Central Queensland University

What you'll study

This program combines applied and theoretical study across the core areas of occupational health and safety. Typical subjects cover:

• OHS law and compliance: legal frameworks, duties of care, regulatory obligations and reporting requirements.
• Risk management and hazard control: systematic identification, analysis and control of workplace hazards, and development of risk treatment plans.
• Incident investigation and prevention: methodologies for investigating incidents, root cause analysis and corrective action planning.
• Safety management systems and auditing: design, implementation and evaluation of OHS systems, including internal and external auditing techniques.
• Workplace health and ergonomics: occupational hygiene principles, ergonomics and strategies to prevent work-related illness and injury.
• Human factors and safety leadership: safety culture, leadership, behavioural approaches to risk and training design.
• Research methods or major project: applied project or research methods unit that requires students to address real workplace problems or produce a piece of applied scholarship.

The program is typically delivered through a mix of online learning and block-mode or face-to-face sessions in some locations, emphasising practical assessment, case studies and workplace application. Students normally complete a set of core units with the option of electives to tailor study to particular industries.

Entry requirements

Applicants are ordinarily required to hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification. Candidates with a relevant vocational qualification and substantial workplace experience in health and safety, human resources, engineering or a related discipline may also be considered. Domestic and international applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements; evidence of professional experience and references are often requested for applicants without a recent tertiary qualification.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Occupational Health and Safety move into a range of roles in private industry, government and consulting, including:

• OHS advisor or safety officer
• Health and safety manager
• HSE consultant or auditor
• Risk manager or workplace investigator
• Occupational hygienist support roles and ergonomics specialist roles
• Regulatory compliance officer, rehabilitation and return-to-work coordinator

The qualification also provides a pathway into senior or specialist postgraduate study and supports professional recognition processes with relevant industry bodies where applicable.

Why study at Central Queensland University

Central Queensland University offers flexible delivery suitable for working professionals, with strong emphasis on applied learning and workplace relevance. Students benefit from staff with industry experience, practical assessment tasks that align with real workplace challenges, and support services for distance and on-campus learners. CQU’s regional campuses and online platforms provide options for those working in remote and resource-sector environments where health and safety expertise is in demand.