Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management

On successful completion of the requirements for this degree, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate evidence-based knowledge and skills that meet the competency standards required by professional accrediting bodies and certification organisations
2. Apply established theories to knowledge and practice in the discipline of OHSE in an Australian and International business context
3. Master and apply practice skills in the discipline of OHSE with reference to legislation and industry standards
4. Apply professional and community ethical and legal standards to practice
5. Apply twenty-first century communication skills and high-level, professional interpersonal skills.

This degree is ideal for those looking for a sought-after qualification in a vital and growing industry, or those wishing to enhance their existing qualifications. Advance your career and learn the basic technical competencies in occupational health, safety and environmental management theory and practice. Prepare to ensure the health and wellbeing of your co-workers and others. This course has established links with OHS bodies and eligible students will receive discounted membership to the Australian Institute of Health and Safety.

The Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental (OHSE) Management provides students with basic technical competencies in OHSE theory and practice. The course comprises four units that will prepare you for an entry-level position in OHSE. The Graduate Certificate in OHSEM is a pathway program to the Graduate Diploma in OHSEM and Master of OHSEM, both of which are accredited courses that provide students with the educational requirements to seek certification as an OHS Professional.

Recommended study pattern

All Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management students are advised to start the degree with the introductory subject OHSE601 Principles of OHSE Management.

Complete exactly 40 credit points from the following:

• OHSE601: Principles of OHSE Management 10 CP
• OHSE602: Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental Management Systems 10 CP
• OHSE603: Physical Hazards in Occupational Environments 10 CP
• OHSE612: Occupational Health and Wellbeing 10 CP.

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management students must complete four subjects.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $4,940

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Australian Catholic University – So much more

An Australian Catholic University (ACU) education is grounded in the Catholic understanding of faith and reason working together in the pursuit of knowledge, promotion of human dignity, and advancement of the common good.

ACU aims to transform lives and communities. Students are challenged to look beyond the classroom, solve real-world problems, develop their own search for meaning and cultivate strong professional ethics. They are invited to stand up for people in need and causes that matter.

Opportunities for personal and professional growth are critical to ACU. It is a university of service – so much so that it is built into the curricula. All ACU courses offer work placements, internships or volunteering opportunities.

Learn more about Australian Catholic University

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

33

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27

To be eligible for admission to the degree, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites:

• Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline; or
• Bachelor degree in a different discipline and evidence of two years industry experience.

Students may apply based on:

• At least five years of relevant professional experience.

In special circumstances, applicants can submit a proposal alongside a formal application, demonstrating their knowledge, experience, and skills as such that they are likely to succeed in the program.

Students whose first language is not English must have either:

• successfully completed at least one full-time year of study in secondary or higher education where the medium of study was English; or
• demonstrated their English proficiency, as set out below:
  • IELTS: minimum overall score of 6.5 with individual scores of 6.0 in all tests Or
  • PTE: 58 with a minimum of 50 in all four communicative skills  Or
  • TOEFL: Internet based total of 79: with a minimum of 21 for writing, 18 in speaking, 13 in reading and 12 in listening Or
  • CAE: Overall CAE of 176. Minimum individual score of 169 in all tests.

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.