Master of Occupational Health and Safety

Master of Occupational Health and Safety

POSTGRADUATE

Advance your skills in occupational health and safety with a degree that provides specialisations at the forefront of industry. 

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Fees:

AU$33,600 (2025 annual)

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

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$44,160 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

In the Master of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), you will explore the application of scientific principles to understand risks to the safety of people in workplaces, and the actions required to control them.

It is a multidisciplinary profession with applications in all industries and commerce. 

Both community expectation and government legislation demand an increasingly higher level of protection for employees and the community from risks that threaten their safety and health. As such, there is also an increasing demand in society for professionals with experience and qualifications in OHS.

You will also have the opportunity to pursue a research stream, allowing you to deepen your knowledge and distinguish yourself from the competition in the market. It will also support your career progression to senior management or consultancy roles. 

Designed around blended delivery, this degree is will push you to develop new skills.

Why choose the Master of Occupational Safety at RMIT?

Personalised curriculum

Specialise in one of three different streams, or gain a competitive edge by pursuing a research stream.

Industry connected

Strong industry links ensure this degree reflects the latest trends and meets the needs of employers.

Practical experience

Build industry connections via assignments, mentoring and expert sessions, and projects.

This degree is designed to prepare you for job roles in a wide variety of sectors

Your studies will focus on three key areas – Occupational Hygiene, Construction Safety and Human Factors, and Ergonomics – plus the option to pursue a research stream will enable graduates to distinguish themselves from their competition in the labour market, and support career progression to senior management or consultancy roles.

Our key focus areas:

Construction safety

Develop your advanced skills and prepare you for an international career in managing workplace safety risks associated with the wide domains in the construction industry.

Human factors and ergonomics

Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills vital to the assessment and design of jobs, work environment, tasks, products and modern workplace solutions compatible with human characteristics.

Occupation hygiene

Develop skills relevant to the anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of occupational hazards with potentials to inflict harm on workers' health.

Details

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The structure of this degree will provide a common disciplinary subject architecture, whilst also optimising your choice and opportunities for further study specialisation through the provision of three elective streams.

These streams are:

  • Occupational hygiene
  • Construction safety
  • Human factors and ergonomics.

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.

RMIT is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice. 

This degree is supported by industry engagement, which ensures industry links and consistent practices that are relevant to the job market. 

Many assignments are designed to put theory into workplace practice providing an education that is directly applicable to your role as an OHS professional.

In addition to mentoring and expert sessions, you will undertake a work health and safety project that involves accessing and resolving issues in an actual workplace. You may also undertake several industry-linked core and elective subjects.

2 years full-time or 4 years part-time

The Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety and Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety are available as exit awards of this degree. Any advanced standing you receive for the masters program is not transferrable to an exit award. If you wish to exit early with one of these programs, you must have completed all courses specified in the relevant program structure.

2 years full-time

You will benefit from improved blended learning delivery. Attendance mode is full-time or part-time on campus.

Generally, each subject has on-campus intensive lectures that run for one week and is supported by fortnightly on-campus tutorials. On-campus classes give you the opportunity to develop and apply practical skills. Stream and specialist subjects may run weekly over the normal 12-week semester.

Occupational hygiene students will undertake compulsory practical workshops for core courses on campus at RMIT's City campus in Melbourne or at overseas centres supervised by a IOHA qualified hygienist as arranged by students.

You will benefit from improved blended learning delivery. Attendance mode is full-time or part-time on campus.

Generally, each subject has on-campus intensive lectures that run for one week and is supported by fortnightly on-campus tutorials. On-campus classes give you the opportunity to develop and apply practical skills. Stream and specialist subjects may run weekly over the normal 12-week semester.

Occupational hygiene students will undertake compulsory practical workshops for core courses on campus at RMIT's City campus in Melbourne or at overseas centres supervised by a IOHA qualified hygienist as arranged by students.

International students studying on a student visa must complete the program through face-to-face classes on campus.

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.

As part of your studies, you have the option to specialise in three different streams, or specialisations: occupational hygiene, construction safety, or human factors and ergnomics.

Occupation hygiene specialisation

This stream will develop your skills relevant to the anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of occupational hazards with potentials to inflict harm on workers health.

Construction safety specialisation

This stream is designed to develop your advanced skills and prepare you for an international career in managing workplace safety risks associated with the wide domains in the construction industry.

Human factors and ergonomics specialisation

This stream will equip you with the knowledge and skills vital to the assessment and design of jobs, work environment, tasks, products and modern workplace solutions compatible with human characteristics. In addition to other benefits, it will afford you robust knowledge in physical and cognitive ergonomics, macroergonomics and human centered design.

In all streams, you will be trained in modern aspects and industry applications required for a successful career and professional memberships globally.

Course structure

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

Master of Occupational Health and Safety
Program code: MC282
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Occupational Health and Safety
City Campus
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
MC282
107034A
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
Plan code
MC282
CRICOS
107034A
View plan
Master of Occupational Health and Safety
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC282
107034A
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC282
CRICOS
107034A
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Student wearing RMIT hi-vis safety vest as instructor points towards a list, held by student.

Your career in OH&S

As part of your studies you will select from three streams to prepare you to work in a range of industries. You will choose between a focus in occupational hygiene, construction safety, and human factors and ergonomics.

Job titles for OHS graduates are diverse depending on the area of specialisation.

Examples by focus area include:

Ergonomics

  • Safety Assurance Advisor
  • Ergonomics Specialist
  • Human Factors Consultant, Engineer or Researcher
  • Human Centred Design Specialist
  • Usability Specialist
  • Data Scientist

Construction Safety

  • Safety Manager
  • Construction Manager
  • Site or Environmental Health and Safety Officer
  • Safety and  Compliance Manager

General/Occupational Hygiene

  • Occupational Hygienist
  • OHS Manager or Advisor
  • Health and Safety Manager or Coordinator
  • Safety Systems Advisor
  • Exposure Scientist
  • Academic
  • Work Health and Safety (WHS) Consultant
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The Master of Occupational Health and Safety (MC282) is accredited by the Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS). All graduates of MC282 will be eligible to apply for membership with the Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS). The AIHS is the body representing occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals and practitioners in Australia.

Graduates can apply to become an AIHS Graduate Member and with three years of industry experience can become certified professional members.

See details regarding AIHS membership.

Entry requirements and admissions

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

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.

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

Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety guarantees entry into this master program with 48 credit points of advanced standing (equivalent to 0.5 year full-time study).

Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety guarantees entry into this master program with 96 credit points of advanced standing (equivalent to 1 year full-time study).

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study 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 masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

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

Credit

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.

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

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2025 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$33,600 (2025 annual fee)*.

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.

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