Occupational Hygiene: The University of Manchester

Course description

The course is intended to equip graduates with a wide range of inter-disciplinary knowledge and skills to work in areas related to occupational hygiene, culminating in an academic qualification accredited by the Faculty of Occupational Hygiene (FOH) within the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS). Specifically, graduates will obtain an appreciation of the knowledge necessary to recognise, evaluate and control hazards in the workplace, including chemical, physical and biological agents.

In the taught component of the course, the emphasis is on acquiring a thorough understanding of the theoretical principles and research methodologies underpinning the topic covered by each module. Emphasis is placed on the development of the students' critical appraisal skills and a capacity to lead an occupational health team at a senior management level. Where appropriate, the dissertation provides an opportunity to develop experience in applying these principles and research methods to a problem of particular interest to the student. The programme structure provides qualifications at the following levels:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Occupational Hygiene
• Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Hygiene
• MSc in Occupational Hygiene

The programme comprises four elements:

• A set of course units: each contains specially commissioned texts and associated supplementary material and, in the case of some course units, online resources delivered by the University's Virtual Learning Environment, Blackboard. All course units are supplemented by high quality, innovative online formative exercises and assessments via Blackboard
• Seminars: students are invited to Manchester for an introductory seminar associated with Module 1 at three months and for Module 2 at six months
• Tutorials: students are allocated to regional tutorial groups at six months, with the option to join a teleconference group, e.g. if based overseas
• A three to four-day practical course is held at the University in month 6 of year 2. For the third (MSc) year, students participate in a four-day Research Methodology course held at the University. Some components of the programme are held jointly with students studying the MSc in Occupational Medicine

Module details

The eight course modules are:

• Introduction to Hazards, Risks and the Working Environment
• Occupational Ill Health
• Health and Workability
• Hazardous Substances
• Understanding Physical Agents
• Control of Workplace Hazards
• Research Methods and Data Analysis
• Management of Workplace Hazards

Career opportunities

Most graduates of the programme remain with the same employer and some are likely to enjoy salary or position advancement.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview: Potential students should hold an honours degree (2:2 or above) preferably in a science discipline. Extensive professional experience, coupled with evidence of further training or qualifications, will be considered in lieu of a degree for initial entry to the Diploma.

English language: Students whose first language is not English require a minimum of:

• IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in any one component
• TOEFL 625 paper-based with a score of 5 in the test of written English
• TOEFL 263 computer-based with a score of 5 in the test of written English

Other international entry requirements:

Overseas students should note that:

• Students will be required to attend two seminars in year one (one at 3 months and one at 6 months) and a three or four-day residential course in year two
• Students will be required to attend in person two tutorials per course unit for units 4 to 8, or participate via teleconference or Blackboard
• All examinations are held at the University

A written undertaking that these conditions can be met is required before a potential overseas student may be accepted on the programme.

Computer requirements

Each Module has a proportion of online activity, which varies between subjects. Students are advised that they should have ready access to a computer, with the following minimum specification:

• Windows 2000/XP
• At least 256 MB RAM or above
• Soundcard and speakers/headphones
• Screen resolution of at least 800x600 and set to a colour depth of "High Colour (16 bit)"
• Broadband Internet connection

To run some of the interactive exercises, students will also need:

• Windows Media Player Version 7 or greater
• Quicktime Player
• Sun Java (JRE) version 5 update 12 (1.5_12)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Adobe Flash Player
• Adobe Shockwave Player