Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This online master's combines core occupational health and safety (OHS) topics with environmental management and leadership subjects to develop technical, regulatory and management capability. Study is delivered through a mix of taught units and a substantial industry-focused research or capstone project that applies theory to workplace problems.

• Core subjects typically include: OHS management systems and auditing, risk assessment and hazard control, incident investigation and emergency management, and legal and regulatory frameworks for workplace safety.
• Environmental and sustainability subjects: environmental management systems, pollution prevention and waste management, and integrating sustainability into operational decision-making.
• Technical and health topics: workplace toxicology and hygiene, ergonomics and human factors, occupational health surveillance and health promotion in the workplace.
• Leadership and culture: organisational safety culture, leadership for safety and behaviour-based approaches to risk reduction.
• Research/capstone: a supervised project or capstone that requires application of methods and evidence to a real-world OHS or environmental management problem.

Units are delivered fully online with a combination of recorded lectures, interactive activities, discussion boards and assessment tasks that emphasise practical application. The program is structured to accommodate part-time study; students can typically accelerate to full-time study where their circumstances allow.

Entry requirements

Admission is normally offered to applicants who hold a recognised bachelor degree or equivalent. Applicants without a bachelor degree but with substantial relevant professional experience and formal vocational qualifications in health, safety or environmental fields may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Applicants should provide academic transcripts and a current curriculum vitae detailing relevant employment and responsibilities.
• Some units assume prior exposure to workplace risk management or occupational health topics; applicants with limited background may be advised to undertake bridging or introductory units.
• International applicants must meet the university's English language entry requirements; evidence of prior study in English or an approved English test may be requested.
• Referees and a personal statement outlining professional goals and reasons for undertaking the degree are commonly required as part of the application.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for leadership and specialist roles across industries that require workplace safety and environmental stewardship. Typical career paths include:

• OHS advisor or coordinator, developing and implementing safety systems and training programmes.
• Environmental health and safety (EHS) manager, responsible for integrated EHS strategies in manufacturing, construction, mining, healthcare and utilities.
• Compliance officer or regulator positions within government agencies and statutory authorities.
• Consultant roles in risk assessment, environmental management, incident investigation and audit services.
• Specialist roles such as ergonomics consultant, occupational hygienist (with further certification), emergency management planner or sustainability officer.

The degree also provides a pathway to further research or doctoral study for those interested in academic or high-level policy roles. Graduates often progress into senior operational, advisory or consultancy positions where they lead safety culture improvement, regulatory compliance and sustainability initiatives.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University offers this master’s program with a strong emphasis on applied learning and ethical leadership. The online delivery model is designed for working professionals, combining flexible study with access to experienced academics and industry practitioners.

• ACU’s curriculum links contemporary OHS and environmental management practice with research-informed teaching and real-world case studies.
• The program is tailored to develop both technical competence and leadership capability, preparing graduates to influence organisational culture and policy.
• Online students benefit from structured support services, virtual collaboration with peers from diverse sectors, and opportunities to undertake industry-aligned projects that build an evidence portfolio for employers.
• Graduates are well placed to engage with professional networks and continuing professional development through recognised safety and environmental industry bodies.