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Occupational Safety & Health

MSc (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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With society's focus intensifying on health, including workers’ health, the Centre for Safety and Health at Work (CSHW) continues to meet the needs of industry using blended online platforms and flexible teaching programmes to cover key contemporary issues.

This MSc in OSH part-time programme is especially designed for graduates who have experience in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), who have not previously achieved a higher level qualification in the area.  At the end of the programme, you will have developed the ability to develop and implement health and safety management and risk management systems relevant to the OSH needs of your professional discipline; professional and academic writing skills; self-management and self-directive skills and research skills.

  • The MSc in OSH part-time programme is designed to be completed over two full years (six trimesters), September to August each year. 
  • The provisionally scheduled Orientation day for 2025/26 intake, is 5th September, 2025.
  • The programme covers a range of multidisciplinary topics relevant to Occupational Safety and Health. Subjects covered include Legislation, Occupational Health, Occupational Hygiene, Human and Organisational Behaviour at Work, Health and Safety Management and Safety Technology
  • Assignments, project work and self-directed learning are required during the summer semester between the two academic years of study. You will complete your dissertation during the summer semester at the end of the second academic year. 
  • Lectures from core modules will normally be held on Fridays (9 am-5 pm) in Year 1 and on Tuesdays (9 am-5 pm) in Year 2.
  • Thesis supervision in Year 2 takes place outside of scheduled programme times/days. 
  • Assessment strategies include continuous assessment, assignments and projects.

About This Course

At the end of the programme, students wil have developed the ability to develop, implement and continuously improve occupational safety and health management and risk management systems in the workplace, utilising:

  • professional and academic writing skills;
  •  self-management and self-directive skills; and
  • research skills.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Please do not select YEAR TWO modules until year two
OSH30010 Safety and Health Legislation Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Please do not select YEAR TWO modules until year two
OSH40230 Health and Safety Management Autumn  7.5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Please do not select YEAR TWO modules until year two
OSH40330 OSH LIterature Review Methods Autumn  2.5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Please do not select YEAR TWO modules until year two
OSH40200 Occupational Health Spring  7.5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Please do not select YEAR TWO modules until year two
OSH40220 Occupational Hygiene Spring  7.5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Year 2 core modules:
OSH40290 Research Methods (OSH) Autumn  7.5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Year 2 core modules:
OSH40360 Human and Org Behaviour Autumn  7.5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Year 2 core modules:
OSH40340 Safety Technology Spring  7.5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Year 2 core modules:
OSH40350 Chemical Safety and Toxicology Spring  7.5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 5 of:
Year 2 core modules:
OSH40130 Dissertation (Occupational Safety and Health) Year-long (12 months)  30

The MSc in OSH 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 in OSH 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 here.


For testimonials our OSH alumni, please visit our CSHW Alumni page and the slider panels on our main website page on our website.

MSc Occupational Safety & Health (X061) Part Time
EU          fee per credit - € 119.9
nonEU    fee per credit - € 172.8
EU          fee per credit - € 119.9 aa
nonEU    fee per credit - € 172.8

aaSecond Year Fee applies to Students in 2nd Year in 2025 and who were a 1st Year Student on the programme in 2024/25
***Fees are subject to change

 Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website

  • A primary degree at 2.1 level (Second Class Honours, Grade One) in a cognate discipline is normally required. However, The School will also consider 2.2 award (NFQ Level 8) or equivalent on a case-by-case basis subject to the addition of relevant OSH work experience which can be taken into account.

  • You should normally be in employment as some of the assessment is linked to workplace activities

  • You should normally have at least three years work experience at the time of application

  • 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. 
  • If your first language is not English then you must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTs 7.0 (no band less than 6.5 in each element), or equivalent. For a fill list of English Language Requirements for OSH Programmes, please read our International Students webpage.

     

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No


This programme is available to international (Non-EEA) applicants already resident in Ireland on a valid visa (Stamps 0, 1, 1G, 3, 4S, 4D, 5 and 6 only) for the duration of the programme. The onus is on the applicant to ensure compliance with any visa permissions granted.



The MSc in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is a multidisciplinary graduate programme, designed for graduates who are engaged in OSH, who have not previously achieved a higher qualification in OSH



Please note:




  • A primary degree at 2.1 level (Second Class Honours, Grade One) is normally required. However, The School will also consider 2.2 award (NFQ Level 8) or equivalent on a case-by-case basis, and relevant or extensive work experience will be taken into account.

  • You should normally be in employment as some of the assessment is linked to workplace activities.

  • You should have at least three years’ work experience at the time of application.

  • 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 supporting documents at the time of your application. 

  • Interviews may be conducted on a case by case basis.

  • Applications for September 2025/26 intakes will close on 31st July 2025.


General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Occupational Safety & Health:

ROWCLASS Apply to
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
X061
Occupational Safety & Health
Master of Science

Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
* you can change options at the top of the page