Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This graduate certificate focuses on core topics required for contemporary occupational health, safety and environmental management. You will study how to identify and control hazards, apply risk management techniques, and implement systems that meet regulatory and organisational requirements. Typical subjects include:

• Occupational Health and Safety Law and Regulation – understanding legislative frameworks, duties of care and compliance obligations in Australian jurisdictions.
• Risk Management and Hazard Control – systematic approaches to risk assessment, hierarchy of controls, and practical control measures across diverse workplaces.
• Environmental Management and Sustainability – principles of environmental compliance, pollution prevention, waste management and integrating sustainability into operations.
• Incident Investigation and Reporting – methods for investigating incidents, root cause analysis and developing corrective actions.
• Safety Systems and Auditing – design and evaluation of safety management systems, internal auditing techniques and continuous improvement processes.
• Occupational Health and Wellbeing – workplace ergonomics, psychosocial risk factors and strategies to support worker health.

Learning is delivered fully online using a mix of taught content, case studies, workplace-based scenarios and assessment tasks that emphasise practical application. The program is sized to provide a concise, postgraduate-level credential and can be used as a stand-alone qualification or as a pathway into further postgraduate study in occupational health and safety or related fields.

Entry requirements

Applicants typically require a recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in any discipline, or substantial relevant work experience in occupational health, safety or environmental management. Where applicants do not hold a bachelor degree, consideration may be given to those with significant professional experience and demonstrated capability.

Applicants whose previous study was not undertaken in English may need to meet the university's English language requirements through an approved test or equivalent evidence of prior study in English. Specific admission conditions and any required documentation should be confirmed with Australian Catholic University's admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates gain skills that are directly applicable to roles responsible for workplace safety and environmental compliance. Common career outcomes include:

• OHS advisor / safety officer
• Health, safety and environment (HSE) coordinator
• Environmental compliance or sustainability officer
• Risk and compliance analyst
• Incident investigator or auditor
• Consultant in safety and environmental management

These roles exist across many sectors, including construction, manufacturing, mining, healthcare, education and government. The graduate certificate also serves as a pathway for those aiming to progress to more senior OHS/HSE positions or to continue into a master’s qualification to broaden technical expertise and leadership capabilities.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University offers this program with flexible online delivery designed for working professionals, allowing study alongside employment and practical application of learning in the workplace. ACU combines applied curriculum with academic staff who have industry experience in safety and environmental practice. The university emphasises small-group engagement, practical assessment tasks and connections to contemporary regulatory and industry practice.

Studying at ACU also provides clear academic pathways into further postgraduate study in occupational health and safety and related fields, supporting ongoing professional development and career progression.