Graduate Diploma of Occupational Hygiene
Postgraduate | ECU-OCH-GDI | 2023
Course information for 2023 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Play a vital role in a high-risk workplace
Study to become an occupational hygienist in a government department, mining or manufacturing business. Understand the impact that chemical exposures and communicable diseases can have on the workplace. Discover how to handle different hazardous scenarios.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 6
- Price from
- $23,050
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Graduate Diploma of Occupational Hygiene
About this degree
At the end of the program, students of the Graduate Diploma of Occupational Hygiene can:
- Reflect critically on a complex body of discipline knowledge, research principles and methods to demonstrate an advanced level of Occupational Hygiene professional practice or scholarship.
- Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, evaluate and synthesise complex occupational hygiene ideas, concepts and theories in workplace situations.
- Apply communication and collaboration skills to demonstrate high-level, independent judgement in professional occupational hygiene contexts.
This course will enable you to develop skills as a technician in occupational hygiene, including in the practical aspects of identifying, evaluating, and controlling occupational hazards that could adversely affect the health of workers.
You’ll learn about practical skills required to undertake the chemical, physical and biological aspects of occupational hygiene as well as occupational epidemiology, occupational toxicology and the theory of sampling design, depending on the electives chosen. You will apply communication and collaboration skills to demonstrate professional judgement in occupational hygiene contexts.
Recommended study pattern
As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:
- Occupational Hygiene Science
- Occupational Hygiene 1: Chemical Aspects
- Occupational Hygiene 3: Control
- Occupational Hygiene 2: Physical and Biological Aspects
As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.
Award requirements
ECU is ranked one of the world’s best young universities and Australia’s best public university for teaching quality. That quality extends to more than 30,000 students, many studying online through Open Universities Australia. ECU offers the same quality of teaching to you, regardless of where you’re studying in the world. Their flexible study solutions include a huge range of online courses, recognising your need to juggle work, family or other commitments.
Learn more about ECU.
Explore ECU courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 28
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 25
How to apply
Edith Cowan University manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Edith Cowan University who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Bachelor degree;
- Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.
Students can satisfy English competency requirements by showing any of the following:
- An IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0).
- Completion of a Bachelor degree from a country specified by ECU.
- Completion of 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).
- Equivalent prior learning courses including at least five years relevant professional experience – as accepted by ECU.
- Completion of other tests, courses or programs as accepted by ECU
Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. For eligible students, ECU offers credit and recognition of prior learning (CRPL). There are 2 CRPL options:
• Credit transfer to acknowledge students’ formal learning at uni or TAFE.
• Recognition of students’ informal learning gained outside of the education system (for example workplace experience or volunteer training.)
Study method requirements
Students are required to attend a 3 day workshop for each of the 3 practical units (OHS6144, OHS6159 & OHS6162).
Career opportunities
Occupational Hygienists work across a range of industries where occupational hazards and environmental hazards are present, including mining, government departments and manufacturing.
Possible future job titles: Occupational Hygiene Technician, Occupational Hygiene Advisor.
Career outlook
- Environmental Health Officers:
- $93K to $120K
- Occupational and Environmental Health Professionals:
- $93K to $120K
- Occupational Health and Safety Advisers:
- $93K to $120K