Master of Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management

Course information for - 2026 entry

Duration
1.5 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fees (first year)*

$25192 Fee-paying

Start dates
ACU Term 1 , ACU Term 2 , ACU Term 3, ACU Term 4

Overview

This degree provides you with advanced technical competencies in occupational health, safety and environmental management theory and practice. The twelve units will prepare you for a management-level position in the industry. 

By studying this fully online course you’ll gain the educational requirements to seek certification as an OHS professional and you may be eligible for free membership to the Australian Institute of Health and Safety. The course is fully accredited by the Australian OHS Education Accreditation Board (AOHSEAB). 

The Master of Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management delivers distinct, but integrated, units taught by practitioner academics, so you can develop your skills with true industry perspective. All our units are embedded with the United Nations sustainable goals and you will have flexibility in your choice of electives, including an option to undertake a research project under supervision.

A graduate certificate and graduate diploma in occupational health, safety and environmental management are available as awards for this course.

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing ACU Term 1

  • OHSE Specified UnitsOHSE602Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental Management Systems10.0 cp
  • OHSE Specified UnitsOHSE612Occupational Health and Wellbeing10.0 cp
  • OHSE Specified UnitsOHSE601Principles of OHSE Management10.0 cp
  • OHSE Specified UnitsOHSE603Physical Hazards in Occupational Environments10.0 cp
  • OHSE Specified UnitsOHSE611Improving OHSE Performance

    (Pre: OHSE601 & OHSE602)

    10.0 cp
  • OHSE Specified UnitsBUSN617Research Methods10.0 cp
  • OHSE Specified UnitsOHSE604Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental Law in Practice

    (Pre: OHSE601)

    10.0 cp
  • OHSE Elective UnitsOHSE Elective UnitsBUSN603 Corporate Governance and Risk Management OR OHSE Elective UnitsMGMT638 Ethical Leadership OR OHSE Elective UnitsBUSN618 Research Project

    BUSN603: (Inc: MGMT646), BUSN618: ((Pre: BUSN617) (Inc: BUSN601, MGMT618, MGMT655, OHSE688))

    10.0 cp

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Commencing ACU Term 2

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Commencing ACU Term 3

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Commencing ACU Term 4

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Graduate statement

Insight

As a graduate of MOHSEM at ACU, you possess professional and practical insights grounded on your role as a proactive safety leader, responsible environmental steward, and a lifelong learner. You embrace evolving industry best practices and regulatory changes through critical self-reflection and autonomous professional development. You continuously seek to pursue evidence-based solutions and ethical practices, guided by principles of fairness, equality, and respect for all stakeholders and the environment.

Empathy

As a graduate of MOHSEM at ACU, you value the health, safety, and diverse needs of all individuals and communities. This understanding stems from a thoughtful and emphatetic consideration of the stakeholders and thecommunity. You are committed to achieve collaboration and democratic engagement to the community that you belong and serve. You have an awareness of Indigenous perspectives on land management, consultation and sustainability and engage respectfully in culturally diverse workplaces. You connect with workers, communities, and regulatory bodies, ensuring that OHS and environmental practices uphold human dignity and cultural values.

Imagination

As a graduate of MOHSEM at ACU, you continuously seek for innovative ideas to proactively address OHS and environmental challenges. You critically evaluate diverse data sources to develop creative and practical solutions for issues including hazard control, risk mitigation, and environmental protection. You utilise critical and creative thinking to make informed decisions and promote a culture of safety and sustainability. You recognise the crucial role of innovation grounded on research and supported by data in developing safer workplaces and environmentally responsible practices for a better future for all.

Impact

As a graduate of MOHSEM at ACU, you actively contribute to OHS practice with focused on social and environmental sustainable practices, underpinned by a dedication to human well-being and the common good. You drive positive change through collaborative safety initiatives and effective communication of OHS and environmental strategies to diverse workforces, organisations, and communities, both locally and globally. You strive to make meaningful impact on your profession by fostering safer, healthier, and more sustainable work environments.

AQF framework

Masters (Coursework) - AQF Level 9

Exit Points

A student who has completed the requirements prescribed for the Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management or Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management may exit from the course with the relevant award.

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites:

  1. Bachelor degree in a related discipline; or
  2. Bachelor degree in a different discipline and evidence of two years industry experience; or
  3. Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health Safety and Environmental Management.

International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admissions Rules.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2026 Admission.

Applicants with higher education study

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.

You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.

Search our credit database

Learn more about recognition of prior learning

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$25192 Fee-paying

*This is an indicative first-year fee based on the tuition fee rates for a full-time student, using unit enrolment data from domestic students who studied the course in the previous year.

A student’s annual fee will vary depending on factors including:

  • Number of units studied per year
  • Choice of major or specialisation
  • Elective units

The University reviews fees annually.

You can view current course costs and domestic tuition fee rates by unit.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support. 

Explore your options 

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.  

Search our scholarships  

Apply for this course

ACU Online Applicants

Staff Profile

Associate Professor Trajce Cvetkovski

Associate Professor OHSE Discipline Leader and Course Coordinator

Dr Trajce Cvetkovski is an Associate Professor and Discipline Leader of OHSE. He has practised as a barrister in Australia since 1996 and is also admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales. Prior to joining ACU, Dr Cvetkovski was an OHS/WHS prosecutor, and Principal Legal Officer for Queensland’s Office of Industrial Relations for 13 years. He specialises in OHSE compliance and work, health and safety regulation.

Dr Cvetkovski has prosecuted several complex health and safety matters ranging from heat exhaustion, bullying, and electrical safety to reckless conduct. He has expertise in assessing actual as opposed to theoretical approaches to reasonably practicable initiatives in various workplace settings.

Dr Cvetkovski has a particular interest in directors’ duties and due diligence. His current research interests include corporate behaviour and regulatory compliance. Prior to working in government, Dr Cvetkovski worked in private practice.

Testimonial

Nathan Sewell

"I've enjoyed the course and being guided and challenged by lecturers who have a wealth of OHSE experience and knowledge across numerous industries. The lecturers and tutors have been excellent at making themselves available. I'm using the skills and knowledge learned through this course to develop my organisation's national safety record and reputation within its industry. Together with my team, we have substantially improved our organisation’s safety record and subsequently reduced associated costs and premiums. OHSE is always growing and changing. An expanding organisation, such as the one I am currently with, will continually present itself with new and exciting opportunities to match my own development. No matter where I end up, I am confident my skills, experiences and qualifications will greatly benefit those around me."

Nathan Sewell
ACU Graduate, Master of OHSEM

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