The University of Queensland occupational health and safety science students spend a lot of time in the field, and industry placements are an important part of the programs.
Just ask Wesley Ho, who is in his third year of studying the Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety Science (Honours) at UQ in Brisbane, Australia.
Wesley Ho studies Occupational Health and Safety Science at the University of Queensland, Australia
“I have been pleasantly surprised by the quantity and quality of opportunities in the program so far,” he said.
The University of Queensland is one of the world’s top 100 ranked universities, and UQ’s Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety Science (Honours) is unique in Australia.
The program combines a strong scientific focus with industry experience in a multidisciplinary program incorporating science, health, psychology, law and management.
There is currently a shortage of well-qualified occupational health and safety professionals, particularly those with an undergraduate degree based on a sound background in the physical, behavioural, psycho-social and life sciences.
That’s why UQ’s graduates are in high demand with excellent employment opportunities and high starting salaries.
Wesley believes that the numerous work site visits conducted during the course have benefited his learning.
“I have been given the opportunity to observe concepts taught in the lectures applied to real organisations such as the BP oil refinery, and the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, Australia.”
Through his $30,000 scholarship with Xstrata Coal, New South Wales and vacation work at the Tahmoor Colliery, Wesley has already experienced occupational health and safety activities in the mining industry.
“I have been involved in training workers, mine inspections, and writing procedures and management system components.”
For Wesley, his experience so far has reaffirmed why he chose to study the Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety (Honours) at The University of Queensland.
“I wanted to study something related to science and to have a profession which was meaningful,” he said.
“Being able to keep people safe and healthy addresses both of these.”
Senior lecturer in Occupational Health and Safety Science Cassie Madigan said employers saw the alignment between environmental management and occupational health and safety (OHS) as an attractive component of UQ’s undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Senior lecturer in Occupational Health and Safety Science Dr Margaret Cook said OHS was about identifying, analysing and preventing workplace injury, illness and fatality.
“Globally, more than 2 million people die each year from work-related accidents and diseases, and millions more are injured or become ill,” Dr Cook said.
UQ’s Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety Science (Honours), was the first accredited undergraduate OHS degree in Australia, enabling graduates to improve the health and well-being of workers.
Dr Cook said both the Bachelor and Masters programs enabled students to learn from some of the leading OHS experts in Australia.
The programs had developed in response to industry demands, ensuring that graduates had the practical skills and knowledge for a rewarding career.
“Our graduates are highly qualified professionals who are in demand with a wealth of jobs opportunities across Australia and internationally,” she said.
“OHS qualifications open doors in diverse industries such as agriculture, construction, mining, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, tourism and transport.”
Find out more about studying Occupational Health and Safety Science at UQ, and watch this video for information about the Master of Occupational Health and Safety Science.
For further information, visit the School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management website or contact an International Student Advisor, Phone: Outside Australia: + 61 3 8676 7004 or within Australia (Free Call): 1800 671 980
Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety Science (Honours) CRICOS Code 078842B
Master of Occupational Health and Safety Science CRICOS Code 077534M
Online Enquiries: www.uq.edu.au/international/enquiry