Occupational Hygiene (Learning at Work)

Program Overview

Occupational Hygiene (Learning at Work) MSc

Overview

This flexible MSc will let you demonstrate your skills and specialist knowledge in occupational hygiene, and prepare for chartered membership of the British Occupational Hygiene Society. Study modules that match your personal interests, professional goals, or employer's objectives.

Key Information

• Study mode and duration: Flexible
• Start date: September 2025, January 2026

Course Information

Overview

At Portsmouth, we welcome students from more than 150 countries across the globe. However, please note that this learning at work course is not eligible for a student visa.

Do you want a Master's degree that builds on your professional training and experience, and prepares you for chartered membership with the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS)?

On this MSc in Occupational Hygiene, you'll shape your own course so that your skills and knowledge are aligned to the BOHS Statement of Occupational Hygiene Competencies. You'll study alongside your current job, applying your existing knowledge as you learn more about potential pathways in global occupational hygiene careers.

Because the course is work-based, you need to already be in a full-time, part-time or voluntary role. If you don't have an undergraduate degree, you could still do this postgraduate course if you have several years' experience in a responsible position or you have high-level skills through experience that isn't reflected in your qualifications.

Our courses are designed for busy people. You can tailor the course to match your aspirations and your employer's objectives, and negotiate the pace of your studies around your existing commitments. Your work-based projects have flexibility in their submission deadlines, and with no residential requirements you can study wherever is most convenient for you.

You'll get to put the skills you learn to work instantly in your job, contributing to the success of your company. When you complete the course, you'll improve your career prospects and have the skills and knowledge to perform more effectively in your job.

Course Highlights

• Study modules and topics that match your personal and professional goals, as well as your employer's objectives
• Develop your ability to analyse problems, research and propose solutions, and make sound professional judgements when faced with the organisational, financial and management aspects of a business
• Take part in work-based learning (WBL) projects that form part of your daily workload, which ensures that the knowledge you develop is relevant to your employer's business
• Get an optional 1-day induction in Portsmouth at the start of the course and have the opportunity to study on campus, if it suits you
• Develop your learning plan with the University and your employer, so you can make an effective contribution to your workplace as you learn
• Have full access to our student support services and community, including study support, sports and recreation facilities, and the Students' Union
• Tap in to our Library's electronic resources, which you can access from anywhere with a Web connection
• Choose a Workplace Mentor to support your learning – someone at work who can offer advice, guidance, and moral support
• Have support from an academic tutor specialising in your area of study and a University learning manager who oversees your programme
• Use online tutorials and lectures to help you with study skills, including your analytical and writing skills

Entry Requirements

MSc Occupational Health and Safety Management (Learning at Work) Requirements

• Qualifications or experience: A degree or equivalent.
• English language requirements: English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

Costs and Funding

Tuition Fees

• 60 credits (to be paid over 1 year): £4,200
• 90–120 credits (can be split over 1 or 2 years): £6,300 - £8,400
• 150–180 credits (can be split over 1, 2, or 3 years): £10,500 - £12,600

Additional Course Costs

• Recommended reading: While studying the online modules you may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module. Most texts are available online through the library.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) portfolio: There's a fee before you start the course if we need to assess a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) portfolio. If you're starting in September 2025 or January 2026, the fee is £1,200.

How You'll Study

• Learning Management: You'll set out a plan to shape your learning, and prepare for the research reports you'll produce.
• Recognition of Prior Learning: You can bring up to 120 credits of the 180 you need from your existing learning, such as a PgCert in a relevant subject, on-the-job training, or relevant experience in your career.
• Work-based learning (WBL) projects: Most of your new learning will be done through WBL projects, where you’ll practise new skills and develop your knowledge alongside your current role.
• Learning modules: You can also study in a more formally-structured manner by joining in with the university’s academic modules.

Support While You Study

• Skills support: Extra support is available for skills including university study, getting into the right study mindset, note-taking and note-making skills, referencing, presentation skills, time management, planning, and goal setting, critical thinking, and avoiding plagiarism.
• Additional support: If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support, and advice.
• Workplace Mentor: You can choose a Workplace Mentor to support your learning – someone at work who can offer advice, guidance, and moral support.
• Academic Tutor: You'll have support from an academic tutor specialising in your area of study.
• Learning Manager: You'll have a University learning manager who oversees your programme.