Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

POSTGRADUATE

Build necessary skills in risk identification and management to build a safer workplace and community.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Part-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$16,800 (2025 total) 

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Fees:

AU$22,080 (2025 total)

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Melbourne City

Please note: This program is not currently available for commencing students.

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety equips you with the knowledge and skills to identify, prevent and manage complex and diverse health risks, hazards and exposures.

You will develop a deep understanding of best practices when implementing and evaluating risk management interventions within a broad range of workplace and community environments.

Due to the rapid growth in this field, the skills and knowledge you develop through this certificate can open doors to a range of career opportunities from occupational hygiene and compliance to construction safety, human factors and ergonomics.

Why study the Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety at RMIT?

Gain a competitive edge

Connect with industry throughout your studies, opening up employment opportunities and developing industry contacts.

Industry-relevant education

Learn from academics with extensive industry experience and well-developed contact networks.

Graduate job-ready

Develop the skills to identify and prevent diverse occupational and environmental health risks and related health problems.

Female student writing down notes in New Academic Streets Garden building

Enjoy flexible learning

Study in a way that suits you. You can undertake this certificate through face-to-face classes at our Melbourne City campus or through blended delivery online and on-campus.

Details

Through your studies, you will learn how to apply a risk management model to hazards in the workplace, allowing you to recognise the context, evaluate the risk, and generate control solutions.

You will use the model of OHS professional practice for problem solving which involves gathering information about the issue, diagnosing the issue, developing and implementing appropriate interventions, and evaluating their effectiveness, all the while communicating with relevant stakeholders.

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Learning and teaching

During your studies in this graduate certificate, you will build a strong understanding of the science and technology of risk management, through assessment and evaluation of hazards and development of specific control mechanisms.

You will develop advanced knowledge in:

  • The global concepts of health, safety and work, and the implications that these have in organisations
  • The socio-political and organisational context in which work occurs and how this impacts work design and its effects on the workers
  • The physical, ergonomic and psychosocial causes of fatalities, injuries and ill health arising from work
  • Recognition of hazards, assessment and evaluation of their risk, and development of suitable controls
  • The underpinning legal requirements in the management of workplace hazards

You will learn from experienced professionals and academics who share their knowledge, experience and contacts to help you prepare for a varied and exciting career.

You will learn from participation in lectures, tutorials, presentations, interactions, discussions and sundry academic activities.

Assessment methods

Assessments throughout this graduate certificate will include: 

  • reports to industry standard 
  • individual and group presentations 
  • quizzes, tests and exams 
  • lab practical reports 
  • literature reviews and critical analysis of readings 
  • projects 
  • reflective journals 
  • case study and scenario analysis.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

You will apply your learning in a range of contexts, with the opportunity to gain experience through the Compulsory Work Health and Safety project, where you will access and resolve issues within an actual workplace environment.

You will receive ongoing mentoring, with opportunities to engage and connect with industry throughout your studies.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

The Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety revolves around four key subjects.

In addition to the study of human factors and occupational ergonomics, you will explore the principles and science behind work health and safety and the associated legal systems.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
Program code: GC035
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
City Campus
6 months Full-Time, 1 year Part-Time
GC035
107036K
Location
City Campus
Duration
6 months Full-Time, 1 year Part-Time
Plan code
GC035
CRICOS
107036K
View plan
Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
City Campus
6 months Full-Time
GC035
107036K
Location
City Campus
Duration
6 months Full-Time
Plan code
GC035
CRICOS
107036K
View plan

Please note: This program is not currently available for commencing students, due to the degree being offered only on a part-time academic load for 2024. International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

The Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety provides the building blocks for you to commence an exciting career within workplace health and safety.

Graduates may work in fields such as ergnomics, safety or occupational hygiene within a range of industries including construction, healthcare, science and office settings.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

For 2025, this degree will be delivered only on a part-time academic load. 

You must have:

  • Successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification), or
  • A minimum of 8 years professional work experience in a related industry. Applicants with professional experience at a senior level that is less than 8 years may also be considered.

To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience.

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted credit.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification).

You may also be considered if you have 8 years professional work experience in a related industry. Applicants with professional experience at a senior level that is less than 8 years may also be considered.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

To have your professional experience considered you must include in your application:

  • a CV
  • a personal statement detailing your experience.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

You can gain entry to this graduate certificate from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce your study load by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this graduate certificate, you can continue your studies in the GD052 Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety or MC282 Master of Occupational Health and Safety, subject to the program’s entrance requirements and receive 48 credit points of advanced standing into either of these programs.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

Upon successful completion of this graduate certificate, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

Fees

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2025 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$16,800* (2025 total)

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information