What are the Unisa Health And Safety Courses?
The University of South Africa (Unisa) offers a comprehensive selection of health and safety courses catered to individuals at various stages of their careers.
Whether you’re seeking foundational knowledge, aiming to become a qualified safety practitioner, or upskilling in a specific area, Unisa has a program designed to meet your needs.
What qualifications do I need for a health and safety course at Unisa?
Entry requirements for Unisa’s health and safety courses vary depending on the specific program you choose.
Generally, a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a matric pass is required.
Some qualifications might have additional prerequisites, such as specific mathematics or science courses at the NSC level.
It’s advisable to consult the official Unisa website for the most up-to-date admission requirements for each course.
What are the types of Unisa Health and Safety Courses available?
Unisa’s health and safety course portfolio encompasses qualifications and short courses.
Qualifications are comprehensive programs leading to formal certifications recognized in the South African workplace environment.
Short courses, on the other hand, provide focused learning modules on specific health and safety aspects.
These some of the primary Unisa health and safety course categories:
- National Diploma: Safety Management (NDSMN): This discontinued qualification (only available to previously registered students) equipped graduates with the competency to manage safety programs in medium to large enterprises. It covered risk management, safety legislation, and auditing principles.
- Occupational Health and Safety Law I (OHS101S): This module forms the cornerstone of health and safety education at Unisa. It imparts fundamental knowledge on occupational health and safety legislation, encompassing areas like occupational injuries, health and safety on mines, and unemployment insurance.
- Certificate Course in Occupational Health and Safety Act 1993 (OHSM02K): This short course delves specifically into the intricacies of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) 1993. It empowers participants with a thorough understanding of their rights and obligations concerning workplace safety as stipulated by the act.
- Safety Management Modules: Unisa offers various modules under the Safety Management umbrella. These modules explore specialized topics like safety aspects of health and hygiene, hazard testing and evaluation, and safety auditing principles. Learners can choose individual modules based on their specific needs and interests.
Can I study health and safety at Unisa online?
Yes. Unisa is renowned for its robust distance learning model, making it an ideal choice for working professionals or individuals seeking flexible study options.
All health and safety courses are delivered through this mode, allowing you to learn at your own pace and convenience.
What is the National Diploma: Safety Management about?
The NDSMN equips graduates with the competence to implement and manage comprehensive safety programs.
The curriculum covers various aspects of safety management, including risk assessment, accident investigation, safety auditing, and occupational health principles.
This qualification prepares learners for potential registration with the Board of Registration for Occupational Health, Safety and Associated Professionals (BOHSRP) as Occupational Safety Practitioners, subject to meeting additional requirements set by the board.
Is the NDSMN still offered at Unisa?
The National Diploma: Safety Management program is no longer accepting new registrations.
However, students already enrolled in the program can continue their studies and complete the qualification.
Unisa offers alternative qualifications in health and safety, so it’s recommended to explore their website for current program options.
Career options after completing a health and safety course at Unisa
Unisa’s health and safety courses open doors to various exciting career paths.
Depending on the qualification you obtain, you could pursue roles such as:
- Safety Officer
- Health and Safety Advisor
- Risk Assessor
- Loss Prevention Specialist
- Environmental Health and Safety Manager
The knowledge and skills gained from these programs are valuable assets in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, mining, and healthcare.