Learn how work and workplace hazards impact health, safety and wellbeing. Develop the expertise to design evidence-based, holistic solutions to support thriving workplaces.
Why study postgraduate Occupational Health
Study the causes of work-related illness and injury, learn how to identify health them, and explore approaches that prevent harm before it occurs. This subject brings together insights from the health and behavioural sciences to identify practical solutions. You’ll look at real workplace scenarios and learn how to advise organisations on healthier systems, safer practices, and a stronger wellbeing culture.
Occupational Health connects you with worker health issues that matter at a national level. Many industries in Aotearoa face ongoing challenges in managing hazards, supporting worker wellbeing, and responding to new technologies. Your learning will help you understand these pressures and the evidence behind effective solutions.
Career opportunities
Studying Occupational Health equips you to work across health, safety, and wellbeing roles in many sectors.
Possible career pathways include:
- Health and safety adviser
- Occupational health practitioner
- Workplace wellbeing specialist
- Occupational Hygienists
- Policy or regulatory adviser in government agencies
What it’s like to study at this level
Study combines self-directed learning with online lectures, tutorials and an in-person block course that includes workplace visits and guest speakers. These sessions provide opportunities to engage directly with industry practice and build connections with others working in occupational health.
Learning centres on coursework, case studies and applied problem-solving that reflects the challenges organisations face today. Teaching draws on current research and experienced staff who connect theory with practice, while you analyse workplace scenarios, evaluate evidence and develop recommendations grounded in health and behavioural science.
This is for you if ...
Occupational Health attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds including health professions, human resources and law. It is an in-demand area, ideal for those looking to become trusted advisers for heathier and safer workplaces.
Admission is subject to approval by the Board of the Division of Health Sciences, which requires evidence that you can undertake advanced academic study.
Shaping the future of a healthy workplace
Occupational Health at Otago builds on the University’s strengths in public health, research excellence and multidisciplinary teaching.
You will explore hazard identification, risk assessment and risk management, alongside legislation, occupational disease and rehabilitation. You will also examine current and emerging issues such as climate change, worker wellbeing and psychosocial risk factors.
These areas are taught by experienced staff who connect evidence with real workplace challenges. Through this study you join a community committed to improving worker wellbeing across Aotearoa.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Master of Health Sciences (MHealSc)
A one- or two-year postgraduate degree for health professionals, encompassing coursework and/or research in a chosen area of specialisation
Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (PGCertHealSc)
A one-year part-time (or one semester full-time) programme for health professionals who want to increase knowledge and skills in a specific area of practice
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHealSc)
A one-year full-time (or longer part-time) programme for health professionals who want to increase knowledge and skills in a specific area of practice
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
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| The Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (PGCertHealSc) endorsed in Occupational Health is available through Distance Learning. |
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Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
Contacts
Occupational Health and Safety Postgraduate Administrator
Department of Public Health
Faculty of Medicine
PO Box 56
Dunedin 9054
New Zealand
Tel +64 3 556 5175
Email occupational.health@otago.ac.nz
Website https://www.otago.ac.nz/dsm-psm/postgraduate/pgcerthealsc-pgdiphealsc
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