Occupational Hygiene MSc

The programme 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:

• A blend of specially commissioned written materials in electronic format (PDF), together with interactive teaching material - all delivered via the University's Virtual Learning Environment, Blackboard
• In year 1 students are required to attend in Manchester for a 1-day seminar associated with Module 1 in month 3 and the same for Module 2 in month 6
• Students are allocated to tutorial groups for Modules 4 to 8, each supported by a specialist in occupational hygiene. Tutorials are delivered via combined tele- and web-conference
• In year 2, students are required to attend in Manchester for a 4-day practical course in month 6
• In year 3, students are required to attend a 3-day Research Methods course held at the University in month 1. Some components of the programme are held jointly with students studying the MSc in Occupational Medicine

Note: All taught course units will be assessed via examination held at the university at intervals throughout the programme and the final year via submission of a dissertation.

The primary objective of the programme is to deliver academic training in most of the disciplines relevant to occupational hygiene. Students proceeding to the MSc will also receive practical training in planning, implementing and interpreting a piece of academic scientific research. In general, the course aims to:

• Provide an appreciation of the skills necessary to recognise, evaluate and control hazardous substances in the workplace, encompassing hazards such as chemical, physical (e.g. noise, radiation), biological and ergonomic agents
• Introduce the wide variety of aspects covered within the occupational hygiene discipline such as legislation, toxicological basis for standard setting, methods commonly used to evaluate hazardous agents, and related and overlapping health professions
• Provide an academic qualification that is accredited by the Faculty of Occupational Hygiene (FOH) within the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS)
• Give a good foundation on which to build and extend students' knowledge of occupational hygiene during the changes and developments which lie in the years ahead

For those students proceeding to the MSc, the third year aims to:

• Encourage critical evaluation of ideas and concepts in occupational hygiene and exploration of other philosophical and practical approaches to minimising ill-health in the workplace
• Develop powers of critical appraisal, analytical thinking and logical argument

Computer requirements

Students are advised that they should have ready access to a personal computer with the following minimum specifications:

• Windows 98/NT/ME/2000/XP
• Soundcard and speakers/headphones
• 24 x CD ROM drive
• Screen resolution should be at least 800x600 and set to a colour depth of at least High Colour (16 bit)
• 56kbs or greater internet connection
• For internet access, your computer will need either Internet Explorer v 6.0 or Netscape v 6.0
• To run some of the interactive exercises, you will also need either Quicktime Player or Windows Media Player

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

The MSc, PGDiploma and PGCertificate are fully accredited by the Faculty of Occupational Hygiene (FOH) within the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS).

Students who complete either the MSc or PGDiploma programme will gain exemption from all Faculty written exams. Students with five years of occupational hygiene work experience will be required to pass an oral examination only to obtain the FOH Diploma in Occupational Hygiene, the highest professional qualification available in the UK.