Courses
Environmental, Health and Safety Management
Postgraduate Diploma in Science
Course Details
| Course Code | SG_SEHSM_G09 |
|---|---|
| Level | 9 |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Credits | 60 |
| Method of Delivery | Online |
| Campus Locations | Sligo |
| Mode of Delivery | Part Time |
Course Overview
The Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Management is designed to provide graduates with the necessary skills to manage the Environmental Health and Safety affairs of an organisation.
The course offers postgraduate qualifications in the theory and practice of environmental health & safety management across a variety of socio-economic settings via an online/distance learning format. Competence is developed through a combination of lectures, workshops, online learning, assignments, problem-solving, and project work. Candidates may already hold or aspire to obtain occupational and environmental responsibilities, but may lack formal academic qualifications in environmental health & safety.
The modules are designed to provide graduates from a wide spectrum, including industry and State bodies, with the opportunity to upgrade or further their EHS management, technical, and legislative skills, gain academic credentials, and promote self-confidence in their field of EHS management study/work. The approach to programme delivery, a mixture of teaching and learning, enables the integration of a participant’s study schedule with their work commitments with minimal disruption. The programme also aims to develop and encourage self learning skills and to form an integral part of the life-long learning plan of participants.
Course Details
Year 1
| Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Natural Resource Management and AssessmentThis module will introduce the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. It will give the student the ability to understand natural resource management from the perspective of screening, scoping, impact assessment, mitigation and monitoring as they relate to EIA, and other environmental assessment procedures. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the content and application of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process |
10 | Mandatory |
| 1 |
Risk, Management and Technical SafetyThis module addresses risk management techniques and theory that relate to the control of occupational safety and health loss in the workplace. The student will integrate theories and knowledge with a view to competently engaging in workplace risk assessments. The student will evaluate risks associated with work environments, work activities, construction, electricity and machinery and equipment, while also constructing emergency planning and preparation strategies. This module allows the student to relate their EHS knowledge acquired to date and to select, defend and implement choices made in an organisational context. Learning Outcomes 1. Analyse management theory and select appropriate management strategies for use in current OSH work environments. 4. Devisesolutions to prescribed OHS problems implementation 5. Apply cognitive ergonomic principles to facilitate the communicationof effective planning, decision making, and change management within an organisation. 6. Apply ergonomic design principles for safe place of work,safe systems of work, and safe machinery tools and equipmentin accordance with Irish OHS Legal requirements. 7. Evaluate factors and characteristics within the organisation which affect occupational loss. |
10 | Mandatory |
| 2 |
Environmental Licensing and Industrial EfficiencyThis module will introduce the learner to the concept of industrial efficiency in relation to the use of raw materials (including energy and water) and in the context of national, EU and international drivers. The learner will become familiar with environmental licensing and its role in increasing resource efficiency in specified facilities. Industrial efficiency in SME's will also be explored. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate a detailed knowlege and understanding of the background, current status, and policy implications related to resource (energy/water/raw materials) use and management. 3. Apply an holistic approach to resource efficiency within specified resource efficiency frameworks (e.g. BAT, Cleaner Production, etc) |
10 | Mandatory |
| 2 |
Occupational Health, Hygiene and Chemical Risk ManagementThis module addresses the systematic management of major occupational safety and health risks, their causative agents and health effects. Learning Outcomes 1. Interpret the prescribed regulatory framework applicable to occupational exposure. |
10 | Mandatory |
Year 2
| Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
EHS RegulationThis subject introduces the learner to current occupational, health and safety (OHS) and environmental legal instruments and institutional structures and processes. The learner will be able to will be able to identify, explain and critique OHS and environmental regulation and other interventions and safeguards in a European and Irish context. The learner will be able to plan and begin the compilation of a legal register. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an applied knowledge and understanding of salient areas of OHS and environmental legislation, including the major obligations/provisions of the main Irish environmental and health and safety Acts and S.I.’s and relevant international legal documents. 4. Critically review, interpret and evaluate relevant legal instruments aimed at addressing current OHS and environmental issues and critically comment on the extent to which existing legislation addresses these issues. 5. Assess the implications and effectiveness of the existing legislative framework in the wider socio-economic context. |
10 | Mandatory |
| 1 |
Integrated Management SystemsThe aim of this module is to explore the issues involved in the integration of two or more stand-alone management systems, with the main focus in this module relating to the integration of Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) Management Systems (e.g. OHSAS 18001, ISO 45001) and Environmental Management Systems (e.g. ISO 14001, EMAS). The module will also explore the issues involved in integrating additional management systems such as Quality (ISO 9001), Energy (ISO 50001) etc. Key areas for integration will include the context of the organisation, leadership, planning, risk assessment, training and awareness, communication, documentation, operational controls, emergency preparedness and response, performance evaluation and improvement. The module will also address both Internal and External Auditing and the requirements of ISO 19011. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain and apply the core elements in establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 standards. 2. Apply the core principles of continual improvement [LEAN & Six-Sigma] and CAPA activities. 4. Apply the principles of auditing to the preparation of an audit programme and the planning, execution and reporting of a management system audit. 5. Assess and recommend appropriate approaches to the integration of various management system standards. |
10 | Mandatory |
Recommended Study Hours per week
Examination and Assessment
There are typically two exam periods: January and May, with times scheduled for examinations (face-to-face / online exams ) in GMT.
Note: Where assessment on the programme involves examinations, these are held on campus or at another exam venue in the Republic of Ireland.
Students who are resident overseas and those with extenuating circumstances may apply to take examinations online with an external online invigilation service (online proctored exams), where this is available. Places are limited for this service.
On-Campus Attendance Requirement
Progression
Graduates may have an opportunity to undertake research leading to the award of MSc and PhD at ATU or at other third-level institutes.
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Applicants with a Level 8 Honours Degree in a related Science or Engineering area are eligible to apply.
Applicants with a Level 8 Honours Degree in other areas must demonstrate appropriate experience in the EHS area.
Careers
An ever-increasing number of organisations are implementing EHS management systems based on International and European standards. These systems enable companies to take a proactive rather than reactive approach to managing their EHS affairs. Since the introduction of EPA licensing, approximately 1,000 Irish organisations have been issued with licenses, a condition of these includes a requirement to implement an Environmental Management System.
Many other organisations are also considering, or are in the process of implementing, systems to ensure better management of their EHS affairs. Once these systems are in place, considerable resources are required for their continued operation, management, and improvement.
Further Information
Application Closing Date
Start Date
Who Should Apply?
This programme may be suitable for graduates with a qualification related to environmental science or health & safety (or another relevant area) who now see the benefit of gaining a qualification that combines both these disciplines.
Contact Information
Admissions Office
T: 353 (0) 71 931 8511
E: admissions.sligo@atu.ie
Environmental Science