Professional Risk and Safety Management (Degree Apprenticeship) MSc

Program Overview

This unique degree apprenticeship in Professional Risk and Safety Management combines work-based learning with academic study, equipping apprentices with the knowledge and skills to become fully competent risk and safety professionals. Through a blended learning approach, apprentices gain practical experience while developing their theoretical knowledge and professional skills, preparing them for a variety of careers in the field of risk and safety management.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• This unique degree apprenticeship is the only one of its kind in London and the South East, focusing on Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental or Occupational Safety, Health and Well-being Management.
• Small class sizes allow for deeper discussion and personal attention, fostering a thriving learning environment.
• Guest lecturers offer insights into emerging areas of importance.
• Apprentices receive a free electronic textbook for every module, enhancing their learning experience.

Objectives:

• Equip apprentices with the knowledge, skills, professional behaviors, and values required by the nationally approved MSc Apprenticeship Standard in Risk and Safety.
• Enable apprentices to become fully competent risk and safety professionals, prepared to meet the demands of the field.

Program Description:

This program combines work-based learning with academic study, providing a comprehensive and practical approach to risk and safety management. Apprentices will gain valuable experience while developing their theoretical knowledge and professional skills.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Philosophy and Leadership of Occupational Safety and Health Improvement (45 credits): Explores management, leadership, partnership, policy, and legal principles in occupational health and safety.
Develops skills in risk assessment, risk management, accident investigation, and safety improvement initiatives.
• Occupational Hygiene and Health (15 credits): Examines the identification, control, and management of workplace hazardous agents.
Integrates concepts of healthy workplaces, health and wellbeing into occupational health and safety practice.
• Professional Practice (0 credits): Develops professional practice skills, fosters reflection on professional experience, and links academic learning to professional organizations.

Year 2:

• Management of Work Place Safety (15 credits): Provides an overview of risk management in the context of workplace, work environment, and work equipment safety.
Focuses on risks arising from physical and organizational aspects of the workplace.
• Health and Safety within High Risk Industries (15 credits): Enhances skills in inspection, testing, and evaluation of physical and traumatic dangers in high-risk environments.
Develops remedial and proactive risk management improvement strategies.
• Advanced Professional Practice (0 credits): Further develops professional practice skills, fostering reflection on professional experience and linking academic learning to professional organizations.

Year 3:

• Research Methods and MSc Project (60 credits): Develops research skills and conducts an original, independent investigation on a program-relevant issue.
• Factors affecting Risk and Strategic Risk Intervention (15 credits): Explores the theory and application of risk management at a strategic level, focusing on decision-making and influencing factors.
• Advanced Professional Practice (0 credits): Continues to develop professional practice skills and integrate academic learning with professional experience.

Optional Modules:

• Environmental Assessment and Management 1 (15 credits): Provides insights into environmental management within corporate responsibility, sustainability, and pollution prevention.
Focuses on global environmental trends, common pollutants, and relevant environmental practitioner requirements.
• Management of Health and Wellbeing 2 (15 credits): Examines the assessment and intervention in workplace wellbeing and its impact on societal wellbeing.
Focuses on the interface between work and external stressors, impacts on mental health and stress, and mechanisms to promote wellbeing and employee engagement.

Assessment:

Apprentices' progress is assessed through a combination of work-integrated learning evidence, including learning journals, portfolios, role-playing, work-based projects, reports, professional development plans, and a business transformation project. Additionally, an End-point Assessment (EPA) is required for all apprenticeships in England.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a blended learning approach, incorporating work-based learning and academic study.

• Work-based learning: Apprentices gain practical experience while developing their skills and knowledge under the guidance of a supervising coach.
• Academic study: Apprentices attend workshops delivered by professional practitioners and specialist staff, where they learn new academic and professional content.

Careers:

Graduates of this program can pursue a variety of careers in the field of risk and safety management, including:

• Safety and Health Officer/Practitioner in Local Authorities
• Safety and Health Environmental Health Professional in the Private Sector
• Safety and Health consultancy/auditors
• Working for government agencies such as Health and Safety Executive
• Working within non-governmental organizations

Other:

• The program is designed to enable apprentices to thrive in their studies through small class sizes and personalized attention.
• Guest lecturers contribute to the learning experience by sharing their expertise and insights into emerging areas.
• Apprentices receive a free electronic textbook for every module, enhancing their access to learning materials.