Postgraduate Certificate in Occupational Medicine
Validated by University of Buckingham
Elevate your expertise and become a trusted authority in safeguarding workplace health and well-being with our comprehensive occupational medicine certification online. In today's dynamic work environment, the demand for skilled occupational medicine professionals is higher than ever before.
Our occupational medicine certification online is meticulously designed to equip you with advanced knowledge and practical skills tailored to address the diverse health challenges encountered in industries worldwide. From identifying and mitigating occupational hazards to spearheading health promotion initiatives, you'll emerge prepared to create safer, healthier work environments that benefit both employees and organisations.
Upon successful completion of our occupational medicine certification online, you'll emerge as a qualified occupational medicine practitioner ready to tackle diverse roles such as advisor, consultant, and manager. Lead advancements in workplace health, contribute to policy development, and ensure the well-being of workforces globally.
Here's why our occupational medicine certification online stands out:
- Learn from leading experts in the field, including experienced practitioners and academic scholars, who bring real-world insights and cutting-edge research into the classroom. Gain a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical knowledge and practical applications, positioning you as a go-to authority in modern workplaces.
- Our part-time PGCert offers the flexibility to balance your studies with existing professional commitments. The entirely online coursework allows you to learn at your own pace, empowering you to advance your career without disrupting your work-life balance.
- Our programme is tailored for primary care professionals, including general practitioners, specialist nurses, and pharmacists. Whether you're looking to enhance your existing skills or transition into a new role, our PGCert provides the expertise and credibility you need to excel.
- With a shorter completion time, our Level 7 PGCert allows you to earn a postgraduate-level qualification sooner, positioning you for higher earning potential and career advancement opportunities.
Next Intake
1st September 2025
Apply By
29th August 2025
Commitment
Part time
Format
100% online
Duration
6 months
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Curriculum
Our occupational medicine certification online allows you to study for just six months and is a part-time, distance-learning course. The course is worth 60 credits and comprises three modules of 20 credits, each running over a period of six weeks.Year 1
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.
Course Fees & Payment Options
Course Fees
- Deposit for 1st September 2025: £400 †
- Total Course Fees (UK & International) for 1st September 2025: £2,400 ††
Payment Options
- Option 1: Upfront payment in full (discount available).
- Option 2: Interest-free monthly payments throughout the course.
Payment Plan Breakdown
Postgraduate Certificate
| Deposit | 5 Monthly Payments |
| £400 † | £400 |
Total payments: £2,400
Additional Financing
Spread the cost with Lendwise, who offer financing options for up to 8 years. ††††
† Deposits are non-refundable
†† Prices are subject to review following each intake
†††† Subject to eligibility criteria.
Entry requirements
Since our courses are 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 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 overall score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. The University of Buckingham run a number of English Language Programmes at the Centre for International English to prepare you for your academic studies. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@diploma-msc.com for more information on the qualifications we accept.
Should you have already successfully completed the 1 year Postgraduate Diploma and wish to convert to the MSc and complete only the second year of the programme this is possible. Please contact our admissions department admissions@diploma-msc.com to find out more.
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...
Partners
University of Buckingham
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.
All of our courses are delivered in English, so proficiency in the English language is essential for success. If English is not your first language, we require proof of competency as part of your application. We accept the following as proof of English Language skills:
We Accept a Range of English Language Qualifications
While IELTS and TOEFL are among the most commonly used English tests, we understand that students come from diverse backgrounds — and we’re happy to work with you to accept a wide range of other recognised English language qualifications.
We accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Our most commonly accepted test, IELTS is globally recognised and widely used for university admissions.
We accept TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Another widely accepted test, TOEFL assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in an academic setting.
We accept English Medium of Instruction (EMI) Letters
Many of our international students provide an EMI (English Medium Instruction) letter from their previous institution. This letter should confirm that you were taught in the medium of English. It is a popular and widely accepted form of proof, especially if you have completed prior academic studies in English.
Our University partners Requirements
The University of South Wales and The University of Wolverhampton accept an overall score of 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 for each band) and The University of Buckingham accepts an overall score of 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 for each band).
Our Flexible Instalment Plan is designed to offer ultimate flexibility to pay for your programme. You have the choice of two payment options:
Make an Upfront Payment in Full: For those who prefer to settle their fees upfront, you can pay the full amount at the beginning of your programme.
Interest-Free Payments: Alternatively, you can choose to spread your payments out with interest-free instalments every other month for the duration of your course.
These options are separate from our existing lending partners, which you can explore further on our programme pages. We believe that education should be accessible to all, and our Flexible Instalment Plan is just one of the ways we are committed to supporting you in your academic journey.
We currently offer two discounts: the Early Bird Discount and the Action Taker Discount. The Early Bird discount allows you to save up to £500 or more, available only to self-funders and is a limited-time offer that runs for the entirety of November for the March cohort or the entirety of May for the September cohort. Our Action Taker Discount allows you to save up to £150 off for PGCert and £250 off for PGDip/2-year MSc programmes. To qualify for Action Takers, 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.
For Early Bird Discounts, the discount is visible if your application and acceptance are completed within the required timeframe. For Action Taker Discounts, it will reflect once conditions are met.
Who is this course for?
Our occupational medicine certification 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 occupational medicine courses 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.
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!
Students are required to critically analyse clinically focused case-based scenarios, discussion threads and weekly questions posed by their tutors via the Academic Forum (an online discussion board) and designed to meet the module learning outcomes. Here, students make their own researched and referenced contributions and interact with the tutor and their fellow students. There is no didactic teaching, instead, students are posed questions and prompted to search the literature, read it critically and respond. Engagement is encouraged by the tutor prompting students to respond and the use of automated activity monitoring software.
At the end of each module, the tutor allocates marks to each student based on a marking rubric. The rubric takes into account the following elements:
· Promptness and initiative
· Delivery of post (spelling and grammar)
· The relevance of post and referencing
· Expression within the post
The online reflective journal is a learning portfolio that requires the students to record and critically reflect on their learning. Reflection is an important aspect of the programme as the professionals will be able to spend time considering how their practice compares to the themes being discussed in the module. The tutor provides regular feedback to the student and marks it at the end of the module.
Reflective practice is a requirement for healthcare professionals for both professional re-validation and professional development.
The group activity is designed to stimulate and test the students’ ability to work as a team in taking the subject area forward. A group task is set, the group elects a leader using the online forum (designed to put leadership skills into practice) and the leader allocates tasks to group members.
The leader is responsible for managing, collating and submitting the activity (online) at the end of the module. The tutor provides formative guidance part way through the module and marks the assessment at the end.
Examples of individual activities might include either a written assignment, poster, blog or social media project.
All students must complete the same assignment for each module that is predetermined by the programme Leader before the modules commence. Students are not provided with an option to choose.
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.