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Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
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University Life
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About NUI Galway
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Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at NUI Galway
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Alumni, Friends & Supporters
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At NUI Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Occupational and Environmental Health & Safety (MSc/HDip)
Course Overview
This programme’s objective is to provide you with a high quality qualification in the multidisciplinary area of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), enabling you to take on managerial responsibilities within industry, or work with a regulatory agency or consultancy.
The programme is recognised by the Health and Safety Authority, and accredited by the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, UK, and the British Occupational Hygiene Society. The programme is also a Bord Altranais Category 11 approved course. The minor research thesis may be completed at the student’s place of work or in collaboration with NUI Galway-based researchers.
International accreditations
The programme is recognised by the Health and Safety Authority, and accredited by the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, UK, and the British Occupational Hygiene Society. The programme is also a Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (formerly An Bord Altranais) Category 11 approved course. The minor research thesis may be completed at the student’s place of work or in collaboration with NUI Galway-based researchers.
Scholarships available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.
Applications and Selections
Applications are made online via the NUI Galway Postgraduate Applications System.
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
There is continuous assessment via laboratory practicals and assignment work throughout the year. Written examinations, and minor thesis (MSc only).
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
HDip: The minimum entry requirement is a BSc (general) degree or the possession of a primary degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the College of Science for the purpose of this Diploma (e.g., RGN). Final selection may be made on the basis of an interview. Following successful completion of the HDip, students may apply to complete the MSc by completing the minor thesis element.
MSc: The minimum entry requirement is an Honours BSc degree, or its equivalent in an appropriate discipline, as determined by the College of Science. Students without an adequate academic background but with relevant work experience may be required to attend for interview.
As both programmes are Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland Category 11 approved courses, nurses applying to undertake either programme must have active registration in a division maintained by Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.
Additional Requirements
Duration
1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
Next start date
September 2021
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
15—MSc; 5—HDip
Closing Date
Please refer to the review/closing date website.
NFQ level
Mode of study
Taught
ECTS weighting
90 MSc, 60 HDip
Award
CAO
Course code
1OEH1 (full-time), 1OEH2 (part-time) MSc | 1OES1 (full-time), 1OES2 (part-time) HDip
Course Outline
Students will study Environmental Health and Safety topics such as; Environmental Health and Safety Law, Environmental Health and Safety Management, Auditing, Waste Management, Occupational Hygiene, Environmental Monitoring, Occupational Health, Environmental Health, Ergonomics and Environmental Technologies. Students will be introduced to relevant domain experts through seminars, team-based project and workplace visits.
Students are also required to undertake advanced studies in one of the subject areas, to prepare them for their minor research thesis. The programme content is delivered using various teaching methods such as lectures, laboratory work, work place visits and a minor research thesis.
Modules—full-time MSc
Modules—part-time MSc
Modules—full-time HDip
Modules—part-time HDip
[an error occurred while processing this directive]Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
There is continuous demand for Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) graduates nationally and internationally. The employment record for our graduates is excellent. Graduates are employed as EHS professionals and Mangers, Occupational Hygienists, Ergonomists, Health and Safety Engineers, Consultants and Advisors across a range of sectors including, pharmachem, medical device and healthcare, as well as statutory bodies, local authorities and Consulting firms nationally and internationally.
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
Fees: Tuition
Fees: Student levy
Fees: Non EU
1OEH1 (full-time), EU €7,690 p.a. 2021/22; 1OEH2 (part-time), EU €3,900 p.a. 2021/22.
Find out More
Dr Miriam Byrne
T: +353 91 493 394
E: miriam.byrne@nuigalway.ie
www.nuigalway.ie/ohs
What Our Students Say

Michelle Leahy | Graduate, now working for QHSE Lead, Oilfield Solutions
On completion of the Masters programme, I was fortunate to join Oilfield Solutions, at their head office in Naas. They provide specialist engineering services to the global Oil and Gas, Power Generation and Energy Industries. My role as QHSE Lead allows me to combine my occupational and environmental health and safety knowledge with previous international Oil and Gas industry experience in a challenging and rewarding environment.

Mohammad Hasan | MSc Occupational Health and Safety
Working as an infection control nurse and health and safety representative in a Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) hospital; gave me a great sense of HSE awareness. One of the objective of KOC is to develop an organizational culture that is mindful, Informed & fair with respect to Health & Safety. We continue to create a health program for thousands of employees working in rural and remote project areas. We need to anticipate, evaluate and set control measures of workplace environmental health hazards which may cause sickness, impaired health & well-being. Finding this program in NUI Galway, after BSc Nursing; would set me for my future goals and a better outcome for our employee training & control plan. A vivid programme which could help you in developing a better future for your workplace, no matter is your background.

Aoife Mulvihill | MSc in Occupational Health & Safety and Ergonomics
Since qualifying as a General Nurse I had worked in a variety of healthcare environments. My area of specialisation was Emergency Nursing where I cared for patients in the critical or emergency phase of an illness or trauma. During my time working in the acute hospital environment I felt that health promotion at an occupational level was particularly important to the prevention and early detection of serious illness. In 2007 I completed my MSc in Occupational Health & Safety and Ergonomics at NUIG in order to train as an Occupational Health Nurse. I found the course extremely enjoyable and interesting, it was challenging at times but with the support and assistance from the lecturers it was made easier. I currently work as an Occupational Health Nurse in a major pharmaceutical company in Cork, where I am responsible for the day to day management of the occupational health centre. The knowledge and experience that I gained during my year studying at NUIG was invaluable and has provided me with the necessary foundation to develop my career to date. I would definitely recommend the course to anyone who wants to enhance their skills set and further their job opportunities.

Dr. David I. Osime | MSc Occupational Health and Safety
I am currently in the Master of Science programme, Occupational Health and Safety (ful-ltime). I took time off General Practice in the hospital to study this course as its practice is suddenly gaining a lot of recognition in Nigeria, where healthcare professionals with knowledge of core health and safety issues are few. Thus far, I have been exposed to this course at a pace I can handle. Facilities(especially the library) are state-of-the-art and the lecturers are not only just approachable, they go the extra mile to engage students with practical workshops, seminars, tutorials as well as lectures from renowned tutors in the health and safety sector. This has built my depth in this course and overall, I find this course deeply satisfying.