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Programmes

Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (NEW)

Higher Diploma in Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (NEW)

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Programme Code

  • HP825 Year 1 & 2, Higher Diploma (HD)

 

Phone 3762 0072　　Email hdosheenquiry@hkuspace.hku.hk

 

“Step into the Profession of Occupational Safety, Health and Environment”

A safe, healthy and sustainable workplace is fundamental to every industry in Hong Kong. As organisations place increasing focus on legal compliance, risk management and ESG performance, the demand for trained professionals in Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) continues to grow across construction, property management, logistics, manufacturing and many other sectors. Building a strong foundation of knowledge and practical skills helps pave the way for a future career in the safety field.

 

Programme Aims and Features 

Programme Aims:

To provide a comprehensive curriculum in Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) to equip students to undertake basic OSHE professional tasks and pursue relevant professional qualifications upon graduation. It emphasises practical applications of the professional and specialised knowledge and skills in OSHE.

 

On completion of the programme, students should be able to​:

  • Communicate ideas in a manner appropriate to the circumstance using English and Chinese languages (oral and written) in social and academic contexts;
  • Use information technology and quantitative/ numerical skills to manage information and solve daily life problems;
  • Articulate the fundamental concepts and principles of Occupational Safety, Health and Environment;
  • Identify and assess problems and issues relating to Occupational Safety, Health and Environment;
  • Apply technical knowledge, skills and techniques to deal with practical problems in Occupational Safety, Health and Environment in compliance with safety, health and environmental legislation;
  • Design organisational Occupational Safety, Health and Environment management policies, practices and systems; and
  • Identify and solve problems proactively and effectively in both daily and occupational contexts through self-reflection.

 

Job Placement  

Through job placements in safety related organisations, students are able to gain exposure in the industry and prepare for a career in the sector. Students have placement opportunities to practice in reputable companies in the relevant fields.

 

Opportunities for Further Studies

Graduates are eligible to apply for admission to Bachelor's degree programme in occupational safety and health, environmental, engineering, construction and built environment related disciplines offered by local or overseas universities.

 

Professional Recognition

Recognised by the Labour department for Registration as Safety Officer. (Subject to Labour Department Approval)

 

Career Prospects

Graduates can take up junior positions in occupational safety and health, environmental management and construction safety, such as safety supervisors, environmental officer, health and safety officer in construction companies, public utilities, transportation companies and government departments.

Graduates may also work in technical support roles involving safety and risk management and environmental monitoring. 

  • Obtain Level 2 or above in 5 subjects^*§ including English Language and Chinese Language# in the HKDSE Examination; OR
  • Hold a recognised Diploma in Foundation Studies programme; OR
  • Hold a Diploma of Applied Education / Diploma Yi Jin; OR
  • Equivalent qualifications will be considered by the College.
 
Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements of the 2-year Higher Diploma Programme should apply for admission to the Diploma in Foundation Studies (DFS) programme.

 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Relevant and substantial work experience and / or prior qualifications obtained in or outside Hong Kong (e.g. assessed through recognition of prior learning and credit accumulation and transfer), with demonstrated ability to undertake sub-degree education, will be considered by the College.

 

Mature Students

Applicants who do not possess the above academic qualifications, but are aged 21 or above and with relevant work experience will be considered on individual merit.

 

^ Preference would be given to applicants who have taken science subject(s) in the HKDSE Examination.

*Applicants are allowed to use not more than 2 Applied Learning (ApL) subjects in the application. The recognition of the ApL subjects is as follows: 

“Attained with Distinction (II)” is deemed equivalent to Level 4 or above;
“Attained with Distinction (I)” is deemed equivalent to Level 3; and 
“Attained” is deemed equivalent to Level 2 in the HKDSE Examination.

#ApL Chinese (for non-Chinese speaking students) would be accepted as an alternative Chinese Language qualification.

§ If one of the five HKDSE subjects is Citizenship and Social Development, the requirement will be “Attained” for the subject.

Effective from 2027-28 Academic Year:

 

Higher Diploma Year 1

  • Introduction to Academic English
  • English for Academic Purposes I
  • Information Technology Fundamentals
  • Elementary Statistics
  • Fundamentals of Occupational Safety, Health and Environment
  • Building Technology and Maintenance
  • General Principles of Law
  • Safety and Health Legislation and Applications
  • Occupational Hygiene I
  • Introduction to Safety Management

 

Higher Diploma Year 2

  • Practical Chinese*
  • English for Academic Purposes II
  • English for Business
  • Intra- and Interpersonal Competencies / Internship
  • Occupational Hygiene II
  • Safety Technologies
  • Introduction to Health Management
  • Introduction to Environmental Management
  • Basics of Environmental Pollution
  • Environmental Change and Health

 

Graduation Requirements

To be awarded a Higher Diploma in Occupational Safety, Health and Environment, students should:

  • obtain 60 credits (i.e. 240 QF credits) of courses as prescribed in the Years 1 & 2 curricula of the programme for which they are registered;
  • achieve a Cumulative GPA of 1.7 or above;
  • obtain Grade C- or above in all core English courses; and
  • obtain a pass for the course “CCSA8004 – China’s Development, Hong Kong and the National Security Law”.

 

Award

Successful completion of this programme leads to the "Higher Diploma in Occupational Safety, Health and Environment" awarded within the HKU system through HKU SPACE.

 

The College reserves the right to make modifications to individual courses on a need basis.

* Non-Chinese speaking students or students who have not received sufficient training in the Chinese language may apply for exemption from the Chinese course(s), and alternative courses may be assigned.

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