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Course description
"Manchester has a good reputation for this MSc and many of my peers have attended the course. It has a good structure and staff have been very supportive throughout.
"It is a great course for those who haven't done occupational hygiene before, as it starts with the basics. It is also great for those who have some experience, as it builds on the skills and knowledge you already have and covers new topics."
Helen Pearson / Consultant Occupational Hygienist
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 unit.
Completing the MSc dissertation is an opportunity to apply your knowledge and develop experience in research methods applied to a problem of particular interest to you. In this component the emphasis is on developing your critical appraisal skills and your capacity to demonstrate leadership and management of occupational health issues. Every student is allocated an experienced dissertation supervisor.
As a graduate of this course, you will have knowledge necessary to recognise, evaluate and control hazards in the workplace, including chemical, physical and biological agents.
Aims
- an appreciation of the skills necessary to recognise, evaluate and control hazardous substances in the workplace, encompassing hazards such as chemical, physical (eg noise, radiation), biological and ergonomic agents;
- knowledge of to 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 profession roles in worker health protection;
- an academic qualification that is accredited by the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS);
- level 7 academic and practical experience on which to build and extend your knowledge of occupational hygiene and health throughout your career.
The master's course aims to:
- encourage critical evaluation of occupational hygiene and exploration of other philosophical and practical approaches to minimising ill health in the workplace;
- develop skills in critical appraisal, analytical thinking and logical argument.
Special features
You will be taught by professionals working in the field of occupational health and hygiene using examples from local, national and international occupational hygiene. There is an emphasis on applying your learning to real occupational hygiene issues.
Flexible online blended learning
Most of the course content is delivered online, enabling you to fit study around other commitments. A residential induction is held in Manchester at the start of the course, but attendance is not compulsory. For certain units there are face-to-face sessions planned. You will be notified of these dates at the start of the course.Teaching and learning
Some of the course unit includes online tutorial time, providing an opportunity to re-address concepts and approaches to problem solving in discussion with both the tutor and your peers. A learning structure with a recommended pace is in place for each unit. All units are assessed through assignment/examination.
Some course units require your active participation throughout and compulsory attendance is required for some face-to-face elements.
Once you are enrolled with us we will provide you with a timetable of seminar days, workshop and examination dates.
Discover more about The University of Manchester's online and blended learning here .
Coursework and assessment
Taught course units have a variety of assignments and examinations at intervals throughout the course which may require attendance in Manchester or one of our Global Assessment Centres.
Course unit details
MSc students must complete eight compulsory units and the dissertation (180 credits).
Students can choose from a range of dissertation models to suit their work situation and interest. Students submit a proposal for review and discussion. When approved they are assigned an experienced dissertation supervisor.
PGDip and PGCert qualifications are exit awards only.
Course unit list
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control Of Workplace Hazards | POPH60160 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Hazardous Substances | POPH63180 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Understanding Physical Agents | POPH68820 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Fitness for Work | POPH68860 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Foundation for Postgraduate Practice | POPH68880 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Research Methods and Data Analysis (Occupational Hygiene) | POPH68900 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Health and Workability (Occupational Hygiene) | POPH68940 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Management of Workplace Hazards (Occupational Hygiene) | POPH68990 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Dissertation for Occupational Medicine and Occupational Hygiene | POPH69000 | 60 | Mandatory |
Facilities
Disability support
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service .