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
Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or 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. In making an offer to an applicant, the University will give consideration to a range of factors, including the successful completion of a relevant occupational health and safety course to at least a Certificate IV level and/or at least three years of employment experience relevant to occupational health and safety and/or ergonomics.
Specialisation - recommended: Biological or behavioural sciences, health, allied health, industrial engineering, etc.
Selection criteria
All applicants must complete and submit a Personal Statement.
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.
Ask a question
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 Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, students must complete a total of 60 credit points across 1 year.
Year 1 requires the completion of 60 credit points including:
- 60 credit points from chosen Core
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 |
| OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY: PRINCIPLES AND LEGISLATION | HBS5OHA | 1 | 15 |
| PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC HEALTH | PHE5PUH | 1 | 15 |
| WORKPLACE MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY | HBS5OHC | 1 | 15 |
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.
Graduate Certificate in 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 theoretical and practical knowledge of both Ergonomics and OHS professional practice in a changing environment
- Communicate effectively with a range of audiences conveying appropriate knowledge, skills and ideas using a variety of modes and media
- Practise effectively and reflectively, as a member of a team in a multidisciplinary work environment
- Critically analyse established and emerging theories and practices, solve problems and demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning
- Practise in an ethical and socially responsible manner
- Appraise the importance of matching people with their activities, equipment, physical and psychosocial work environments
Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety career opportunities
Professional recognition
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in 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 (HFESA). 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 (2025):
Indicative based on 2024 fees
$14,900 full course duration (per 60 credit points).
Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) may be available.
Indicative CSP price $4,474 per 60 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.
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Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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Overview
Key facts
| Award | Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety |
|---|---|
| Start dates |
Indicative based on 2024 start dates LTU Term 2 (March 2025), LTU Term 4 (July 2025) |
| Duration | 1 year part-time |
| Available locations | Online |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Fees |
Indicative based on 2024 fees $14,900 full course duration (per 60 credit points).Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year. Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) may be available. Indicative CSP price $4,474 per 60 credit points. Learn more about Fees and scholarships. |
About the Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
The one-year Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety comprises the foundation subjects for the Masters (and nested Graduate Diploma) in Occupational Health and Safety. Our curriculum is designed to help you develop the diverse range of skills needed in contemporary workplaces in Australia and internationally.
Beyond this core, course content reflects the specialist expertise of our staff at the Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors. The Centre is a national and international leader in research, aimed at developing more effective workplace methods for preventing musculoskeletal injuries (Australia's largest OHS problem). We also focus on managing risks related to psychosocial hazards, which are important in a wide range of OHS issues.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 8 - Graduate Certificate.
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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