Occupational Health (Policy and Practice)

Apart from the three-day introductory course in Cardiff, the distance learning MSc / Diploma in Occupational Health is delivered entirely on-line and face-to-face contact is not required. Participants are expected to collaborate through the Universitys virtual learning environment, Learning Central (previously known as Blackboard).

The emphasis in the MSc/PG Diploma course is on common occupational health and safety issues encountered in the workplace environment. Areas and concepts covered include:

* The prediction, recognition, evaluation and control of biological, physical, mechanical, chemical and psychosocial hazards in the workplace;
* The application of epidemiology and statistics to occupational health problems;
* Problem-solving in occupational health and critical appraisal of published evidence;
* Clinical, toxicological, psychological, ethical and legal perspectives;
* Placement and fitness for work;
* Occupational rehabilitation and employment of the disabled;
* Regulatory aspects of occupational health.

This course covers the majority of the competencies for specialist training as set out by the Facultz of Occupational Medicine. Many of these areas and concepts will have special relevance to a number of participants on the course. However, other professionals will learn the major issues so that their understanding can be enhanced along with their role as part of the team protecting the health resource of their business.

The Course materials are delivered on-line and participants, divided into groups, will work through tasks and case studies through on-line discussion and collaboration. Students assume responsibility for participating actively in the on-line learning process as a member of their team. Course materials will summarise information and therefore, in some respects, replace lectures. Participants are expected to contribute to the learning process according to their own backgrounds and experience in occupational health. They discuss their findings and conclusions as a group and present them to their tutors and peers.

The modular design of the course will allow focus on problem solving skills and development of an evidence based approach to occupational health issues. Course materials will identify essential reading and include self-assessment tasks. Written assignments will be completed from a large choice and will form part of the module assessment. This will be supplemented by participation in an e-conference, which will be problem-based.

Special Features:
* The course is delivered online with minimum attendance only for the introductory course.
* The programme contains an emphasis is on practical solutions.
* The course can be tailored to your own schedule, study style, etc.

Module information

There are two stages in the course: the taught component that leads to the award of the Postgraduate Diploma and the MSc dissertation. These comprise several phases as set out below:

Taught Stage

Phase I: Introductory familiarisation course (three days)

Phase II: Delivery of course e-modules (two years)

We currently offer the following modules:

* Clinical Occupational Health Practice;
* Management of Occupational Hazards;
* Placement, Fitness and Rehabilitation;
* Epidemiology, Statistics and Evidence-Based Medicine;
* Law and Ethics in Occupational Health Practice;
* Health Promotion and Occupational Health Service Management;
* Environmental Management;
* Occupational Mental Health.

MSc Stage

Phase III: Choice of dissertation

Phase IV: Completion of dissertation

Phase V: Award of MSc Degree

Assessment

Assessment occurs at several levels. Throughout the teaching materials, on-line tests are available, which although not compulsory, assist participants in assessing their progress. There is also a summative assessment at the end of each module. This comprises participation in a problem-based e-conference, involving the on-line discussion of case scenarios or other similar focus. In addition, students submit a 3000-4000 word written assignment, which may involve critical appraisal of the literature.

Those who successfully complete all course modules participate in all e-conferences and submit all written assignments to the required standard will be eligible for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health. Those wishing to proceed to an MSc are required to successfully submit a dissertation on an approved subject.

Suitable for all those who are involved in the general area of occupational health, those concerned with policy and management issues, those involved in the development and delivery of services to employees and organisations, as well as those with academic and research interests in occupational health.Applications are welcome from graduates in a relevant subject, e.g. health and safety, medicine, nursing or other health care professions, with an interest in and experience of occupational health services. Applicants without a degree, but with appropriate vocational qualifications and experience in occupational health, will also be considered.As the course will be delivered in a multiprofessional environment, applicants working in fields with only limited direct involvement with employee health issues will also be considered, e.g. trade union officers, human resource managers, scientists etc, subject to the same prior educational standards. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 60 (Grade C) TOEFL iBT® test: 90 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

Cardiff University has committed to invest a total of £500,000 in this high value competitive scholarship scheme to support Home and EU students who are planning to start an eligible full-time master programme in September 2014.

The Scholarships are each worth a minimum of £3,000 and will be awarded in the form of a tuition fee discount.

Accreditation

Facts and figures

Cardiff University is a member of the Russell Group, a group of 24 leading UK research intensive universities.

We are the 12th largest university in the UK in terms of student numbers with a total estimated income for 2013/14 of £460M.

Our student community

We have 26,269 students enrolled, representing over 100 countries.

* 18,685 undergraduates
* 7,584 postgraduates
* 5,090 international students
* 1,000 students volunteer in the local community each year
* 170,000 alumni across the globe from more than 180 countries

Student numbers confirmed for 2012/13.

Research and innovation

We have a world-leading research community with a strong and broad research base:

* our research contract awards have a total value of £500M
* we have won five Queen's Anniversary Prizes
* £20M has been invested in Cardiff University/Fusion IP spinouts
* we are 8th in the UK for interactions with SMEs since 2008*
* we rank 6th in the UK for estimated turnover (£43M) of all active graduate start-ups since 2008
* our researchers include two Nobel Prize winners - Professor Sir Martin Evans and Professor Robert Huber.

*Encouraging a British Invention Revolution, Sir Andrew Witty, October 2013.

Graduate destinations

Our graduates are sought-after by employers - more so than most other major UK universities.

* 94% of graduates enter employment or professional training/postgraduate study shortly after graduating
* 78% obtain graduate level employment, placing the University 16th in the UK for this measure

Based on HESA Destination of Leavers in Higher Education survey.