Occupational Medicine

This module aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of occupational medicine, encompassing its principles, services, and practical applications, including fitness assessment, hazard identification, risk management, and epidemiological interpretation, enabling effective promotion and preservation of employee health and well-being in the workplace.

Module content:

• Definition of occupational medicine (scope) and occupational health (OH) services
• Introduction to ethics and the law, multidisciplinary team (MDT)
• Assessment of fitness to work, sickness absence, rehabilitation, redeployment, resettlement and ill health retirement
• Introduction to hazards and PPE
• Introduction to risk assessment and control measures
• Introduction to epidemiology

Learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the core concepts related to occupational medicine, including occupational health services, risk assessments, hazards, ethical considerations and legal frameworks.
2. Critically evaluate current research and guidelines relating to occupational medicine and the application in a range of settings.
3. Systematically organise and communicate advanced occupational health and safety related information, using criteria developed for a variety of audiences and within a multidisciplinary team approach.

The module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse range of hazards encountered in the workplace and environment, spanning physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial factors, and their potential impact on various body systems, including respiratory, dermatological, infectious disease, mental health, and musculoskeletal conditions, while considering individual variations in fitness assessment influenced by age, environmental conditions, and specific job roles.

Module content:

• Physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychosocial hazards
• Respiratory and skin disorders
• Infectious diseases/zoonoses
• Mental health and other systems
• Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders and ergonomics
• Fitness for specific roles/individuals

Module Learning Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of occupational hazards, their multifaceted impacts on various health systems, and the intricate assessment of fitness for work in diverse conditions.
2. Critically analyse and synthesise complex information from diverse sources, demonstrating advanced problem-solving abilities in assessing and managing occupational hazards, individual health impacts, and fitness for specific roles.
3. Apply advanced occupational medicine principles to assess and mitigate workplace hazards, formulating tailored strategies for health promotion and risk prevention, and effectively communicating with a variety of stakeholders.

The module aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and skills in occupational risk management, including risk assessment, control measures, health surveillance, reporting requirements, relevant regulatory frameworks, toxicology principles, occupational hygiene, and practical skills in walk-through surveys, enabling effective occupational health management and compliance.

Module content:

• Principles of health and safety risk management
• Health surveillance and biological monitoring. Health screening and medical examination
• Report writing including portfolio production
• Reporting schemes and health and safety executive (HSE) Appointed Doctor system
• Introduction to Toxicology and hygiene monitoring
• Conducting a walk-through survey

Module Learning Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of the principles underpinning health and safety risk management, including the ability to critically analyse and apply these principles in diverse occupational contexts.
2. Systematically evaluate and synthesise the latest evidence-based research and guidance related to health surveillance, biological monitoring, and toxicology, to make informed decisions and recommendations that consider individual patient needs and preferences.
3. Demonstrate an ability to design comprehensive occupational health reports and portfolios, showcasing advanced communication and collaboration skills to effectively engage with employers and employees.

The module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of various occupational monitoring measures and their applications, including the assessment and exposure to organic and inorganic chemicals in different occupations, the potential health effects of dust and fibres, the distinctions between ionising and non-ionising radiation, and the analysis of vibration, noise, and light measurements, enabling effective monitoring and management of occupational hazards.

Module content:

• Occupational Hygiene sampling methods
• Organic and inorganic chemicals
• Dust and fibres
• Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) and occupational exposure limits (OELs)
• Ionising and non-ionising radiation
• Vibration, noise and light

Module Learning Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a range of occupational hygiene sampling methods, including their principles, limitations, and practical applications.
2. Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to address practical challenges in the implementation of sampling methods, hazard assessments, and control measures in various workplace settings.
3. Utilise advanced research skills to stay abreast of emerging issues and contribute to best practices related to occupational toxicology and hygiene.

This module aims to equip students with a in-depth knowledge of health promotion strategies and programmes in the occupational setting, including policy development with a focus on mental health, the role of assistive technology, research methods and data analysis, critical appraisal skills, and the importance of audit, quality assurance, and accreditation processes such as SEQOHS, enabling the effective implementation and continuous improvement of occupational health and well-being initiatives.

Module content:

• Health Promotion - strategies and examples
• Mental health and the workplace; developing a mental health policy
• Assistive Technology
• Fitness for work in specific careers
• Research methods and data analysis; critical appraisal
• Quality Assurance, audit, SEQOHS (safe, effective, quality occupational health service)

Module Learning Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the fitness requirements specific to various careers, considering the impact on employee wellbeing and performance.
2. Critically assess and integrate diverse health promotion strategies, selecting and adapting them based on the unique needs and characteristics of different workplaces.
3. Utilise advanced research skills to design and conduct studies that contribute to the evidence base for effective workplace wellbeing practices.

The module aims to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the ethical and legal dimensions of occupational medicine, encompassing health and safety, environmental, and employment regulations, while concurrently developing proficiency in the effective management of an Occupational Health service, including occupational health records and business aspects such as VAT, thereby ensuring comprehensive adherence to professional standards and regulatory compliance.

Module content:

• Ethics
• Health & Safety Law
• Employment Law
• Environmental Law
• Management of occupational health service and occupational health records
• Business needs - VAT

Module Learning Outcomes:

1. Critically appraise and interpret current and intricate health and safety laws, demonstrating the ability to apply legal knowledge to real-world scenarios within a variety of settings.
2. Demonstrate the ability to formulate and justify strategic decisions in managing occupational health services and maintaining accurate records, integrating legal and ethical considerations.
3. Exhibit effective leadership skills in the implementation of occupational health practices, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and ethical standards.

Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal:

• Terminology used in epidemiology and research studies such as prevalence, incidence, sensitivity, specificity, false positive and false negatives.
• Interpreting graphical representation of epidemiological and statistical data such as Kaplan-Meier curves, forest plots and meta-analyses.
• Calculations used in the assessment of research data such as relative risk, absolute risk and number needed to treat. Statistical tests and their applications including t-tests, ANOVA and chi-square.
• Qualitative research methods.
• Fundamentals of evidence-based practice and its application into the clinical setting.
• Principles of health economics, audit and quality improvement/assurance systems.
• Establishing patient registers and the value of disease-specific registers.
• Research into educational principles for both healthcare practitioner and patient.

Professional Project:
This module will depend on the creation of a piece of work based upon a specific clinically related project relevant to the student’s practice. This project may comprise:

• Literature review and appraisal of the evidence.
• Audit of practice including organisational or clinical.
• Review and implementation of evidence-based practice.
• Qualitative or quantitative research (formal research involving human subjects is not anticipated).
• Case(s)-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal.
• Case report, review of literature and organisational assessment.

Learning Outcomes:

• Select and apply different methodological perspectives and tools to answer research questions in the field.
• Critically analyse and interpret relevant research in the subject area.
• Design and undertake a research/development project.
• Critically evaluate practice and suggest improvements or change.
• Incorporate knowledge of the research process in developing services appropriately.

As each Medical Council has their own rules/regulations with regard to Postgraduate study we recommend that you contact your local Medical Council with regard to recognition.

Upon completion of the course the University would invite you to a graduation ceremony and provide your certificate which makes no reference to the fact that the course was studied online and is therefore typically recognised the same as any other UK University qualification.

Rest assured, the overall Postgraduate Diploma carries a total of 1,200 CPD points, with the MSc an additional 600 CPD points, and all official certifications are issued directly by the University.

When you study one of our programmes you may be surprised to find that there are no lectures or seminars. Your learning will be self-directed meaning that rather than being told information you find it for yourself (with tutor guidance and support). We do this via a series of clinically rich scenarios which your tutor will post on our academic forum which you and your classmates will research, respond to and discuss.

You will be assessed through the Academic Forum, Reflective Journal and Assignments. Learning will be carried out using our online learning platform: Moodle.

You can study whenever and wherever you want - our programmes are totally flexible to fit around your other work and life commitments.

The course is specifically designed so that part of your study is the application of theory to practice in your day job.

We typically suggest that students aim to log into the Moodle platform daily. We recommend a "little and often" approach for reading, reflection and/or posting. High achieving students will typically spend 1-2 hours dedicated to their studies a day; 10 hours per week is sufficient time to spend on the platform.

Those who cannot dedicate more time than once/twice per week may struggle with the demands of this postgraduate programme.

Yes, everything is done entirely online through our learning platform, Moodle. You do not need to attend the University.

All of our courses are delivered in English, so proficiency in the English language is essential for success. If English is not your first language, we require proof of competency as part of your application. We accept the following as proof of English Language skills:

We Accept a Range of English Language Qualifications
While IELTS and TOEFL are among the most commonly used English tests, we understand that students come from diverse backgrounds — and we’re happy to work with you to accept a wide range of other recognised English language qualifications.

We accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Our most commonly accepted test, IELTS is globally recognised and widely used for university admissions.

We accept TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Another widely accepted test, TOEFL assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in an academic setting.

We accept English Medium of Instruction (EMI) Letters
Many of our international students provide an EMI (English Medium Instruction) letter from their previous institution. This letter should confirm that you were taught in the medium of English. It is a popular and widely accepted form of proof, especially if you have completed prior academic studies in English.

Our University partners Requirements
The University of South Wales accepts an overall score of 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 for each band) and The University of Buckingham accepts an overall score of 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 for each band).

Our Flexible Instalment Plan is designed to offer ultimate flexibility to pay for your programme. You have the choice of two payment options:

Make an Upfront Payment in Full: For those who prefer to settle their fees upfront, you can pay the full amount at the beginning of your programme.

Interest-Free Payments: Alternatively, you can choose to spread your payments out with interest-free instalments every month for the duration of your course.

These options are separate from our existing lending partners, which you can explore further on our programme pages. We believe that education should be accessible to all, and our Flexible Instalment Plan is just one of the ways we are committed to supporting you in your academic journey.

We currently offer two discounts: the Early Bird Discount and the Action Taker Discount. The Early Bird discount allows you to save up to £500 or more, available only to self-funders and is a limited-time offer that runs for the entirety of November for the March cohort or the entirety of May for the September cohort. Our Action Taker Discount allows you to save up to £150 off for PGCert and £250 off for PGDip/2-year MSc programmes. To qualify for Action Takers, you must pay the deposit within 7 days of acceptance.

For Early Bird Discounts, the discount is visible if your application and acceptance are completed within the required timeframe. For Action Taker Discounts, it will reflect once conditions are met.

An MSc in Occupational Medicine is a master’s-level postgraduate qualification focused on the relationship between work and health. This MSc combines advanced study of occupational health practice, fitness for work, occupational diseases, workplace hazards, health surveillance, and occupational health management with research methods, critical appraisal, and an independent Professional Project.

The MSc is designed for healthcare professionals and others with relevant occupational health responsibilities who want to develop advanced knowledge of occupational and workplace health alongside research and critical appraisal skills.

Yes. The programme explores fitness for work alongside sickness absence, rehabilitation, redeployment, resettlement, ill-health retirement, and considerations relevant to employee health and return to work.

Yes. You'll examine occupational diseases alongside physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial workplace hazards, considering their effects on health and approaches to occupational risk assessment and management.

The Postgraduate Diploma comprises six taught modules worth 120 Level 7 credits. The MSc extends this study to 180 credits and includes research methodology, critical appraisal, and an independent Professional Project, allowing you to combine advanced occupational medicine knowledge with research skills.