Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety

The Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety is designed to develop professional expertise in the identification and anticipation of occupational health and safety hazards in the workplace. The program has been designed to prepare professionals in occupational health and safety with applied knowledge, attitudes, skills, and initiatives in the areas of occupational hygiene, workplace rehabilitation, ergonomics, safety science andoccupational health and safety management.  In addition, you will have the option to select from a wide array of electives to suit your personal needs and interests.

CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety provides exposure to a wide variety of hands-on experiences, ensuring ‘work-ready’ graduates with participation in worksite visits and 140 hours of work practicum incorporated.   Our strong relationships with industry bodies ensure our program is continually updated with the latest health and safety practices. 

On completion, you will be ready for leadership positions with the ability to facilitate, educate, problem solve, and promote health and safety in the workplace in relation to individuals, families, the community and environment. 

What am I studying?

Occupational health and safety is concerned with the health and safety of the members within an organisation. Occupational health and safety officers coordinate systems, identify hazards, assess risks and put required controls in place to minimise the risk of accidents and illness among staff. The typical work of an occupational health and safety officer also involves the promotion of health and safety including the development of policies and procedures, inspecting and testing of machinery and equipment, ensuring the correct safety and protective equipment is available and ensuring it meets regulations, ensuring that the organisation complies with legislation, supervising the investigation of accidents, assisting with the organisation of appropriate health care and insurance claims and coordinating emergency procedures.

Why Study OHS and Environmental Health at CQUniversity

CQUniversity’s health and medical sciences programs have been developed to meet the ever increasing needs of our communities both here in Australia and for the wider global audience. They include the flagship areas of nursing and midwifery, health promotion and occupational health and safety with new offerings in medical science specialisations (pathology, clinical investigation and nutrition), medical imaging, paramedic science, medical sonography and exercise and sport science.

CQUniversity programs are constantly being reviewed and updated in consultation with industry and other stakeholders to ensure that they are relevant and up to date. In fact, our suite of new offerings has been built as a direct response to industry needs by people with specialised industry experience.

Another key feature in the large majority of CQUniversity’s health and medical science programs is the integration of workplace-integrated learning or learning on the job. Students are required to complete course undertakings in real-life workplaces, allowing them to put learning directly into practice.  This hands-on, project-based learning is a key reason as to why CQUniversity graduates are highly sought after by employers.  Quality on-campus facilities ensure learning is delivered ‘in context’, taught in a similar setting to that of a real-world situation.

Study one of the many exciting health and medical science programs at CQUniversity and help make a real difference to community health and wellbeing.

Career Opportunities

Opportunities exist for graduates in management/consultancy and practice of workplace health and safety. Career specialisations may include ergonomics, industrial safety officer, occupational hygienist and risk management.   Workplace health and safety professionals find employment in primary industry, rural safety, manufacturing, mining, services industry, employer associations, the defence force, health industry and government authorities.

Work Intergrated Learning

You must undertake 140 hours of work placement plus attendance at a residential school as part of this program.

Program Structure

You are required to complete a total of 24 courses including 18 core courses and six courses from a co-plan area as follows:

• Engineering Technology Management
• Exercise and Sports Sciences
• Environmental Studies
• Environmental Health
• Health Promotion
• Human Resources Management
• Management
• Professional Communication (Public Relations)

Course Information

For example courses you could study as part of the Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety program please click here.

As CQUniversity is committed to providing quality, up-to-date and relevant education, please note courses are refreshed regularly and may not be an exact indication of course availability for your study. Please call 13CQUni 13 27 86 if you have specific questions regarding course information regarding your specific application.

Residential School and Study Requirements

Some courses have a compulsory residential school for distance education students.

Professional Recognition

Upon graduation, you may qualify for the Workplace Rehabilitation Coordinatory Certificate accredited by WorkCover.