This course focuses on developing knowledge and skills for effective management of Work Health and Safety (WHS) teams and is intended to build upon the background that applicants bring to the course either by way of their primary degree in Science, Medicine or Engineering, or with any recognised degree plus a minimum of two years relevant industry experience.

UWA are filling an important gap in the market with this new Graduate Diploma. The course offers a great opportunity for students to prepare for a professional career in work health and safety with companies such as Rio Tinto. With quality instruction, extensive practical experiences and exposure to cutting-edge research embedded in the core units, this course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to make your mark in this growing industry.

Christopher Carter (BSc, UWA), Risk Management and Planning Specialist, Commercial Division, Rio Tinto.

Course outline

The course develops knowledge and skills in the scientific, behavioural, legal and business aspects of WHS, with sufficient content to satisfy the requisite knowledge for professional membership in a number of organisations.

As a point of difference from other courses, this graduate diploma is underpinned with the theme of providing the science behind policy and practice and involves opportunities for students to network with industry representatives and participate in WHS teams through practicum placement.

A variety of assessment strategies addressing these outcomes will be used throughout the course, including formal written exams, written assignments and oral presentations, case reports, and practicum placement files.

Core units

The course consists of 8 units, comprising the following 7 units

• ANHB8455 Applied Anatomy for Ergonomics
• PHYS8402 Radiation Biology and Protection
• SSEH7688 Introduction to Work Health and Safety
• SSEH7687 Physical Ergonomics
• CHEM7309 Occupational Hygiene and Chemical Safety
• PSYC8515 Organisational Development and Work Design
• PSYC8830 Occupational Health, Safety and Well-being

Plus 1 unit from the following list:

• SSEH7692 Research Practicum
• SSEH8694 Research Colloquium

*Students without prior professional experience must take SSEH7692 and those in current employment in WHS must take SSEH8694.

Where will the Graduate Diploma in Work Health and Safety take you?

The course will prepare students for work in the following areas:

• Government e,g., WorkSafe, WorkCover
• Local Government e,g., Safety & Health Managers
• Private Sector e,g., Safety & Health Managers / Advisors, Ergonomists
• Education e,g., Post-secondary WHS Educators

Graduates from this program will be eligible to proceed to a 1-year Master of Science degree.

Admission requirements

The Graduate Diploma in Work Health and Safety is intended to build upon existing knowledge and skills that applicants bring to the course. You will be eligible for admission into the program if you possess:

• A Bachelors degree in Science, Engineering or Medicine from UWA, or equivalent as recognized by the Faculty;

or

• Any Bachelors degree from a recognized tertiary institution plus a minimum of two years of full time, relevant industry experience in health and safety or a related field (as determined by the Faculty on recommendation from the course coordinator).

Please note that some of the core units listed over the page have prerequisites that may require you to undertake bridging courses if you dont have the requisite background knowledge. Please contact the course coordinator for more information.

English Language Competence

All applicants for UWA coursework programs must demonstrate a minimum level of English Language Competence.

Course enquiries

Winthrop Professor Tim Ackland
School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health
Telephone: (61 8) 6488 2361 or email

Professor Allan McKinley
School of Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences
Telephone: (61 8) 6488 4414 or email