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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 full-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.

  • This MSc in OSH full-time programme is designed to be completed over one academic year (September to August). You will attend classes on weekdays and complete 90 credits over three trimesters. 
  • The provisionally scheduled Orientation days 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.
  • Assessment strategies include continuous assessment, assignments, projects, and a dissertation.
  • Thesis supervision takes place outside of scheduled programme times/days. 
  • Places are limited, so apply as early as possible. 

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 Core Modules
OSH30010 Safety and Health Legislation Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
OSH40230 Health and Safety Management Autumn  7.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
OSH40290 Research Methods (OSH) Autumn  7.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
OSH40330 OSH LIterature Review Methods Autumn  2.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
OSH40360 Human and Org Behaviour Autumn  7.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
OSH40200 Occupational Health Spring  7.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
OSH40220 Occupational Hygiene Spring  7.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
OSH40340 Safety Technology Spring  7.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
OSH40350 Chemical Safety and Toxicology Spring  7.5
Stage 1 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 of 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 (X373) Full Time
nonEU    fee per credit - € 172.8
EU          fee per credit - € 119.9

***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.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes


International (Non EEA) applicants resident in Ireland: Yes



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.



This MSc in OSH full-time is designed for working graduates who are engaged in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), who have not previously achieved a higher qualification in OSH. It is offered full-time and has multidisciplinary lecturers and students



Coming to Ireland? Please see UCD International 's Information webpage 



Please note:




  • You should be an honours graduate (2.1 or above) of an Irish level 8 degree, or international equivalent, in a cognate discipline

  • You should  be in full or part-time  employment with 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. 



Applications for September 2025/26 intakes close on 30th April 2025. 



Please note, if you receive an offer and wish to accept your place please do so by the deadline indicated on your acceptance letter by UCD Admissions.


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

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X373
Occupational Safety & Health
Master of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
* you can change options at the top of the page