In 2000, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched its 10 year plan for Occupational Health in the United Kingdom. Securing Health Together (2000) provided a strategy for tackling high levels of work related ill-health and for reducing the burden of ill-health experienced by individuals, employers and society.
Revitalising Health and Safety (2000) set targets to be met in the workplace to ensure this strategic objective was achieved and it has become evident that there is a shortage of trained occupational health clinical staff. A Foundation Degree in Occupational Health and Safety would provide occupational health and safety employees with the key skills to fulfil this vital role.
Why study this course?
At the University of Chester, we offer a dynamic and quality Foundation Degree relevant for the occupational health and safety role, which will facilitate the development of key knowledge, skills and experience needed for practice.
It will prepare and promote student's personal skills in critical, analytical, ad reflective thinking, as well as provide students with the knowledge to work collaboratively and flexibly within occupational health and safety.
Features
Incorporated within this programme student's will study modules which on successful completion will gain them the NEBOSH certificate in Health and Safety, which is the globally recognised Health and Safety Qualification. Thus offering a dual award of Foundation degree and NEBOSH Certificate.
Year One
Mastering Study Skills Using Evidence and Reflection
This module aims to develop student's research skills and consider the implications of research in related disciplines, and to equip students with the knowledge and skills to encourage reflective and evidence based practice.
Key Concepts in Legal and Ethical Issues
This module examines the key legal and ethical issues relevant to the student's area of practice. It will enable the student to demonstrate the impact of legal and ethical principles and their relation to the working environment.
Determinants of Health
This module will explore the factors affecting health in the working environment. Students will develop the skills required for the assessment and monitoring of health, and explore the principles and applications that inform public health practice within their working environment.
The Effects of Work on Health
This module aims to explore the physical, biological, chemical and psychological risks to health and safety relevant to the student's area of practice. Students will consider the impact (and potential impact) of these elements to human health.
Effective Communication Skills
This module aims to develop student's knowledge of how the relevant skills underpin our everyday communication and communication at work. Students will develop insight into their own communication skills and strategies.
Work-Related Skills in Occupational Health and Safety
This module provides students with an opportunity to extend the links between theory and practice by undertaking a project or skills-based activity in the working environment. The learning experiences will be agreed between employer, University tutor and student.
Year Two
Controlling Workplace Hazards (NEBOSH)
This module mirrors that of the National Examination Board for Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) General certificate, and explores common occupational hazards and control mechanisms.
Management of Health and Safety (NEBOSH)
This module mirrors that of the National Examination Board for Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) General certificate, and builds upon the Effect of Work on Health module, to consider the impact of health and safety policy on the provision of a health working environment.
Environmental and Ecological Health and Safety
This module aims to equip the student with the knowledge and skills to analyse environmental and ecological issues. Students will develop skills to identify and manage environmental and ecological hazards.
Partnership Working
This module will develop the student's ability to understand and contribute to the provision of effective health and safety in the working environment. Students will understand the principles of negotiation and the roles and responsibilities of all those involved in the provision of health and safety in the working environment
Work-Related Skills in Occupational Health and Safety in Practice
This module builds on the knowledge and skills gained in the previous work related module in year one - Work-Related Skills in Occupational Health and Safety. Once again, students will be given the opportunity to extend the links between theory and practice by undertaking a project or skills-based activity in the working environment.
The learning experiences will be agreed between employer, University tutor and student. Students will be able to translate and reflect on the knowledge and skills they have gained into terms that are intelligible to an employer.
A variety of assessment methods will be used to ensure that the content, outcomes and level of the modules are measured in a fair and transparent manner.
In this programme the following methods are used: seminar presentations, analysis of scenarios, OSCE, reports, skills inventory, critique, risk profi les, examination, practical risk assessment, portfolio, and essays.
The Foundation Degree in Occupational Health and Safety is designed specifically to offer education and training to people who have not had the opportunity of a University level education, but who will benefit, both personally and in their careers, by developing their work-related knowledge and higher level skills.
These may include Health and Safety advisors, occupational health technicians, occupational health assistants, nurses.
The Foundation Degree in Occupational Health and Safety is designed specifically to offer education and training to
people who have not had the opportunity of a University level education, but who will benefit, both personally and in their careers, by developing their work-related knowledge and higher level skills.
These may include Health and Safety advisors, occupational health technicians, occupational health assistants and nurses.
GCE A Levels, AGNVQ, NVQ Level 3, modern apprenticeship, Access courses, work experience, and free standing
qualifi cations that form part of the post-16 qualifi cations framework will be considered for entry.
Mature students (21 years of age or over) without evidence of the above qualifi cations but with the appropriate experience will be required to demonstrate enthusiasm and aptitude for higher level study. This will be evidenced through either an interview or written personal statement/testimony.
All full-time /part-time applicants must be employed in the health and safety sector. Successful applicants will require the written agreement and support of their employer.
