Occupational Health Practice Certificate of Credit

Course Highlights

• 20-week online course covering the foundations of occupational health practice across a range of workplace settings
• Explore the relationship between work and health using a public health approach
• Build skills in assessment, consultation, case management and report writing
• Learn to support diverse and vulnerable working populations through inclusive, person-centred care
• Study flexibly online while continuing in your professional role
• Gain academic credit that can contribute towards the Occupational Health Practice Postgraduate Diploma

Develop the knowledge and skills to promote and protect health and wellbeing in the workplace

Occupational health practitioners work and lead care in a range of sectors, delivering services that enhance the health and wellbeing of individuals and organisations.

This Certificate of Credit in Occupational Health Practice is a 40-credit, level 7 course designed to support you in developing the knowledge and skills required to practise effectively in occupational health settings.

The course is drawn from a module with the Occupational Health Practice Postgraduate Diploma. You will explore the reciprocal relationship between work and health, and how occupational health professionals promote safe, healthy and inclusive workplaces. A public health approach underpins the course, enabling you to contribute to the prevention of work-related ill health and to support wider health and wellbeing strategies.

The course also focuses on developing your ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively with employers, employees and multidisciplinary teams. You will learn to deliver person-centred care that is informed by current evidence, policy and legislation, while recognising the needs of a diverse workforce.

Who this course is for

This course is suitable for registered healthcare professionals who are:

• Working in, or aspiring to work in, occupational health
• Looking to develop their knowledge of workplace health and wellbeing
• Seeking continuing professional development in this area

You will study one 40 credit module called Foundations of Occupational Health, over two 10-week trimesters.

The course covers:

• The relationship between work and health, including worklessness
• Holistic health assessment, including psychological assessment, screening and health surveillance
• Occupational health law and policy
• Risk identification and management using the hierarchy of control
• Workplace health needs assessment using a public health approach
• Toxicology, occupational hygiene and workplace hazards
• Mental health and wellbeing at work, including neurodiversity
• The role of the occupational health practitioner
• Supporting vulnerable workers and promoting inclusive care
• Professional, legal and ethical perspectives in occupational health practice
• Case management, consultation skills, history taking and report writing
• Quality, governance and multidisciplinary working in occupational health services

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

You will study online through flexible learning designed to fit around your professional role. Learning activities may include:

• Structured online learning materials, including multimedia resources and guided activities
• Self-directed study tasks and knowledge checks
• Live online sessions such as webinars, tutorials and group discussions
• Case-based learning activities relevant to Occupational Health practice

Pace of study

The course is completed over two 10-week trimesters. You should expect to commit approximately 20 hours of study per week when undertaking 20-credits over each 10-week trimester.

How you will be assessed

Assessment is designed to reflect occupational health practice and may include:

• Written essay on occupational health principles and communication
• A video production on holistic and equitable occupational health provision

Student support and guidance

Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals. There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:

• Library
• Health and Wellbeing Centre
• Careers and Employability Service
• IT Support
• Union of Students
• Develop@Derby for study, personal and employability skills

All these services, and more, are available to you as an online student at the University of Derby.

On completion, you will be better equipped to support workplace health initiatives, deliver person-centred occupational health care, and contribute to healthier, more inclusive working environments.

This course can also contribute towards further study, including the Occupational Health Practice Postgraduate Diploma.

Applicants must:

• Be a registered professional (e.g., nurse, midwife, allied health professional or doctor) with relevant professional registration

Other suitably qualified practitioners capable of safe and effective practice (such as experienced Occupational Health Technicians) may be considered at the discretion of the Programme Leader.

In addition, you must have:

• A Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree or
• A Diploma/Advanced Diploma with additional level 6 (undergraduate) study within the past five years

For Nurses without a current BSc, entry at postgraduate level is enabled through completion of the BSc (Hons) Occupational Health Nursing (Top-Up) degree.

English language qualifications

If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need an English language qualification equivalent to a minimum IELTS (International English Language Testing System) average score of 6.5 in all areas.

Find out more about our English language requirements

^‡2026/27 for new entrants

Starting between September 2026 and August 2027.

About your fees

Prices are correct for the year of entry shown. These are subject to annual increase in subsequent academic years.

Flexible payment plan available

• Pay monthly for the course that you are studying

Contact us

Contact the University of Derby Online Learning: