditation Board, students with an appropriate bachelor degree or graduates who attain a grade point average of at least 5.0 may complete the Masters level program (and receive 40 units of credit). The Masters program will be accredited by both the Australian OHS Education Accreditation Board and the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) in the UK.

The program is open to International students. The program is structured to provide opportunities for international students. Applicants will be assessed on an individual basis. Strategies for program-specific online student support will be developed in consultation with participating students. Additionally, they will be encouraged to avail themselves of existing University support networks and services.

The Faculty accepts that it is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations for students with special needs, in liaison with the Student Support Unit, which offers practical assistance and advice to students with a disability or chronic illness. The Faculty will seek advice from the Student Support Unit as to what constitutes "reasonable accommodations" under Anti-Discrimination legislation.