Excel as a professional leader in the rapidly growing field of occupational health and safety (OHS)
Develop the range of practical skills demanded in contemporary workplaces while mastering evidence-based theoretical approaches relevant to any industry, occupation or type of work.
- Fit study around your life with this entirely online course, delivered by leading national and international OHS and ergonomics practitioners from our Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors.
- Address real-world OHS problems and hone your research skills with our advanced practice and applied research specialisations.
- Graduate ready to apply for professional registration with the Australian Occupational Health and Safety Accreditation Board (AOHSEAB) and the Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS).
Entry requirements and pathways
Academic entry requirement
Prerequisites
Specialisation - recommended: Biological or behavioural sciences, health or allied health profession, industrial engineering.
Successful completion of an Australian Bachelor's four year or Honours degree
240 Credit Point pathway – Non-cognate Entry - (2 years) The minimum entry requirement is successful completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or its equivalent). Prior learning developed through relevant work experience or professional accreditation, where it is deemed to be at least equivalent to that obtained through a Bachelor degree, may be considered.
180 Credit Point pathway - Cognate Entry - (18 months). The minimum entry requirement is successful completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or its equivalent) in a cognate discipline such as Allied Health, Engineering; Psychology, Safety Science.
Admission may be granted to applicants without an undergraduate degree but with [five] or more years of relevant work experience. In making an offer to an applicant, the university may give consideration to a range of factors including English proficiency, academic record and employment experience.
Note: Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
Credit for previous study (advanced standing)
Credit for previous study (advanced standing) is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification. This can reduce the number of subjects required to complete your course. The amount of credit received depends on the level and relevance of your previous study and the number of subjects completed.
The University will designate courses where there is only admission into Year 1 of the course. In these cases, there is limited credit. See list of limited entry courses.
To check if this course is available for credit, please visit the Advanced standing webpage.
Pathways
There are currently no alternative Pathway courses for this course.
Use the Pathways Tool to discover other courses with pathway options available.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
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Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
What you'll study
Sample course structure
Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not normally finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure. For more information, please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
To qualify for the award of Master of Occupational Health and Safety, students must complete a total of 240 credit points across 2 years.
Please note that the ability to progress to the final year of the course depends on maintaining a weighted average mark of 65 for the applied research specialisation and advanced practice specialisation. Students who do not maintain at least a 65 WAM will instead exit the course and graduate with the Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety (HG005O).
Year 1 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 120 credit points from chosen Core
Year 2 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 60 credit points from chosen Specialisation
- 60 credit points from chosen Electives
Study options
Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.
| Subject name | Subject code | Year | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE | LTU0AIM | 1 | 0 |
| ERGONOMICS PRINCIPLES OF WORK, WORKSTATION AND PLANT DESIGN | HBS5ERG | 1 | 15 |
| MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES/DISORDERS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH | HBS5MSD | 1 | 15 |
| OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY: PRINCIPLES AND LEGISLATION | HBS5OHA | 1 | 15 |
| PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC HEALTH | PHE5PUH | 1 | 15 |
| SYSTEMS THINKING AND LEADERSHIP | PHE5STL | 1 | 15 |
| WORKPLACE ASSESSMENT | HBS5WAM | 1 | 15 |
| WORKPLACE MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY | HBS5OHC | 1 | 15 |
| WORKPLACE RISK MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE | HBS5RPP | 1 | 15 |
A range of standalone elective subjects is available in this course. Some electives are recommended for your course, but you may also be able to choose from a range of University-wide electives or electives from other interest areas or disciplines. Note these electives may have their own prerequisites and other requirements. Please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook for the subjects available. The following electives are recommended for Master of Occupational Health and Safety.
A specialisation is a sequence of related subjects studied in your course. In some courses, you need to complete at least one specialisation to attain your degree.
Students to select one specialisation
| Course specialisations | Specialisation code |
|---|---|
| Advanced practice StudyFlex | SPE-ADP01 |
| Applied research StudyFlex | SPE-APR01 |
For more information on these please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
Work-Based Learning
First year subjects contain workplace based assignment assessment requiring analysis and evidence-based discussions including of risks and hazards and controls. Research and Practice pathways require investigation of work-related problems.
See La Trobe University Handbook for more details
The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.
View course information for Online
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Master of Occupational Health and Safety course and career outcomes
However you choose to structure your study, La Trobe recognises your hard work. Here are the pathways you could follow as you move through your course.
Course intended learning outcomes
- Apply an advanced body of conceptual, theoretical and practice knowledge in both Ergonomics and OHS to professional practice in a changing environment.
- Communicate effectively with a range of audiences, interpreting and conveying appropriate complex knowledge, skills and ideas using a variety of modes and media.
- Practice effectively and reflectively, both independently and as a member or leader of a team in multidisciplinary work environments.
- Research, analyse and interpret established and emerging theories and practices, solve complex problems, and generate, implement and evaluate new understandings and concepts, supporting a commitment to continuous learning.
- Practise in an ethical and socially responsible manner.
- Design and implement systematic interventions to enhance the match between people and their activities, equipment and physical and psychosocial work environments.
Master of Occupational Health and Safety career opportunities
Graduates can work in a range of industries including mining, logistics, healthcare, and in the private and public sector. Other options include consulting in ergonomics and occupational health and safety.
As a qualified occupational health and safety professional, you can pursue career opportunities in a range of roles, including:
- Occupational health and safety adviser, consultant or officer
- Occupational health and safety coordinator or manager
- Ergonomics and human factors specialist
- Return to work or injury management adviser
- Wellbeing adviser
Professional recognition
The Master of Occupational Health and Safety is accredited by the Australian Occupational Health and Safety Accreditation Board (AOHSEAB). Professional registration may require an application to the professional body and may have additional or ongoing requirements beyond the completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.
Graduates of the Master of Occupational Health and Safety may apply for membership with the Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS) and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia. Membership may be subject to additional or ongoing requirements beyond completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated course fees for domestic postgraduate students
Estimated fees per year (2024):
Indicative based on 2023 fees
$29,800 per 120 credit points.
Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) may be available.
Indicative CSP price $8,948 per 120 credit points.
Commonwealth supported places (CSP):
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both current and future students. Find out what La Trobe scholarship opportunities might be available to you. View all available scholarships
Note: You must first have an offer to study at La Trobe before you are eligible to apply for a La Trobe scholarship.
Scholarships that may be available for this course
La Trobe Excellence Scholarships - Domestic Students
Albury-Wodonga Campus, Bendigo Campus, Melbourne Campus, City Campus, Mildura Campus, Shepparton Campus – Future postgraduate coursework, Australian Citizen
Duration of Course
Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) Program
Albury-Wodonga Campus, Bendigo Campus, Melbourne Campus, City Campus, Mildura Campus, Shepparton Campus – Future undergraduates, 1st year undergraduates, Australian Citizen, Humanitarian Visa, New Zealand Citizen, Permanent Resident
Full time enrolment and proof of relocation will be confirmed before payment is made into the recipient's bank account.
Questions about fees and scholarships?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
How to apply
The application process can vary depending on the course.
Most postgraduate courses generally take 15 to 20 minutes.
You can apply for up to eight postgraduate courses. Please list these in order of your preference. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive an offer for your highest preference. If you change your mind, you can change your preferences through the application portal.
Check when course applications close
If you’ve undertaken study in the past, you may be able to get credit toward your new postgraduate degree. This is called ‘advanced standing’.
Once you’ve enrolled in your course, you can apply for advanced standing by lodging an advanced standing application form.
Ready to apply?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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Overview
Key facts
| Award | Master of Occupational Health and Safety |
|---|---|
| Start dates |
Indicative based on 2023 start dates LTU Term 2 (March 2024), LTU Term 4 (July 2024) |
| Duration | 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Available locations | Online |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Specialisations | |
| Fees |
Indicative based on 2023 fees $29,800 per 120 credit points.Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year. Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) may be available. Indicative CSP price $8,948 per 120 credit points. Learn more about Fees and scholarships. |
About the Master of Occupational Health and Safety
Make a difference to workplace wellbeing and excel as a professional leader in the rapidly-growing field of occupational health and safety (OHS) with La Trobe's accredited Master of Occupational Health and Safety.
Delivered by leading OHS and ergonomics practitioners and offered entirely online so you can fit study around your life, you'll develop the range of practical skills demanded in contemporary workplaces while mastering evidence-based theoretical approaches relevant to any industry, occupation, or type of work.
By completing La Trobe's Master of Occupational Health and Safety, you will:
- understand OHS principles and the practical application of OHS legislation
- know how to implement systems thinking and innovative approaches to addressing workplace hazards
- explore complex issues in OHS including prevention and injury management agendas, sustainability, psychosocial risk management, and designing programs for diverse workforce
- address real-world OHS problems and hone your research skills with our advanced practice and applied research specialisations
- build advanced knowledge of musculoskeletal injury prevention and management, backed by the expertise of La Trobe's Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, a national and international research leader
- graduate ready to apply for registration with the Australian Occupational Health and Safety Accreditation Board (AOHSEAB)and the Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS).
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 9 - Masters Degree.
Have questions?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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