FAQ

STUDYING AT UCD

1. Is there a benefit to studying the Higher Diploma in Safety, Health and Wellbeing at Work at UCD, as opposed to other universities in Ireland?

• State of the art facilities
• Curriculum is designed by the UCD Centre for Safety and Health at Work (CSHW), an award-winning educational centre that has long been regarded as the leading provider of OSH education in Ireland, with circa 9,500 students graduating since its inception
• Lectures are given by leading experts in each topic, from various Schools and Colleges within UCD, other universities,the Irish Health and Safety Authority and public and private sector industries.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

2. I hold a Level 7 degree; is this enough to get me a place on the Level 8 Higher Diploma programme?

• Yes, you should have educational qualifications of at least matriculation standard (Leaving Certificate with two honours, or equivalent) including demonstrable knowledge of Physics, Chemistry or Biology
• You must be at least 23 years of age and have as a minimum three years work experience at the time of application
• Priority is given to those active in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH).

3. I do not have a Leaving Certificate; can I apply for this programme?

In exceptional cases, applicants who do not meet the matriculation requirements, but who have relevant work experience, may be considered on mature grounds. Such candidates will be asked to include a mature applicant portfolio to support their application. A portfolio would normally include evidence of successful completion of a course, which may approximate matriculation, and/or experience and training in OSH, and evidence of a good understanding of the basic sciences. Applicants applying on mature grounds must be working in the area of OSH. If you are considering submitting a portfolio, please contact the programme coordinator at (opens in a new window)cshw@ucd.ie

4. Is the programme professionally accredited?

The UCD Higher Diploma in Safety, Health and Wellbeing at Work is accredited by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) as the academic requirement for graduate membership. Subject to experience and other entry requirements, diplomates may become a chartered member of the Institute (CMIOSH) and use the title Chartered Safety and Health Practitioner. There is also an opportunity to apply for IOSH student membership. Further information about applying for both IOSH student and graduate membership is available at iosh.com.

THE COURSE

5. Typically, how many students are taken onto the Higher Diploma programme each year?

We take between 15 and 25 students each year; selection is based on the quality of the application. We recommend an early application. Applications are open from 1st October to 31st July each year.

6. What is the nature and structure of classes?

Learner knowledge and understanding will be imparted by on campus lectures, interactive workshops and seminars. A number of lectures will be delivered by academics from other Institutions and industry experts with an established reputation. A vibrant teaching and learning environment will incorporate active student engagement, discussion and debate, student-centred and problem-based learning, with an emphasis on reflection and peer-to-peer learning.

7. What is the timetable?

The Higher Diploma programme is designed to be completed over two years (6 trimesters). Lectures are normally held on Fridays (9am to 5pm) in Year 1 and Tuesdays (9am to 5pm) in Year 2.

8. Is the Certificate in Safety and Health at Work a pathway onto the Higher Diploma?

No, the Certificate and Higher Diploma are standalone programmes. The Certificate is designed for those who are
interested in the area of OSH, but it is not their main job. However, if you complete the Certificate and do well on that one year blended online programme, it will enhance your application for the Higher Diploma.

9. How much time should I commit to be successful in this programme?

A total of 36 hours of lectures are delivered throughout the trimester for each module. We advise that at least an equivalent number of hours of autonomous activity towards the module are required to succeed. This could be in the format of directed or independent reading, engagement with Brightspace (our virtual learning environment), practice for assessment tasks, completion of assessment tasks, etc.

ASSESSMENT

10. How is the Higher Diploma programme assessed?

Programme assessment strategies are normally work-related and include continuous assessment, assignments, projects and examinations. Assignments, project work and self-directed learning will be required during the summer trimester between the two academic years of study and in the final summer trimester at the end of the programme.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

11. What career opportunities are presented by this programme?

There is currently an abundance of richly rewarding opportunities for those qualified in health and safety management. On completion of this programme, successful candidates will have met the academic competency requirements to manage OSH in a variety of workplace settings. Work experience and additional professional qualifications will determine the level of competency for any individual professional. Successful completion of the programme qualifies candidates to apply for graduate membership of IOSH, and subject to experience and other entry requirements, diplomates may become a chartered member of the Institute (CMIOSH) and use the title Chartered Safety and Health Practitioner.

12. Can I use my Higher Diploma qualification to work abroad?

Yes. The Higher Diploma in Safety, Health and Wellbeing at Work is professionally accredited by IOSH and as such is recognised internationally.

STUDYING AT UCD

1. Is there a benefit to studying Occupational Safety & Health at UCD, as opposed to other universities in Ireland?

• State of the art facilities
• Curriculum designed by the UCD Centre for Safety and Health at Work (CSHW), an award-winning educational centre that has long been regarded as the leading provider of OSH education in Ireland, with circa 9,500 students graduating since its inception
• Lectures given by leading experts in each topic, from various Schools and Colleges within UCD, other universities, the Irish Health and Safety Authority and public and private sector industries
• Rigorous evidence-based practice, applying theory to practice.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

2. I hold a relevant degree; is that enough to get me a place on the MSc Occupational Safety & Health programme?

• You should normally be an honours graduate (2.1 or above) of an Irish level 8 degree, or international equivalent, in a cognate discipline
• You should normally have at least three years’ work experience at the time of application
• You should ideally have OSH work experience
• Priority is given to applicants who are active in Occupational Safety and Health
• You will be required to supply transcripts of your primary degree and the supporting documents at the time of your
  application.

3. Is a Bachelor of Education degree relevant to this programme?

Yes, it is, however, see response to previous question.

4. Is the programme professionally accredited?

The MSc Occupational Safety & Health programme is accredited by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health  (IOSH) as the academic requirement for graduate membership. Subject to experience and other entry requirements, MSc Occupational Safety & Health graduates may become a chartered member of the Institute (CMIOSH) and use the title Chartered Safety and Health Practitioner. There is also an opportunity to apply for IOSH student membership. Further information about applying for both IOSH student and graduate membership is available at iosh.com.

THE COURSE

5. Typically, how many students are taken onto the MSc programme each year?

We take between 12 and 15 students each year; selection is based on the quality of the application. We recommend an early application. Applications are open from 1st October to 31st March each year.

6. What is the nature and structure of classes?

Learner knowledge and understanding is imparted by on-campus lectures, interactive workshops & seminars. A number of lectures are delivered by academics from other Institutions and industry experts with an established reputation. A vibrant teaching and learning environment incorporates active student engagement, discussion and debate, student-centred and problem-based learning, with an emphasis on reflection and peer-to-peer learning.

7. What is the timetable?

The MSc in Occupational Safety & Health full-time programme is designed to be completed over one academic year (September to July). Students attend classes on weekdays and complete 90 credits over three semesters. The provisionally scheduled Orientation Day for 2024/25 intake is 6th September 2024.

8. Are there part-time options on the programme?

Options are full-time for international students and part-time for Irish students. If you were to enrol as a part-time student, you would need to take 30 credits in year 1 and 60 credits in year 2, which includes completing your thesis by the summer of year 2.

9. How much time should I commit to be successful in this programme?

A total of 36 hours of lectures are delivered throughout the trimester for each module. We advise that at least an equivalent number of hours of autonomous activity towards the module are required to succeed. This could be in the format of directed or independent reading, engagement with Brightspace (our virtual learning environment), practice for assessment tasks, completion of assessment tasks, etc.

DISSERTATION

10. What does the dissertation involve?

The dissertation constitutes the final stage of the MSc Occupational Safety & Health programme. The Dissertation module is a year-long module which facilitates students to plan, implement and write up a research project on an approved OSH
topic in compliance with best practice guidance in ethics and research. Research integrity certification is provided in the first trimester and all students must complete the certification process by the end of the first trimester.
Students will design, plan and implement a minor, original research project, which will normally include (i) identifying a
literature-based need for the project, (ii) describing and providing the rationale for the study design and methodology, (iii) managing and analysing data, (iv) presenting a comprehensive discussion of results, through completion of a written report documenting the research context, process, results, findings and implications. In exceptional circumstances  individual students may complete an equivalent project.

11. If, once enrolled in the programme, I feel the dissertation takes too much time and effort, what are my options?

If you have successfully completed all your other modules and gained 60 credits you can exit the programme and you will be awarded a GRADUATE DIPLOMA in Occupational Safety and Health.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

12. What career opportunities are presented by this programme?

There is currently an abundance of richly rewarding opportunities for those qualified in health and safety management. The MSc Occupational Safety & Health programme is designed for graduates who have a professional interest, or growing responsibility, in the area of OSH.
Our graduates can be found in national and global organisations across a number of industries. Many embark on careers as consultants and others are in senior positions in public and private sector industries.

Questions our past students frequently ask and the answers to these questions are below. If you would like to contact us with any other queries, or would like to be included on our email database for communiques regarding career opportunities and networking events, please email us at (opens in a new window)cshw@ucd.ie.

1. How do I access my Academic Transcript?

If you began your course of study from 2000 onwards, and have completed your Degree/Diploma, you can access your Academic Transcript online via the Student Information System (SIS) web free of charge. Some exclusions apply. You can also order a hard copy. Please see UCD's Academic Transcript page for further details.

If you require your original parchment, or the Certificate you received on graduating, please contact the National University of Ireland (NUI) who have a (opens in a new window)Document Service for Graduates. 

2. What is the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)?

The NFQ is a framework or structure to compare levels and standards of various qualifications. This helps students make decisions about their qualification choices, and will help you consider the progression opportunities available. 

3. My Degree/Diploma/Certificate was awarded before the introduction of the NFQ - is it recognised?

The NFQ was introduced in 2003 but as part of the legacy and historical awards process, all Diplomas and Higher Diplomas in Safety, Health and Welfare at Work are now Level 8 (NFQ).

The Certificate in Safety and Health at Work is understood to be a continuing award and therefore to have always been an award at NFQ Level 7.

4. What is the Historical Awards Process?

In the interest of award holders, employers and other stakeholders, the NUI has placed a number of historical awards on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) including the Diploma in Safety, Health and Welfare at Work. 

To view the approved legacy awards mapped to levels of NFQ, please see the List of Approved Legacy Awards document. The Diploma in Safety, Health and Welfare at Work is on page 7.

5. What standard of knowledge and skill applies to each NFQ level?

The NFQ consists of a system of ten levels, based on standards of knowledge, skill and competence associated with that level. The best illustration of this is the (opens in a new window)NFQ Interactive Fan which incorporates the levels and awards made for the different kinds of learning.

6. Are there equivalent UCD levels to NFQ levels?

Since 2005, Academic Council has approved UCD Level Descriptors which equate with the NFQ. To look at the various skills and competencies required for each UCD level and equivalent NFQ level, please see the UCD Level Descriptors.

7. Are there equivalent UK levels to NFQ levels?

The Irish awarding bodies and the UK awarding and qualifications regulatory bodies have undertaken an exercise to cross reference the qualifications frameworks in the UK and Ireland.

For further information, including a rough guide to comparing qualifications in the UK and Ireland, please see (opens in a new window)Comparing Qualifications in the UK and Ireland from the (opens in a new window)QQI website. 

8. Is there a European Qualifications Framework?

Yes, the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is an overarching framework that links the qualifications frameworks of different European countries together. It covers qualifications at all levels and in all sub-systems of education and training (general and adult education, vocational education and training as well as higher education).

The main role of the EQF is to make qualifications more readable and understandable across different countries and systems. In this way, the EQF supports individual mobility and lifelong learning, helping those moving from one country to another to work, or to continue their education or training. European countries are encouraged to develop their national qualifications systems and to link those systems to the EQF. Ireland completed the referencing of the Irish NFQ to the EQF in 2009. 

9. I am a past UCD OSH student. How can I keep in touch regarding job opportunities, seminars or other events?

Currently, we have hundreds of alumni on our emails contacts database. This is a very important resource allowing alumni to keep in touch and be informed of up-to-date career opportunities, seminars and other alumni events. If you are a CSHW alumni and would like to be included on this database, please email cshw@ucd.ie giving details of your course and the year you graduated. If you are already on the database, and your contact details have changed, please do not hesitate to let us know. We always love to hear from our alumni and what they are doing!

Please note we will never pass on your details to a third party. For every email notification you receive (on average 4 per month), you will be given an 'opt-out' choice regarding future correspondence.  

10. What events do CSHW organise for alumni?

Alumni events such as breakfast seminars took place annually for a number of years. As the numbers were relatively low, these events stopped running.

However, we do hold Stakeholder events, Guest lectures and are currently planning CPD days for alumni. 

If you have any ideas regarding topics for the CPD day or would like to contribute in some way, please contact the Centre for Safety and Health at Work at +353 1 7163420 or cshw@ucd.ie . 

11. Are there other benefits for UCD OSH alumni?

Yes, the University's alumni department, (opens in a new window)UCD Alumni manage a number of events and network with many UCD alumni groups throughout the world. Services are also provided for UCD alumni, such as (opens in a new window)Library Access.

Alumni can join the UCD University Club. Situated adjacent to O’Reilly Hall overlooking the lake, the University Club is the ideal place to relax, entertain or conduct a meeting. It houses meeting spaces and state-of-the-art cafes and restaurants. For further information, see the Alumni Membership page or phone, +353 1 7162187.  

12. I have just finished my Degree/Diploma/Certificate. When and how am I conferred?

Students who successfully complete the MSc in Occupational Safety and Health, are normally conferred in the December following the publication of their final grades. The event is organised by the UCD Conferring Unit who get in touch with the students individually and publish a schedule on their website page. 

The University does not confer Certificates but the parchments of these awards are posted out to the student, so please ensure your contact details are correct on the SIS Web system before you graduate. The University will be conferring Higher Diploma in Safety, Health and Wellbeing and Graduate Diploma in OSH awards from 2020 on.

13. What if I change my name, address or other details?

All written correspondence will be sent to the home address that you gave on your online application and registration documentation. If you move address the address change should be made online via the Student Information System (SISWeb) by you. 

If you are locked out of the Student Information System, contact the IT Help Desk at +353 1 7162700. Have your student number handy!