Occupational Medicine MSc

The programme is designed for all doctors working in occupational medicine, particularly those in specialist training posts who intend to prepare for their professional examinations with the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM).

It also gives those who wish to pursue an additional academic qualification the chance to obtain an MSc in Occupational Medicine, awarded by the university. The programme adheres closely to the syllabus requirements of the FOM (London & Ireland); however it also aims to furnish an overview of the whole spectrum of medicine and hygiene within the sphere of work.

The third year of the MSc aims to impart a sound understanding of the theory, practice and methods required to carry out a valid piece of scientific research. The programme structure provides qualifications at the following levels:

• CPD Diploma (PG Credit)
• Advanced Certificate in Occupational Medicine
• Advanced Diploma in Occupational Medicine
• MSc in Occupational Medicine

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 medicine. Tutorials are delivered via teleconference
• 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 Hygiene

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 CPD Diploma aims to:

• Allow the holder to achieve a level of knowledge/competence appropriate to a generalist working in occupational health
• Prepare students for the FOM Diploma in Occupational Medicine (DOccMed) The MSc programme aims to:
• Provide information required by medical practitioners working in the field of occupational medicine, and to allow them to pursue an academic qualification in this subject
• Allow students to access a range of specialist knowledge and resources within the discipline of occupational health
• Attract students who will benefit from distance learning methodology, which allows them to apply the knowledge gained during their day-to-day work
• Consider the evidence on which occupational health practice is based
• Attract students who will benefit from studying in a research-enriched environment and (especially for students progressing to the MSc) offer the opportunity to undertake research-based activities relevant to occupational health

The Certificate aims to allow the holder to achieve a level of knowledge/competence appropriate to a generalist working in occupational health.

The Advanced Diploma aims to allow the holder to achieve a level of knowledge/competence exceeding that of a generalist working in occupational health, and provides a basis for the theoretical knowledge that is required by physicians undertaking specialist training in occupational medicine.

The MSc aims to give training and experience in formulating a research question, designing and executing an appropriate study and drawing valid conclusions through writing a dissertation for the MSc.

The eight course modules are:

• Foundation for Postgraduate Practice
• Fitness for Work
• Health and Workability
• Aspects of Good Professional Behaviour
• Understanding Physical Agents
• Management of Occupationally Related Diseases
• Research Methods and Data Analysis
• Management of Workplace Hazards