Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Medicine
Validated by University of Buckingham
Our comprehensive diploma in occupational medicine is your gateway to becoming a skilled practitioner in safeguarding workplace health and well-being. In today's ever-evolving work landscape, the demand for adept occupational medicine professionals is soaring.
With our 100% online professional diploma in occupational medicine, you'll gain advanced knowledge and practical skills to address the diverse health challenges faced by industries worldwide. From identifying and mitigating occupational hazards to developing tailored health promotion initiatives, you'll be equipped to create safer, healthier work environments that benefit both employees and organisations.
Next intake: March 2025Key Facts
On top of being excellent value for money, this flexible part-time diploma in occupational medicine is specially developed for busy health professionals and is practical and clinically focused. In addition, the shorter completion time means you're potentially earning a postgraduate-level salary sooner.
The successful completion of this flexible diploma occupational medicine will ensure you are:
- Well-versed in both theoretical knowledge and practical applications to meet the demands of modern workplaces.
- Learn from leading experts in the field, including experienced practitioners and academicians, who bring real-world insights and cutting-edge research into the classroom.
- Our programme offers the convenience of entirely online coursework, enabling you to learn at your own pace and fit your studies around your existing professional commitments.
- Gain access to an international network of professionals and opportunities for collaborative learning and research across global boundaries, enhancing your career prospects and professional growth.
- Our graduates are equipped to take on roles such as occupational health practitioner, advisor, health and safety consultant, and manager. With the critical skills acquired through our modules, you can lead advancements in workplace health, contribute to policy development, and ensure the well-being of workforces on an international scale.
Join us to make a significant impact in the field of occupational medicine. Equip yourself with the expertise to improve workplace environments and enhance employee health, driving success for organisations worldwide. Enrol now in our occupational medicine diploma and start your journey towards becoming a leader in enhancing workplace well-being.
Faculty
Programme Leader
Dr Samir Latif graduated from Imperial College London with distinction in Clinical Practice and subsequently completed his GP training in North West London. In 2017, he earned his Diploma in...
Validating partner
University of Buckingham
The University of Buckingham is the only independent university in the UK with a Royal Charter, and also one of the smallest with around 2,700 students, who study for honours degrees in two intensive years of study. The University houses its own medical school and was ranked first for student satisfaction in 2018, 2019 and 2020 by the Complete University Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a full list of our FAQs visit our FAQs page.
As each Medical Council has their own rules/regulations with regard to Postgraduate study we recommend that you contact your local Medical Council with regard to recognition.
Upon completion of the course the University would invite you to a graduation ceremony and provide your certificate which makes no reference to the fact that the course was studied online and is therefore typically recognised the same as any other UK University qualification.
Rest assured, the overall Postgraduate Diploma carries a total of 1,200 CPD points, with the MSc an additional 600 CPD points, and all official certifications are issued directly by the University.
When you study one of our programmes you may be surprised to find that there are no lectures or seminars. Your learning will be self-directed meaning that rather than being told information you find it for yourself (with tutor guidance and support). We do this via a series of clinically rich scenarios which your tutor will post on our academic forum which you and your classmates will research, respond to and discuss.
You will be assessed through the Academic Forum, Reflective Journal and Assignments. Learning will be carried out using our online learning platform: Moodle.
You can study whenever and wherever you want - our programmes are totally flexible to fit around your other work and life commitments.
The course is specifically designed so that part of your study is the application of theory to practice in your day job.
We typically suggest that students aim to log into the Moodle platform daily. We recommend a "little and often" approach for reading, reflection and/or posting. High achieving students will typically spend 1-2 hours dedicated to their studies a day; 10 hours per week is sufficient time to spend on the platform.
Those who cannot dedicate more time than once/twice per week may struggle with the demands of this postgraduate programme.
Yes, everything is done entirely online through our learning platform, Moodle. You do not need to attend the University.
Postgraduate Diploma courses
In order to be eligible for our Postgraduate Diploma courses you need to hold a medical degree or undergraduate degree in a health related science and be working within the field that you wish to study, as the course is designed to further your knowledge within your chosen subject and is not designed to introduce these as new topic areas.
We have two intakes a year in March and September. Click the following link for the up to date application deadlines and module dates: Module Dates.
The Action Taker Discount offers savings based on your programme: £150 off for PGCert and £250 off for PGDip/2-year MSc programmes. To qualify, you must pay the deposit within 7 days of acceptance. This discount is not available during February and August and not available in combination with the Early Bird Discount. The Action Taker Discount will be applied to your final payment. To take advantage, act quickly after acceptance to secure your savings.
Next intake: March 2025 Key Facts
Programme Leader
Dr Samir Latif graduated from Imperial College London with distinction in Clinical Practice and subsequently completed his GP training in North West London. In 2017, he earned his Diploma in Occupational Medicine from the Faculty of Occupational Medicine. Currently, Dr Latif practices as an NHS General Practitioner and serves as an Occupational Health Physician, advising various industries. Additionally, he is an HSE Appointed Doctor for Lead and Asbestos, undertaking health surveillance medicals. As Programme Lead for the MSc Occupational Medicine programme he brings extensive expertise to the program and is dedicated to advancing the field and educating the next generation of occupational medicine practitioners.
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Why Study an Occupational Medicine Postgraduate Diploma with Learna
We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
100% Flexible
Our courses are 100% online. No fixed study times mean you can log in and learn whenever and wherever.
Multidisciplinary - study in a group of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.
Expert Led
All of our programmes are authored and developed by world leading experts in their field.
Our faculty are selected due to their subject expertise, experience and teaching abilities to ensure the highest standards of educational excellence.
Career Boosting
Get a University Validated postgraduate qualification in just 1 calendar year instead of 2 academic years.
40% of our alumni reported an increase in salary 2 years after studying with us.
Who is this course for?
Our diploma in occupational medicine online is designed for a diverse group of medical and health professionals who are keen to specialise in occupational medicine. It is ideal for:
Healthcare Professionals: General practitioners, nurses, paramedics, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and rehabilitation specialists looking to enhance their expertise in workplace health.
Occupational Health and Safety Experts: Safety officers and health and safety managers who aim to deepen their knowledge of occupational health practices and strategies.
Public Health Professionals: Individuals in public health seeking to focus on the impact of work environments on health.
Researchers and Academics: Academics and researchers interested in exploring and contributing to the field of occupational health and safety.
This professional diploma in occupational medicine offers the skills and insights needed to advance your career in occupational medicine, equipping you with the tools to make a significant impact on workplace health and safety.
How Will I Learn?
You'll learn through our flexible, interactive online platform, which allows you to engage with clinical cases, complete assignments, and collaborate with fellow students at times that suit your schedule. There's no fixed timetable—simply log in daily to participate in the week's activities.
Learn through engaging discussion
Our teaching approach is highly interactive, using small groups of 10-20 students to foster a collaborative environment where you can engage in thoughtful discussions and receive guidance from your tutor. You'll have access to learning resources and discussion forums that encourage ongoing interaction and deeper engagement with the material.
Throughout your studies, you'll receive support from a dedicated expert tutor and our Student Support Team, ensuring you have the resources needed to navigate the course successfully.
Curriculum
Our postgraduate diploma in occupational medicine allows you to study for just one calendar year and is a part-time, distance-learning course. The course is worth 120 credits and comprises six modules of 20 credits, each running over a period of six weeks.This module aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of occupational medicine, encompassing its principles, services, and practical applications, including fitness assessment, hazard identification, risk management, and epidemiological interpretation, enabling effective promotion and preservation of employee health and well-being in the workplace.
Module content:
- Definition of occupational medicine (scope) and occupational health (OH) services
- Introduction to ethics and the law, multidisciplinary team (MDT)
- Assessment of fitness to work, sickness absence, rehabilitation, redeployment, resettlement and ill health retirement
- Introduction to hazards and PPE
- Introduction to risk assessment and control measures
- Introduction to epidemiology
Learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the core concepts related to occupational medicine, including occupational health services, risk assessments, hazards, ethical considerations and legal frameworks.
- Critically evaluate current research and guidelines relating to occupational medicine and the application in a range of settings.
- Systematically organise and communicate advanced occupational health and safety related information, using criteria developed for a variety of audiences and within a multidisciplinary team approach.
The module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse range of hazards encountered in the workplace and environment, spanning physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial factors, and their potential impact on various body systems, including respiratory, dermatological, infectious disease, mental health, and musculoskeletal conditions, while considering individual variations in fitness assessment influenced by age, environmental conditions, and specific job roles.
Module content:
- Physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychosocial hazards
- Respiratory and skin disorders
- Infectious diseases/zoonoses
- Mental health and other systems
- Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders and ergonomics
- Fitness for specific roles/individuals
Module Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of occupational hazards, their multifaceted impacts on various health systems, and the intricate assessment of fitness for work in diverse conditions.
- Critically analyse and synthesise complex information from diverse sources, demonstrating advanced problem-solving abilities in assessing and managing occupational hazards, individual health impacts, and fitness for specific roles.
- Apply advanced occupational medicine principles to assess and mitigate workplace hazards, formulating tailored strategies for health promotion and risk prevention, and effectively communicating with a variety of stakeholders.
The module aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and skills in occupational risk management, including risk assessment, control measures, health surveillance, reporting requirements, relevant regulatory frameworks, toxicology principles, occupational hygiene, and practical skills in walk-through surveys, enabling effective occupational health management and compliance.
Module content:
- Principles of health and safety risk management
- Health surveillance and biological monitoring. Health screening and medical examination
- Report writing including portfolio production
- Reporting schemes and health and safety executive (HSE) Appointed Doctor system
- Introduction to Toxicology and hygiene monitoring
- Conducting a walk-through survey
Module Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of the principles underpinning health and safety risk management, including the ability to critically analyse and apply these principles in diverse occupational contexts.
- Systematically evaluate and synthesise the latest evidence-based research and guidance related to health surveillance, biological monitoring, and toxicology, to make informed decisions and recommendations that consider individual patient needs and preferences.
- Demonstrate an ability to design comprehensive occupational health reports and portfolios, showcasing advanced communication and collaboration skills to effectively engage with employers and employees.
The module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of various occupational monitoring measures and their applications, including the assessment and exposure to organic and inorganic chemicals in different occupations, the potential health effects of dust and fibres, the distinctions between ionising and non-ionising radiation, and the analysis of vibration, noise, and light measurements, enabling effective monitoring and management of occupational hazards.
Module content:
- Occupational Hygiene sampling methods
- Organic and inorganic chemicals
- Dust and fibres
- Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) and occupational exposure limits (OELs)
- Ionising and non-ionising radiation
- Vibration, noise and light
Module Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a range of occupational hygiene sampling methods, including their principles, limitations, and practical applications.
- Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to address practical challenges in the implementation of sampling methods, hazard assessments, and control measures in various workplace settings.
- Utilise advanced research skills to stay abreast of emerging issues and contribute to best practices related to occupational toxicology and hygiene.
This module aims to equip students with a in-depth knowledge of health promotion strategies and programmes in the occupational setting, including policy development with a focus on mental health, the role of assistive technology, research methods and data analysis, critical appraisal skills, and the importance of audit, quality assurance, and accreditation processes such as SEQOHS, enabling the effective implementation and continuous improvement of occupational health and well-being initiatives.
Module content:
- Health Promotion - strategies and examples
- Mental health and the workplace; developing a mental health policy
- Assistive Technology
- Fitness for work in specific careers
- Research methods and data analysis; critical appraisal
- Quality Assurance, audit, SEQOHS (safe, effective, quality occupational health service)
Module Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the fitness requirements specific to various careers, considering the impact on employee wellbeing and performance.
- Critically assess and integrate diverse health promotion strategies, selecting and adapting them based on the unique needs and characteristics of different workplaces.
- Utilise advanced research skills to design and conduct studies that contribute to the evidence base for effective workplace wellbeing practices.
The module aims to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the ethical and legal dimensions of occupational medicine, encompassing health and safety, environmental, and employment regulations, while concurrently developing proficiency in the effective management of an Occupational Health service, including occupational health records and business aspects such as VAT, thereby ensuring comprehensive adherence to professional standards and regulatory compliance.
Module content:
- Ethics
- Health & Safety Law
- Employment Law
- Environmental Law
- Management of occupational health service and occupational health records
- Business needs - VAT
Module Learning Outcomes:
- Critically appraise and interpret current and intricate health and safety laws, demonstrating the ability to apply legal knowledge to real-world scenarios within a variety of settings.
- Demonstrate the ability to formulate and justify strategic decisions in managing occupational health services and maintaining accurate records, integrating legal and ethical considerations.
- Exhibit effective leadership skills in the implementation of occupational health practices, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and ethical standards.
Assessment Methods
This programme emphasises learning through active participation in case-based discussions, reflection, and real-life scenarios. Students engage with clinical cases that mirror everyday practice, fostering problem-solving and evidence-based application from the very beginning.
Across the modules, assessments are integrated with learning. Each week, you will work through two to three clinical cases, discussing and reflecting on them with peers under the guidance of an expert tutor. These discussions form the core of your learning and are also the basis for your assessments.
Our innovative teaching methods are designed to help you translate this learning into real-world clinical practice. You'll need to regularly log in to participate in discussions, ideally on a daily basis, and commit approximately two hours per day to your studies. Our dedicated Student Support Team is available to assist with any challenges you may encounter, from navigating our online platform to managing deadlines.
How Foundational Knowledge is Developed
The programme is structured so that foundational knowledge is introduced through carefully designed clinical cases. Each case is crafted to highlight essential concepts and progressively deepen your understanding as you apply critical thinking and evidence-based analysis. This hands-on approach ensures that you are not only acquiring theoretical knowledge but also learning how to apply it in a practical, clinical setting.
This programme is suited for professionals who thrive in an online, discussion-based learning environment. Please note that this course focuses on interactive, applied learning through peer collaboration and case discussions. You will be fully supported, encouraged and led through the programme to success and graduation!
- Every week students are presented with two/three clinical case-based scenarios that are reflective of every day clinical practice and research.
- Tutors will post a number of questions and prompts to aid students in a formal discussion of each case.
- These discussions are facilitated throughout by your tutor and are then assessed at the end of every module.
The online reflective journal is a learning portfolio that requires students to record and critically reflect on their learning. Reflection is an important aspect of the programme since the professionals will be able to spend time considering how their practice compares to the themes being discussed in the module. The tutor provides feedback to the student weekly and marks it at the end of the module. Reflective practice is a requirement for healthcare professionals for professional re-validation and professional development.
For this assessment, students will work on a group assignment and/or an individual assignment.
- Group assignments are designed to hone skills in the multidisciplinary, holistic approach to modern treatments and patient management by requiring group participation in a single piece of work.
- Individual assignments are designed to hone skills in academic career progression through such tasks as reviewing papers, developing scientific posters or abstracts, peer-reviewing, social media activities, patient information leaflets and essays.
Case problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination with multiple-choice ‘single best answer’ questions directly test the reasoning and knowledge objectives of the module. The online examination is marked automatically.
Entry requirements
Since our PGDip occupational medicine is conducted entirely online, they are accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals.
Applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare field, such as a medical or nursing degree.
Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered for the postgraduate diploma in occupational medicine on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account. In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.
Documents Required
- A copy of your updated CV including your address and date of birth.
- A copy of your undergraduate degree certificate.
- The name and email address of someone who is able to provide a reference, this can be a work colleague, employer or former tutor.
- A detailed personal statement explaining why you would like to undertake the course.
- A copy of your proof of English competency (see below).
English Language Requirements
Proficiency in the English language is also essential to completing our courses. If English is NOT your first language, we ask for proof of competency during the application process. We are able to accept an IELTS (with an overall score of 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@diploma-msc.com for more information on the qualifications we accept.
Course Fees
Option 1: Upfront Payment in full. Option 2: Interest free payments every other month for the duration of the course.
| Date | Instalments | Up-Front Payments |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | £750 | £4,500 |
| 1st May 2025 | £750 | |
| 1st July 2025 | £750 | |
| 1st September 2025 | £750 | |
| 1st November 2025 | £750 | |
| 1st January 2026 | £750 |
† Deposits are non-refundable
†† Prices are subject to review following each intake
Option 3: Lower your monthly payments by spreading the cost for between 2 and 8 years with a loan from our lending partner Lendwise*.
*Subject to eligibility criteria.
Learna | Diploma MSc has a partnership with Lendwise which is a leading private student loan provider, to help UK students fund their course fees should they require financing. Lendwise is a UK-based education finance platform through which candidates can fund their postgraduate and professional qualification studies at leading educational institutions.
A Lendwise loan comes with a fixed interest rate for the duration of the loan (between 2 and 8 years) and no early repayment penalties. The interest rate offered will depend on the overall applicant profile and the application process is entirely online.*
*Other sources of funding are available.
Learna | Diploma MSc does not offer financial advice, recommend or endorse any financial product. You should always check the suitability of the product that is of interest to you. If you are in any doubt as to its suitability, we suggest that you seek independent professional advice.
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We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online diploma courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
Our courses are some of the most affordable of their kind, providing value for money without compromising on quality. We also don't apply an international surcharge. No fixed timetable means you can log in & learn on the go, at your convenience.
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