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CQUni Handbook
CQ26 - Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety
Overview
Compulsory Residential School
Some units in this course require you to attend a compulsory Residential School or Work Integrated Learning. Please see Course Features in the Getting Started tab for further information.Course Overview
This course is a professional degree based on the study of occupational health and safety. It will present you with the opportunity to undertake a plan and apply your discipline of study to specifically designated career path options. It has been designed to prepare professionals in occupational health and safety with specifically applied knowledge, attitudes, skills and initiatives in the safety science areas of:
- occupational health;
- occupational hygiene
- ergonomics and human factors;
- accident investigation; and
- occupational health and safety management.
In addition, you have the option to select from a wide array of electives to suit personal needs and interests.
Units are designed to drive you through project-based authentic industry-relevant assessment tasks. Throughout this course you are provided opportunities to practically apply your learning, including participation in supervised worksite visits with practical opportunities to apply your learning to given situations. In addition, you will perform 120 hours of work practicum as a capstone project. This presents you with valuable learning and application opportunities before the completion of your studies.
The purpose of this course is to produce graduates who are confident and competent health and safety professionals ready to be employed as workplace leaders in health and safety decision making and management. Graduates will be able to facilitate, educate, problem solve and promote health and safety at workplaces and in the community.
Career Information
Opportunities exist for graduates in management/consultancy and practice of workplace health and safety. For example, ergonomics, industrial safety, occupational hygiene and risk management. Employment is found in primary industry, rural safety, manufacturing, mining, services industry, employer associations, the defence force, health industry and government authorities.
Course Details
| Duration | 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time |
|---|---|
| Credit Points that Must be Earned | 144 |
| Number of Units Required | CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24). |
| Expected Hours of Study | One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term. |
| Course Type | Undergraduate Award |
| Qualification (post nominal) | BOHS |
| AQF Level | Level 7: Bachelor Degree |
| Course Fees |
Indicative Year - 2025
Indicative Year - 2024
Indicative Year - 2023
Indicative Year - 2022
|
Admission Codes
|
Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
|
|---|---|
|
International Students CRICOS Codes |
Where and when can I start?
Units offered internally at the below campuses may be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
The following tables list the courses availabilities by location and term. Directing your pointer over your preferred location will provide further information if this course is not available for the full duration. Please be sure to also check individual unit availability by location and term prior to enrolling.
Domestic Availability
Term 3 - 2026
Online
Term 2 - 2026
Online
Term 1 - 2026
Online
Term 2 - 2025
Online
Term 1 - 2025
Online
Term 2 - 2024
Online
Term 1 - 2024
Online
Term 2 - 2023
Online
Term 1 - 2023
Online
Term 2 - 2022
Online
Term 1 - 2022
Online
Term 3 - 2021
Sorry, no domestic availabilities found.
Term 2 - 2021
Online
Term 1 - 2021
Adelaide
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Gladstone
Melbourne
Mackay
Online
Perth
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 2 - 2020
Adelaide
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Gladstone
Melbourne
Mackay
Online
Perth
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 1 - 2020
Adelaide
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Gladstone
Melbourne
Mackay
Online
Perth
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 2 - 2019
Adelaide
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Gladstone
Melbourne
Mackay
Online
Perth
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 1 - 2019
Adelaide
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Gladstone
Melbourne
Mackay
Online
Perth
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 2 - 2018
Adelaide
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Gladstone
Melbourne
Mackay
Perth
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 1 - 2018
Adelaide
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Gladstone
Melbourne
Mackay
Perth
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 2 - 2017
Adelaide
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Gladstone
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2017
Adelaide
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Gladstone
Melbourne
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2016
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Gladstone
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2016
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Gladstone
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2015
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2015
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2014
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2014
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Rockhampton
Show All
International Availability
Term 3 - 2026
Online
Term 2 - 2026
Online
Term 1 - 2026
Online
Term 2 - 2025
Online
Term 1 - 2025
Online
Term 2 - 2024
Online
Term 1 - 2024
Online
Term 2 - 2023
Online
Term 1 - 2023
Online
Term 2 - 2022
Sorry, no international availabilities found.
Term 1 - 2022
Online
Term 3 - 2021
Sorry, no international availabilities found.
Term 2 - 2021
Online
Term 1 - 2021
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Online
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2020
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Online
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2020
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Online
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2019
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Online
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2019
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Online
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2018
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2018
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2017
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2017
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2016
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2016
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2015
Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2015
Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2014
Sorry, no international availabilities found.
Term 1 - 2014
Sorry, no international availabilities found.
Show All
For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact
13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at
http://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
Entry Requirements - What do I need to start?
Entry Scores
| Rank Threshold | SR 60 | ATAR 60 |
Academic Requirements
English (Units 3 & 4, C) or equivalent
English Language Proficiency Requirements
If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.
Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion of:
- A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
- An Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) diploma level qualification, or
- Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years full-time with a minimum overall GPA 4.0
completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.
If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:
- An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each subset; or
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Requires 550 or better overall and minimum TWE score of 4.5 (Paper Based Test), or 75 or better overall and no score less than 17 (Internet Based Test); or
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 54 with no sub-score less than 46; or
- An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components.
English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.
International Students should visit http://www.cqu.edu.au/international for further information.
Each student will be assessed individually.
Assumed Knowledge
Domestic - While there are no course pre-requisites, Senior English, Senior Science and Senior Mathematics are strongly recommended. Students without Senior English, Senior Science and Senior Mathematics are strongly recommended to undertake one of the following access courses:
- Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS)
- Tertiary Entry Program (TEP)
Fees and Charges
Course Features
Awards and Accreditation
| Interim Awards | CG48 - Associate Degree of Occupational Health and Safety |
|---|---|
| Exit Awards | CG48 - Associate Degree of Occupational Health and Safety |
| Accreditation |
|
Residential School Requirements
| Compulsory Residential School | There are 3 core units with a compulsory residential school for all students. These are: OCHS12002 OHS Practice; OCHS13020 Future Paradigms in OHS A; and OCHS13021 Future Paradigms in OHS B. There may be additional requirements for residential schools within minor studies. Students should confirm these through the Handbook. |
|---|---|
| Click here to view all Residential Schools | |
Practicum/Work Placement
| OCHS13021 - Students are required to complete 120 hours of work placement throughout the course. |
Previous and Current Enrolments
| Year | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 95 |
| 2023 | 102 |
| 2022 | 148 |
| 2021 | 167 |
| 2020 | 172 |
Inherent Requirements
There are Inherent Requirements (IRs) that you need to be aware of, and fulfil, to achieve the core learning outcomes of the units and course. IRs are the essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are needed to complete a unit or course.
Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.
If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.
Examples are:
- Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedures and Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
- Demonstrating respect for cultural and professional diversity as well as individual differences and capacities in the transport and safety sciences environment.
- Treating personal information obtained in the professional environment as private and confidential.
Examples are:
- Successfully processing your own emotions and behaviour when dealing with stressful situations that can arise in the transport and safety sciences environment.
- Maintaining behavioural stability through successfully distinguishing your own personal behaviours, experiences and emotions from others and situations in a professional setting.
- Being reflective with personal behaviours appropriate to professional performance and being positive and receptive to processing constructive supervisor/lecturer/peer feedback or criticism.
Examples are:
- Complying with university and workplace policy with the use of social media, online discussion forums, email and other electronic forms of communication.
- Complying with the relevant workplace policies and practices including relevant OHS legislative requirements pertaining to the transport and safety sciences environment.
- Complying with the policies and practices of organisations in which you may be placed or find employment.
Examples are:
- Verbally communicating in English your transport and safety sciences knowledge with accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness in a wide variety of contexts.
- Actively participating in discussion and course activities with appropriate use and command of language to the context.
- Using language that is appropriate to the context of the individual, group or workplace.
- Establishing rapport with all stakeholders in the delivery of transport and safety sciences practice and responding appropriately to stakeholders and other professionals.
- Using appropriate facial expressions, body movements and gestures, being mindful of space boundaries.
- Recognising and interpreting on-verbal cues of others and responding appropriately during activities related to the course and in professional practice.
- Adopting non-threatening body language during challenging and/or stressful situations with others.
- Competently and appropriately producing written assessment work in a logical, coherent manner, and with correct grammar and punctuation to the required academic standards.
- Expressing complex and detailed information and knowledge in logical and legible formats, in a timely manner that meets professional standards and clearly communicates the intended message.
- Accurately conveying and documenting information in a written form to develop and execute a case of cohesive argument that meets academic, professional and transport and safety sciences practice requirements.
- Competently using a desktop operating system such as Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X.
- Having access to a computer and having sufficient computer skills to engage in on-line learning, reading, initiating and responding to emails and other forms of electronic communication, and completing relevant assessments for the course. This includes being able to regularly access the Internet for coursework and research.
- Competently using productivity software such as Microsoft Office, and operate associated electronic technologies such as (but not limited to) digital scanners, cameras and video cameras, a tablet computer or a mobile phone in the contemporary academic, professional and transport and safety science practice requirements.
- Analysing, manipulating and displaying scientific information using a variety of specific programs.
Examples are:
- Conceptualising and using appropriate knowledge and evidence in response to academic assessment items and in the professional practice with organisations in which you may be placed or find employment.
- Completing academic learning activities and assessment tasks, and performing professional skills within reasonable set time-frames.
- Constructing written text proficiently, in English, using appropriate vocabulary, correct grammar and conventions of speech, including being able to paraphrase, summarise and reference in accordance with appropriate academic and professional conventions.
- Competently reading, writing and accurately interpreting information to convey language effectively in a professional setting.
- Completing documentation that is accurate, clear and concise.
- Demonstrating competency in applying mathematics knowledge and numeracy skills to accurately read and interpret various measurements.
- Demonstrating effective use of mathematics knowledge and numeracy skills in the application of transport and safety science practice.
- Demonstrating competency in manipulating and analysing numerical data.
Examples are:
- Having sufficient visual acuity to accurately measure and assess.
- Having sufficient visual acuity to work in a team-based transport and safety sciences environment.
- Having sufficient visual acuity to identify hazards to self and others.
- Perceiving fine detail on a computer screen and/or mobile/portable device.
- Discerning an object from its background.
- Having sufficient auditory capacity to hear verbal communication from other professionals in transport and safety sciences practice.
- Having sufficient auditory capacity to work in a team-based transport and safety sciences environment where verbal and non-verbal communication is essential to practice.
- Having sufficient auditory capacity to capture auditory warning circumstances, movements or signals where other senses may not detect such stimuli.
- Interacting with a computer through input devices such as a mouse or keyboard.
- Interacting with mobile devices through inputs such as buttons and a touchscreen.
- Interacting with the physical environment.
Examples are:
- Rapidly building rapport with people from all walks of life within a variety of transport and safety sciences professional contexts.
- Establishing, sustaining and concluding relationships in a way that differentiates the boundaries between professional and personal relationships.
- Communicating effectively and being respectful of a person's dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights.
- Recognising that people are the experts in the experience of their life.
- Providing support and directing people to resources to optimise evidence informed decision making.
- Actively fostering a culture of safety and learning that includes engaging with other stakeholders.
- Participating in and/or leading collaborative practice.
Examples are:
- Reflecting critically on topics taught during the course.
- Identifying when a practice issue is outside one's scope or expertise and being able to reflect and learn from this experience.
- Identifying when one's practice may be negatively affected by personal experience and/or reactions and be able to reflect and learn from this experience.
- Reflecting on situations that may be difficult and sensitive.
- Identifying, reflecting and learning from successful situations as well as opportunities for improvement.
Examples are:
- Actively participating safely and effectively in intensive transport and safety sciences tasks that require sustained levels of physical energy and concentration over a long duration.
- Actively participating in a variety of transport and safety sciences tasks in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Examples are:
- Incorporating a range of gross motor skills while participating effectively in activities related to transport and safety science practice.
- Moving with ease while undertaking activities related to transport and safety science practice.
- Working safely and effectively in a variety of physical environments applicable to safety science practice.
- Using a variety of fine motor skills in various safety sciences activities.
- Interacting with a computer through input devices such as a mouse or keyboard.
- Interacting with mobile devices through inputs such as buttons and a touchscreen.
Examples are:
- Collaborating with other students and peers, modifying and reflecting on work or practice in response to supervisor feedback.
- Building rapport with other students, peers and stakeholders in order to engage them in effective safety science practice, for example, during scenarios, residential schools, work integrated learning (WIL), difficult situations and critical events.
- Reflecting critically on successful situations as well as opportunities for improvement.
- Interacting and engaging with individuals and groups in a respectful and culturally appropriate manner in a wide variety of clinical practice contexts.
Examples are:
- Competently using a computer desktop operating system such as Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X.
- Accessing a computer and having sufficient computer skills to engage in online learning, reading and responding as required to emails, and completing relevant activities and assessments for the course.
- Regularly accessing the Internet for research, and email for communication with other students, peers and lecturers.
Compulsory Requirements
Other Compulsory Requirements
Students are subject to any placement host employer site-specific compulsory requirements that may be required.
Effective 25 September 2023, updates have been made to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for Queensland Health sites and the Queensland Ambulance Service. While Queensland Health does not currently mandate evidence of COVID-19 vaccination, it's essential to recognise that other organisations may enforce their own vaccination specific criteria. This situation is similar across other states and territories, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, where COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for all healthcare students.
Core Learning Outcomes
- 1. Critique and apply occupational health and safety, safety science and systems thinking knowledge, evidence, processes, skills, principles and concepts across diverse contexts
- 2. Work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders to effectively address health and safety issues across diverse contexts
- 3. Communicate effectively and professionally within a community of practice, workplaces and other public spaces
- 4. Analyse the implications of political, economic, social, cultural and technical trends for OHS practice
- 5. Critically reflect on practice in order to effectively and sensitively manage and implement change.
| Course Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning | |||||
| 2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge | |||||
| 3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas | |||||
| 4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence | |||||
| 5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas | |||||
| 6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship | |||||
| 7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts | |||||
| 8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | |||||
| KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology | |||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity | |||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner | |||||
Environmental Management Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Liberal Studies Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Public Health Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Course Structure
In order to complete this course, you must:
- Complete the core structure
- Complete 1 minor
Core Structure
| Number of units: 20 | Total credit points: 120 |
|---|
Some of these units have compulsory residential schools - please check the handbook for advice.
Recommended study schedule
The following schedule is designed for full-time students who usually enrol in 4 units per term or 24 units of credit. Part-time students should therefore modify this schedule to suit their own needs. The normal study load for part-time students is 2 units per term or 12 units of credit per term.
| Year 1 - Term 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| OCHS11026 | Introductory Occupational Health and Safety | |
| SCIE11022 | Introductory Science | |
| AINV11001 | Real World Investigation | |
| OCHS11027 | OHS Fundamentals | |
| Year 1 - Term 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| OCHS11025 | Health and Safety Risk Management | |
| AINV11002 | Socio-technical Systems | |
| AINV11003 | Introduction to Investigative Methods | |
| BMSC11010 | Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 | |
| Year 2 - Term 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| OCHS12018 | Safety Science | |
| HLTH11027 | Foundations of Health | |
| AINV12002 | Accident Phenomenology | |
| Year 2 - Term 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| OCHS12019 | Human Factors | |
| OCHS12002 | Occupational Health and Safety Practice | |
| OCHS12015 | Occupational Health and Safety Law | |
| Year 3 - Term 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| OCHS13020 | Future Paradigms in OHS A | |
| OCHS13016 | Advanced Occupational Health | |
| OCHS13018 | Safety Systems | |
| Year 3 - Term 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| OCHS13021 | Future Paradigms in OHS B | |
| OCHS13019 | Prevention Through Design | |
| OCHS13017 | Resilient Organisations | |
Environmental Management Minor
| Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
|---|
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| ENVR11011 | Modern Environmental Issues | |
| GEOG19021 | Geographic Information Systems | |
| EVST19020 | Environmental Management Systems | |
| EVST19007 | Environmental and Social Impact Assessment | |
Liberal Studies Minor
| Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
|---|
This minor has been designed to support credit, articulation agreements and transition arrangements. Students cannot opt-in to complete the Liberal Studies minor. Please contact Course Advice for further information.
Public Health Minor
| Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
|---|
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| ENVH11001 | Health and the Environment | |
| HLTH11029 | Health Promotion Concepts | |
| HLTH12028 | Health Promotion Strategies | |
| HLTH13031 | Population Health Epidemiology | |
More Details
Residential Schools
There are 2 core units with a compulsory residential school:
-
OHS Practice and
-
Future Paradigms in OHS A
Please see the residential school timetable for dates for these units.
Applications for credit transfer
Credit transfer will only be granted where a student is able to demonstrate that tertiary studies undertaken equivalent in content and depth to the CQUniversity course have been successfully completed. Students should examine the unit synopses in this handbook to determine the units for which they may be eligible to claim exemption.
Refer to the Credit Transfer website at http://www.cqu.edu.au/credittransfer for further details on the guidelines and application process.
You can apply for direct credit against CQUniversity units, if equivalent tertiary level study has been completed. You must supply relevant documentation (study guides, unit profiles, etc) to do this. Or, in some courses you can apply for electives outside of CQUniversity range of units. If your study was undertaken more than 10 years old, you may not be eligible to apply for this as credit.
Computing Requirements
It is a requirement of enrolment in this course that students have access to the CQUniversity website. Students may be required to undertake various components of study in the course using email and the Internet.
It is strongly recommended that students have access to a broadband connection or higher to access online student resources that would include but not limited to, email, internet, video streaming, electronic assessment submission.