Environmental, Health and Safety Management

Master of Science

Course Details

Course Code	SG_SEHSM_M09
Level	9
Duration	2 years
Credits	90
Method of Delivery	Online
Campus Locations	Sligo
Mode of Delivery	Part Time

How to Apply

Environmental, Health and Safety Management

How to Apply

Course Overview

Providing a healthy and safe work place whilst protecting the environment is now paramount for every business and industry. Our MSc in Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Management will provide you with practical management skills. Our online course is designed for busy professionals who wish to develop their knowledge base, network with like-minded individuals and further their career.

This is a two-year part-time course aimed at Honours Degree (Level 8) graduates of Science, Engineering or related areas. Graduates will be able to manage the Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) affairs of organisations and will be capable of developing management strategies for these areas compatible with other organisational functions.

The course is delivered over two academic years.

A Dissertation (30 credits) is also completed as part of the course in Year 2, with Semester 2 being devoted solely to the Dissertation. Students are encouraged to undertake this research on a topic of interest to them (or their employer) and students are mentored through the research by an ATU Sligo academic supervisor. There is an option to exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental, Health and Safety Management after completing the 6 taught modules of the course (60 credits).

Funding Opportunity
Next Level Skillnet funding may be available to successful applicants who fulfil eligibility criteria. Please email Sue Davies in Next Level Skillnet to find out more information: sue@nextlevel.ie

Course Details

Year 1

Semester	Module Details	Credits	Mandatory / Elective
1	Natural Resource Management and Assessment This 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 2. Classify, distinguish between and demonstrate knowledge of a range of natural resource systems 3. Apply concepts and skills to interpret potential and actual disturbances to natural resources on both local and global scales 4. Conduct an independent assessment of environmental impacts associated with anthropogenic activities and pollution pathways 5. Appraise current key issues impacting on natural resources at a global level 6. Communicate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the EIA process and the assessment of natural resources	10	Mandatory
1	Risk, Management and Technical Safety This 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. 2. Integrate OHS knowledge, principles, and theories to evaluate and identify organisations’ OSH requirements. 3. Evaluate workplace hazards, assess occupational risks, and propose appropriate risk control strategies. 4. Devise solutions to prescribed OHS problems implementation 5. Apply cognitive ergonomic principles to facilitate the communication of 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 equipment in 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 Efficiency This 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. 2. Demonstrate a knowledge of the environmental licensing process for regulating activities that have significant polluting potential and critically review a licence application for a specified industrial activity. 3. Apply an holistic approach to resource efficiency within specified resource efficiency frameworks (e.g. BAT, Cleaner Production, etc) 4. Appraise relevant guidance tools, and develop an appropriate auditing checklist for a specified activity. 5. Undertake a resource efficiency audit for a specified activity and effectively communicate an action plan to improve resource efficiency.	10	Mandatory
2	Occupational Health, Hygiene and Chemical Risk Management This 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. 2. Differentiate between physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic and psychosocial workplace health hazards and recognise appropriate workplace health and well being strategies. 3. Apply appropriate workplace management strategies to reduce the risk of ill health and diseases using the multidisciplinary approach of prevention, promotion and rehabilitation. 4. Apply appropriate data analysing and summarising skills to evaluate occupational hygiene data against statutory limits. 5. Formulate safe systems of work relevant to safety critical work activities. 6. Appraise how facility design and procedures are employed to protect man and the environment 7. Participate in groups, communicate and defend findings in relation to prescribed OSH problems. 8. Integrate the knowledge, principles and theories pertaining to OSH/environment.	10	Mandatory

Year 2

Semester	Module Details	Credits	Mandatory / Elective
1	EHS Regulation This 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. 2. Evaluate the legal and institutional framework designed for safety and health and for environmental protection in Ireland. 3. Communicate information and caselaw regarding OHS and environmental legislation in terms appropriate to the target audience. 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. 6. Outline how to prepare a legal register and evaluate which items of legislation should be included and why.	10	Mandatory
1	Integrated Management Systems The 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. 3. Explain and apply the core elements in establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving an environmental management system (EMS). 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
Year	EHS Dissertation This module requires the learner to pursue research on an appropriate topic in occupational safety and health and/or environmental management, integrate research findings and articulate the key considerations of the specific investigation. The module provides information on research methods with presentations on the following areas: Defining the research question; Sections/chapters of the dissertation; Literature review and library resources; Research methodologies; and Data interpretation and analysis. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify, conceptualise, formulate and communicate a research proposal for a specific occupational safety and health and/or environmental management topic. 2. Complete a programme of work requiring sustained effort with the objective of developing critical abilities in analysis, synthesis and evaluation. 3. Identify the objectives of the study, formulate an appropriate methodology and review the literature relevant to the study. 4. Identify and utilise scientific research methods appropriate to the dissertation. 5. Collect, collate and analyse relevant data, using statistical tests as appropriate. 6. Evaluate and synthesise the main findings of the study and develop appropriate recommendations. 7. Synthesise the research work in the form of a research proposal, presentations, abstract/executive summary and minor dissertation. 8. Manage a personal learning process, demonstrate monitoring and revision procedures through the development of the dissertation and recognise the information and resource requirements of the study.	30	Mandatory

Recommended Study Hours per week

Students are expected to attend two online lectures in the evening each week. The online lectures are normally scheduled between 6-10pm from Monday-Friday during the term. It is recommended that students should try to allow for 14 hours per week per 10 credit module for their studies. This includes lectures, directed learning, independent study and workshop/site visit activities.

Examination and Assessment

Taught modules (10 credits) may be assessed by a combination of exam and continuous assessment such as 50% exam and 50% continuous assessment, or 70% exam and 30% continuous assessment. The Dissertation (30 credits) is 100% continuous assessment.
Note: Where assessment on the programme involves examinations, these are held on campus or at another exam venue in the Republic of Ireland. There are typically two exam periods: January and May. Times scheduled for examinations (face to face / online exams ) are in GMT.
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

There is no mandatory on-site attendance. Where possible, workshops will be delivered in hybrid settings to facilitate online and onsite attendance simultaneously.
Note: Check programme Examination and Assessment requirements, as they may involve examinations to be taken on campus.

Progression

Graduates may have an opportunity to undertake research leading to the award of PhD at ATU Sligo or at other third level institutes.

Photo of male student wearing a high-vis jacket and a hard hat

I was motivated to study this course because I wanted to build on my environmental knowledge and I had a real interest in health and safety. Combining both fields seemed like a smart move as it created many opportunities, especially in the renewable energy sector. I’m really glad I chose this course it gave me the foundation I needed and directly led to the role I’m in today. Studying online helped me develop essential technical skills and independence which have been crucial in managing the digital side of my role and communicating with contractors across various projects. I try to apply everything I learned during the Masters in my professional life everyday and this has made me much more confident and competent in what I do.
Shane McLaughlin , Graduate

Download a prospectus

Postgraduate Prospectus Online, Flexible & Professional Development Prospectus

Entry Requirements

Applicants with a Level 8 Honours Degree in Science or Engineering, or in a related area, are eligible to apply.

Applicants with a Level 8 Honours Degree in other areas must demonstrate appropriate experience in the EHS area.

Fees

Total Fees EU: €7,200

Total Fees Non-EU: €8,640

Further information on fees

Professional Accreditation

This course is one of the only courses accredited by the following professional organisations:

Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)
Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM)

This course is accredited by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), the only Chartered body for Health and Safety practitioners and the world’s largest Health and Safety professional membership organisation.

This is an accredited course with the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM), the largest professional body for chartered environmental scientists. All students on this course are eligible to become student members of this professional body.

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

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 which combines both these disciplines.