& Safety Course
Higher National Diploma in Health & Safety
Introduction
Health and Safety is primarily focused on the welfare of people at work. It is also concerned with safely managing the work environment. It has become a major concern for society. New legislation and regulation at Irish and European level has created many new employment opportunities.
This course has been designed to help learners develop an expertise in health and safety; understand relevant legislation; identify various hazards in the workplace and learn how to manage these risks.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are employed as safety professionals across a range of occupational settings:
- Transport
- Construction/Mining
- Local Authorities
- Electronics & Manufacturing
- Medical Sector
- Safety/Environmental Consultancy Companies
- Public Service
- Self-employment
- Services Sector
Graduates with previous degree qualifications may combine this qualification for career enhancement.
Course Structure
Year 1 – Higher National Certificate
Core Elements
- Insurance 1
- Environmental Hazards
- Safety and Health Legislation
- Employment Law
- Human Resource Management
- Organisational and Industrial Behaviour
- Construction Studies 1
- Construction Studies 2
- Anatomy/Physiology and Health/Hygiene
- Epidemiology and Waste Management
Year 2 – Higher National Diploma
Core Elements
- Risk Management
- Insurance 2
- Human Factors in Health & Safety
- Workplace Safety Systems
- Facilities Project Management
- Environmental Management
| Course Code | HS1 (first year) HS2 (second year) |
| Duration | 2 years – full time September to May |
| Number of places | 60 in first year, 30 in second year |
| Number of contact hours per week | 25 approx |
| Timetable contact | 5 days - mornings option |
Support Elements
- Applied IT (MS Office 2007)
- Study Skills
- Career Advice and CV Preparation
- Enterprise Workshop
Assessment and Certification
- The course is examined through continuous assessment incorporating assignments and exams.
- This two year course is certified by BTEC/EDEXCEL.
- Learners must pass all 10 first year subjects to be awarded the BTEC Higher National Certificate in Health and Safety – Year 1.
- Learners must pass all 16 subjects to be awarded the BTEC Higher National Diploma in Health and Safety – Year 2.
- Insurance is certified by the Insurance Institute of Ireland.
- Applied IT is certified by FETAC.
- Graduates who sucessfully complete the Diploma and have 5 years experience (at a suitable level) in a health and safety role are eligible to apply for Technician membership (TechIOSH) with IOSH. IOSH is the world's largest professional health and safety organisation.
Progression
Education/Training
Graduates may progress to the:
Entry Requirements
Year 1
It is advisable that applicants have either experience at Further/Higher Education or have suitable employment experience.
Mature Students (including VTOS and BTEA)
Applicants without these entry requirements will be considered on the basis of age, experience and overall demonstrable ability.
Other equivalent qualifications will be considered. Learners wishing to transfer from similar courses should contact the College to determine suitability.
Applications will be accepted from learners who have achieved FETAC awards.
All applicants will have an advisory meeting to offer guidance and to ensure course suitability. Applicants will also be advised on course costs and registration details.
Year 2
- Applicants must have successfully completed year 1 or equivalent.
Fees
There are no tuition fees for EU students. At course commencement, students are required to pay for books, exams, a College registration fee and where applicable professional body registration fees.