Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

Overview

This course has an emphasis on practical and theoretical OHS skills with a strong mix of science and management. You will study core discipline areas including risk management, accident prevention, ergonomics, occupational hygiene, health and safety economics, and compensation and injury management.

Professional Recognition and Accreditation

This course has national accreditation from the Australian Occupational Health and Safety Education Accreditation Board and international accreditation from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) (UK). Upon graduating, you are eligible to apply for IOSH membership and certification with the Safety Institute of Australia.

Admission Criteria

• A bachelor degree, preferably with a health, science or management related background, from a recognised tertiary institution.
• English requirements:
  • IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)
    • Writing: 6.0
    • Speaking: 6.0
    • Reading: 6.0
    • Listening: 6.0
    • Overall band score: 6.5

Fees and Scholarships

• Domestic fee paying postgraduate: $26,538* (2025 Fee year)
• *Fees are indicative only. Based on a first-year full-time study load of 200 credits. The total cost will depend on your course options (i.e., units selected and time taken to complete).

Location

• Curtin Perth
• Online

How to Apply

• Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice
• Curtin Perth: Apply now
• Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

Course Structure

• Duration: 1 year full-time study or equivalent part time study conducted on a fully online basis.
• Credit: A full-time study load usually consists of 200 credits (approximately eight units) per year, with 100 credits (approximately four units) in each semester.
• Location: The Curtin campuses or teaching locations where units of this course are offered.

What You'll Learn

• Apply and integrate the knowledge and principles of occupational health and safety and practical skills required for the prevention of injury and occupational disease in the workplace environment.
• Apply logical and rational processes to critically analyse issues relevant to OHS and think creatively in the generation of solutions to problems.
• Develop information literacy skills with access, evaluation and synthesis of relevant information and evidence from a range of resources available in the field of OHS and use appropriate information and communication technology practices.
• Communicate effectively and function as part of a team and in collaboration with a range of people including community groups, workers, employers, statutory authorities and their representatives and other professionals.
• Use scientific and technological methods with an understanding of their advantages and limitations.
• Facilitate, educate and promote health and safety in the workplace in relation to individuals, families, the community and environment.
• Recognise the global nature of OHS issues and be familiar with appropriate international standards.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how culture can influence OHS issues.
• Develop appropriate skills and knowledge to provide leadership for the improvement of OHS in the workplace.

Career Opportunities

• Employment prospects are excellent, with graduates often earning above average salaries.
• Graduates gain employment in a variety of industries including mining, oil, gas, manufacturing and construction.
• There is also demand for graduates in corporate, government, health and academic sectors.
• With the stringent legislative requirements for health and safety in the workplace and the increase in resources and commodity prices expected to continue, future demand for tertiary qualified occupational health and safety professionals is expected to be high.