Master Health, Safety and Environmental Management
Entry requirementsCandidates must have obtained the Oxford Brookes / Woodland Grange Diploma in Health and Safety Management or NEBOSH National Diploma in Health and Safety/Diploma 2 or equivalent as compulsory Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for this programme.
Specialist advice from appropriately qualified safety, health and environmental practitioners is an essential component in defining the policies of employers and ensuring that high standards of safety, health and environmental management are achieved. This postgraduate course builds upon and develops the material covered in the Woodland Grange / Oxford Brookes Diploma in Health and Safety Management or the NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent). The PGCert focuses on environmental management and technology, an area in which traditional health and safety professionals are increasingly becoming involved.
The PGDip has been structured to provide eligibility for associate membership of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA). It is aimed at developing health, safety and environmental practitioners to work at a strategic level within organisations and to help ensure that they have influence in achieving best practice in health, safety and environmental management based on risk management principles. The course focuses on applied behavioural management which develops the knowledge and skills necessary to help ensure employees and others comply with laid down standards and best practice. Health, safety and environmental issues are embodied in organisational aims to grow and develop in a sustainable way. The module on sustainability within organisations demonstrates how health safety and environment fits into sustainable development.
The MSc award requires completion of a dissertation which provides an opportunity to research a selected aspect of health, safety and environmental management in greater depth.
Course content
The taught part of the programme can be completed within 12 months (six months for the PGCert and six months for the PGDip) or the course can be spread over a longer period. The PGCert and PGDip can be taken as stand-alone courses but must be in succession. Individual modules can also be taken as stand-alone units (eg for health, safety and environmental advisers for continuing professional development (CPD)). Students may enrol separately for the PGCert, PGDip, MSc or for individual modules.
All taught modules are compulsory and are structured as five-day block modules at Woodland Grange.
Compulsory modules - PGCert
Environmental Management examines how businesses integrate environmental issues on sustainability into their activities, with an introduction to the key elements of the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and ISO 14001. Through a series of practical examples it encourages the development of skills in conducting reviews and audits, as well as considering how organisational structures and cultures can affect implementation.
Environmental Technology examines how technology, including monitoring systems, can be evaluated and applied as part of a pollution prevention and control strategy.
Compulsory modules - PGDip
In addition to the PGCert compulsory modules above, the following modules are compulsory:
Applied Behavioural Management reviews behavioural management techniques and evaluates the application to health, safety and environmental management.
Strategic Risk Management reviews and evaluates appropriate risk management techniques with a view to influencing implementation at a strategic level.
Organisational Sustainability (half module) considers how sustainability and due diligence issues affect organisations and evaluates options for incorporating health, safety and environmental objectives into sustainable development.
Research Methods (half module) develops the skills necessary for research into health, safety and environmental issues including the formulation of research methodology, data collection and statistical analysis.
Master of Science (MSc)
The Dissertation is a compulsory element for MSc candidates, giving you the opportunity to develop and apply research skills in a specific area of health, safety and environmental management. Preparation for the dissertation may commence at any stage of the PGCert/PGDip modules. You will be encouraged to discuss possible topics for your dissertation with relevant tutors. However, the dissertation cannot be submitted until the PGDip has been successfully completed. You are encouraged to carry out research within your own organisation. Guidance on the planning and execution of the dissertation is provided by the course leader and subsequently by individual supervisors.
Teaching, learning and assessment
The teaching and learning methods used in the course reflect the wide variety of topics and techniques associated with health, safety and environmental management. Lectures provide the framework, essential background and knowledge base for each module and you are encouraged to extend your knowledge by reading widely. Analysis, synthesis and application of material introduced in lectures is achieved through workshops, case studies, site visits and syndicate work with tutors, and peer review. A variety of materials and resources, including student experience, are used to provide a varied educational experience and a teaching/learning environment appropriate for mature students.
A wide range of staff are involved in teaching on the course. Most are from the Woodland Grange Training Centre, Leamington Spa, where staff have practical experience to complement their academic studies. Visiting tutors are used for some specialist topics.
Exercises are set each day to be completed in the evening. Some of these exercises form part of the assessment together with group presentations and written assignments.
Professional recognition
Woodland Grange is one of the UK's most respected providers of management training and development. Its professional excellence is acknowledged, and its clients include some of the country’s most prominent organisations in both the public and the private sectors.
The PGDip has been structured to provide eligibility for associate membership of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).
Career prospects
The majority of applicants to this course are already in related employment however this course enables you to enhance your career opportunities within the health, safety and environmental management role.
Individual modules can also be taken as stand-alone units, for example, health, safety and environmental advisers for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).