Health and safety courses in UNISA 2024: exams, requirements, diploma
Are you a student who wishes to further their studies? If that is the case, the University of South Africa is one of the institutions that you should consider enrolling in. It offers a wide range of programmes. One of the most lucrative options that you could go for is the health and safety courses at UNISA.
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Are you passionate about health matters and would like to bring a change to the South African industries by enforcing safety measures? It is important to note that there are different courses you could pursue to be professionally qualified for the posts. How about having insight into the Occupational Health and Safety courses at UNISA to evaluate which programme suits you best?
Health and safety courses at UNISA
Occupational Health and Safety is a critical field that ensures the well-being of workers by preventing workplace accidents and illnesses. UNISA offers a variety of courses in this domain, from short courses to diplomas, aimed at both beginners and professionals looking to enhance their qualifications.
You could consider choosing these options if you are looking forward to studying any health and safety management course at UNISA.
Occupational Health and Safety Law I (OHS101S)
This is a diploma programme offered at the University of South Africa. It provides students with the basics, competence, and required research skills for health and safety law.
The course also looks forward to equipping learners with the necessary legislation regarding health and safety matters. Learners are also taught about the eligibility of compensation for occupational diseases and injuries and the relevance of employment insurance.
The course prepares learners on how to effectively execute their roles as managers and supervisors in charge of safety, both in the scientific aspect and the professional basis.
Professionally, the programme targets grooming aspirant managers, supervisors, shop stewards, safety managers, occupational hygienists and training officials.
Requirements for Occupational Health and Safety course at UNISA (Law I)
For you to be admitted to this course, you are required to have attained the following requirements:
- Own a National Senior Certificate. If you do not have the certificate, you are required to at least have attained the equivalent qualification.
This course lasts twelve months. Students are required to take formative assessment tests and assignments to ensure they attain their certificate. A score of at least 50% is the minimum qualification for a certificate. This programme is offered at NFQ level 5. English is the official language for teaching.
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Occupational Health and Safety Law IIA
This is the second level in the chain of Occupational Health and Safety UNISA. It is offered at the diploma level under the sixth level of NQF.
The purpose of the course is the same as that of Occupational Health and Safety Law I. The one thing that makes this level an added advantage is that it offers a distance learning option.
To graduate from this course, students must pass all the modules. The university advises learners to pick the number of modules they are sure they can handle.
Occupational Health and Safety Law III
This is the third option in the list of UNISA short courses on health and safety. Teaching is delivered in English. It is offered under the NQF level 6.
Safety management UNISA
This is a safety officer course at UNISA offered at the national diploma level, NQF level 6. The purpose of the programme is to groom learners who will be able to run safety management programmes in big enterprises.
National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety courses at UNISA
This UNISA Safety Management course is offered at NQF level 6. The university has stipulated a set of requirements that learners should fulfil for them to be admitted into the programme. These requirements include:
- A National Senior Certificate or any other equivalent higher certificate. A learner could also use their diploma endorsement if it meets the following demands: a score of not less than 40% in Mathematics, a score of not less than 50% in the language that was used during learning and not less than 60% in Mathematics literacy.
- If a learner is going to rely on their National Senior Certificate, the certificate should meet the following requirements: a score of not less than 40% in Mathematics and a score of not less than 50% in the preferred language of teaching.
- Learners could also rely on their level 4 National Senior Certificate. However, they are required to meet the following requirements: hold a diploma endorsement, have a score of not less than 40% in Mathematics, not less than 60% in Mathematics literacy, and not less than 60% in the preferred language of learning.
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Is there a SAMTRAC course in UNISA?
UNISA offers various short courses in safety management, including SAMTRAC (Safety Management Training and Resource Centre) accredited programs. The fees for these courses vary depending on the duration and content.
How long does it take to study Occupational Health and Safety in South Africa?
The duration of OHS studies varies according to the qualification level:
- Short courses often last six months to a year
- Higher certificates last two years
- Diplomas last two to three years
- Bachelor's degrees last four years
Which college can you study Occupational Health and Safety in South Africa?
While UNISA is a prominent institution offering OHS courses, other colleges and universities across South Africa provide similar programs. Some popular options include:
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Technikons and FET colleges
What is the best qualification for Occupational Health and Safety?
The best qualification for Occupational Health and Safety depends on your career goals:
- Certificate: This is suitable for entry-level OHS roles.
- Higher certificate: It provides a solid foundation for safety officers and supervisors.
- Diploma: Prepares individuals for managerial positions in OHS.
- SAMTRAC certification: Recommended for professionals seeking international recognition and advanced knowledge in safety management.
If you wish to pursue a career in health and safety management, consider taking any of the courses above. For clarification regarding the fees charged for the health and safety courses at UNISA, consider reviewing the university's website or inquiring from the school through their contact details.
Briefly.co.za recently published a list of higher certificate courses at UNISA and their requirements. Higher certificates, like other post-matric studies, equip students with the skills needed for a particular career. They are also a stepping stone to preferred higher education studies, and students no longer need to repeat matric to gain entry.
Qualifications also come in handy for qualified students who miss out on university registration. You can enrol for a higher certificate instead of waiting for the next application window or taking a different course.
Source: Briefly News
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Adrianna Simwa (Lifestyle writer) Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Briefly.co.za, where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years. She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media. Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020. In 2023, Adrianna finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her through her email: adriannasimwa@gmail.com
