Manage OHS at organisational level
Develop the ability to review policy, management systems, objectives, performance indicators and continual improvement arrangements.
OTHM Qualifications • Ofqual Regulated • RQF Level 6
OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety
Develop advanced capability in occupational health and safety policy, management systems, risk and incident management, workplace controls, legal compliance, positive safety culture and professional practice through a regulated UK Level 6 diploma.
Course at a glance: 7 mandatory units, 60 credits, 600 TQT and 220 GLH, with assignment and portfolio-based assessment.
Qualification No. 603/5002/7 Assignment / Portfolio Pass / Fail Minimum Age 18+
PESS OTHM UK Approved Centre DC2508936 · PESS study plan: normally 6–10 months
Qualification LevelOfqual Regulated · RQF Level 6
Programme Structure7 Mandatory Units · 60 Credits
Learning Hours600 TQT · 220 GLH
PESS Approved CentreOTHM UK · DC2508936
Advanced Occupational Health & Safety Management Diploma
Ofqual Regulated RQF Level 6 60 Credits
The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety is designed for learners who have, or are developing toward, senior responsibility for health and safety policy and practice. It develops knowledge and applied capability across management systems, legal and regulatory practice, risk and incident management, workplace controls, positive safety culture and professional development.
The qualification is regulated on the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework and carries qualification number 603/5002/7. All seven units are mandatory and successful completion requires achievement of every applicable learning outcome and assessment criterion.
PESS — OTHM UK Approved Centre DC2508936
OTHM Level 6 • UK Regulated
Qualification at a Glance
Essential information about the OTHM Level 6 Diploma
Qualification No.603/5002/7
Qualification LevelRQF Level 6
Mandatory Units7 Units
Credits60 Credits
Total Qualification Time600 Hours (TQT)
Guided Learning Hours220 Hours (GLH)
AssessmentAssignment + Portfolio
GradingPass / Fail
What You Will Develop
Three connected areas of professional health and safety capability.
Control operational and legal risk
Strengthen structured hazard control, incident management, legal awareness and workplace risk-management capability.
Influence culture and professional practice
Build communication, leadership, ethical practice, worker engagement and practitioner-development capability.
UK Qualifications Framework
Understanding RQF Level 6 and Your Study Route
OTHM states that Level 6 qualifications represent knowledge, skills and capabilities assessed at the same framework level as bachelor’s degrees, honours degrees, graduate diplomas and graduate certificates. The level describes the academic standard of the learning, not a conversion of this diploma into a university degree.
Important distinction: This is a 60-credit OTHM Level 6 Diploma, not a full university bachelor’s degree.
UK RQF Qualification
06RQF
LEVEL
LEVEL
An advanced professional qualification in occupational health and safety
What You Need to Know
Four straightforward answers to help you understand the qualification before enrolling.
01
What is RQF Level 6?
Advanced degree-level academic standard. OTHM states that Level 6 qualifications represent knowledge, skills and capabilities assessed at the same framework level as bachelor’s degrees, honours degrees, graduate diplomas and graduate certificates.
02
Is it a Bachelor’s Degree?
No — it remains a Level 6 diploma. The level indicates academic challenge and complexity. The award remains an OTHM Level 6 Diploma with 60 credits; it should not be described as a complete university bachelor’s degree.
03
Who is This Qualification For?
Experienced or progressing HSE practitioners. It is most relevant to learners with prior OHS knowledge or relevant practical experience who want deeper management, regulatory, technical and leadership capability.
04
How is it Assessed?
Assignments and portfolio evidence. The qualification is criterion referenced and uses assignments and portfolio evidence rather than relying on one final written examination.
PESS Study Plan 6–10 Months (normally)
Structured Learning. Professional Progress.
The normal PESS study plan is approximately 6–10 months. Actual completion depends on registration, learner progress, assignment quality, reassessment requirements and external verification timelines.
Admissions & Eligibility
Entry Requirements & Eligibility Review
Explore the qualification and professional-experience routes for entry to the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety. PESS reviews applicant backgrounds before registration.
Minimum Age18+ Years
01
Qualification routeRelevant Prior Qualification
Applicants should normally hold a relevant NQF/QCF/RQF certificate or diploma, or an equivalent recognised qualification, covering core occupational health and safety concepts.
✓Prior academic knowledge of OHS
02
Experience routeMature Learner Experience
Mature learners over 21 with at least two years of practical experience may also be considered following centre review of their professional background.
✓Professional background reviewed by PESS
Knowledge & Professional Foundations
Required Foundation Knowledge
- Science and technology
- Legal and regulatory systems
- Workplace safety and health
- Risk and risk-management principles
Professional Foundations
- Safety and health management principles
- Occupational health and hygiene
- Occupational psychology
- IT, literacy and numeracy
English Language Competency
Where a learner is not from a majority English-speaking country, evidence of English-language competency may be required in line with OTHM expectations.
Documents for Eligibility Review
Depending on the entry route, applicants may be asked to provide:
- Identification
- Prior qualifications
- Current CV
- Employment evidence, if applicable
- English-language evidence, where applicable
PESS • OTHM UK Approved Centre DC2508936
Ready to check your eligibility?
Contact PESS for guidance on the entry route and supporting documents relevant to your background.
OTHM Level 6 Diploma • Curriculum
Seven Mandatory Course Units
Explore the seven units that make up the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety. Every unit is mandatory, and the curriculum covers management principles, applied safety practice, risk, culture, workplace controls, law and practitioner development.
All seven units must be successfully completed.
60Total credits
600Total Qualification Time (TQT)
220Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
Mandatory unit Unit reference: H/617/7539
Health and Safety Management Principles and Policy
08Credits
30 GLHGuided Learning Hours
80 TQTTotal Qualification Time
MandatoryRequired for completion
Unit Focus
Develop a critical understanding of health and safety management principles, organisational systems, objectives and policy review.
Building practical HSE knowledge and professional competence.
Key areas of study
04 learning areasManagement Systems & Objectives
Evaluate how organisations establish objectives, responsibilities and management arrangements.
Policy Development
Review policy structure, suitability, implementation and opportunities for improvement.
Performance Information
Consider recording, communication and performance-measurement systems.
Organisational Change
Understand governance, change and continual-improvement implications.
Topics covered
Mandatory unit Unit reference: Y/617/8526
Health and Safety Management Practice
10Credits
40 GLHGuided Learning Hours
100 TQTTotal Qualification Time
MandatoryRequired for completion
Unit Focus
Translate policy into planning, organising, leading, controlling, reviewing and auditing practice.
Building practical HSE knowledge and professional competence.
Key areas of study
04 learning areasPlanning & Organisation
Connect policy objectives with practical management arrangements and resources.
Leadership & Control
Explore management responsibility, operational control and worker involvement.
Performance Review
Use proactive and reactive indicators to evaluate system performance.
Audit & Wellbeing
Review audit, management review, occupational health and wellbeing considerations.
Topics covered
Mandatory unit Unit reference: Y/617/7540
Risk and Incident Management
08Credits
30 GLHGuided Learning Hours
80 TQTTotal Qualification Time
MandatoryRequired for completion
Unit Focus
Evaluate workplace risk, loss events and incidents using structured assessment, investigation and control strategies.
Building practical HSE knowledge and professional competence.
Key areas of study
04 learning areasHazard Identification
Identify hazards and select appropriate risk-evaluation approaches.
Risk Controls
Apply the hierarchy of control and evaluate control effectiveness.
Incident Investigation
Examine loss causation, evidence collection and investigation methods.
Corrective Action
Translate findings into corrective and preventive improvement actions.
Topics covered
Mandatory unit Unit reference: Y/617/8543
Promoting a Positive Health and Safety Culture
06Credits
20 GLHGuided Learning Hours
60 TQTTotal Qualification Time
MandatoryRequired for completion
Unit Focus
Understand organisational, human and leadership factors that influence behaviour, culture and safety performance.
Building practical HSE knowledge and professional competence.
Key areas of study
04 learning areasCulture & Behaviour
Explore organisational culture, behaviour and human factors.
Leadership
Evaluate leadership styles and their influence on health and safety performance.
Consultation
Consider worker consultation, participation and communication approaches.
Culture Improvement
Develop strategies for improving engagement and positive health and safety culture.
Topics covered
Mandatory unit Unit reference: R/617/9092
Maintaining a Safe Workplace Environment
12Credits
40 GLHGuided Learning Hours
120 TQTTotal Qualification Time
MandatoryRequired for completion
Unit Focus
Apply technical knowledge to control workplace, occupational health, equipment and hazardous-substance risks.
Building practical HSE knowledge and professional competence.
Key areas of study
04 learning areasWorkplace & Transport
Evaluate workplace arrangements, movement, transport and high-risk activities.
Occupational Health
Consider noise, vibration, radiation and other exposure risks.
Substances & PPE
Review hazardous substances, exposure controls and personal protective equipment.
Equipment & Emergencies
Examine machinery, fire, electrical and emergency-control arrangements.
Topics covered
Mandatory unit Unit reference: H/617/7542
Health and Safety Law, Regulation and Influence
08Credits
35 GLHGuided Learning Hours
80 TQTTotal Qualification Time
MandatoryRequired for completion
Unit Focus
Interpret legal and regulatory frameworks and evaluate how health and safety practitioners influence compliance and organisational decisions.
Building practical HSE knowledge and professional competence.
Key areas of study
04 learning areasLegal Frameworks
Understand international legal concepts, duties and organisational responsibilities.
Regulation & Enforcement
Review regulatory systems, enforcement approaches and compliance mechanisms.
Organisational Compliance
Evaluate how organisations identify, interpret and meet compliance obligations.
Professional Influence
Develop the ability to communicate, advise and influence decision-makers.
Topics covered
Mandatory unit Unit reference: K/617/7543
Development of the Health and Safety Practitioner
08Credits
25 GLHGuided Learning Hours
80 TQTTotal Qualification Time
MandatoryRequired for completion
Unit Focus
Strengthen practitioner competence, ethics, communication, leadership and continuing professional development.
Building practical HSE knowledge and professional competence.
Key areas of study
04 learning areasPractitioner Role
Evaluate professional responsibilities, competence and ethical expectations.
People Development
Consider competence assessment, training and recruitment strategies.
Communication & Influence
Strengthen professional communication and stakeholder-influencing capability.
CPD & Career Planning
Plan continuing professional development and future career progression.
Topics covered
Assessment & Quality Assurance
Assignments, Portfolio Evidence, RPL and Verification
Criterion-Referenced Assessment
Learners must demonstrate achievement of the published learning outcomes and assessment criteria. The qualification is not based on one final written examination.
AssignmentsPortfoliofeedbackIQAExternal Verification
ASSESSMENT STANDARD Learning outcomes + assessment criteria
Assignment Briefing
Understand learning outcomes, assessment criteria, evidence expectations and academic requirements.
Evidence Development
Prepare written work and appropriate portfolio evidence mapped to required criteria.
Assessment & feedback
Centre assessors make assessment decisions and provide feedback where further work is required.
Quality Assurance
Internal quality assurance and OTHM external verification help maintain assessment standards.
Recognition of Prior Learning
RPL may be considered for individual units where valid evidence demonstrates achievement of learning outcomes and assessment criteria. The complete qualification cannot be claimed solely through RPL.
Authentic Learner Work
Assignments should demonstrate the learner's own understanding, analysis, evaluation and correctly referenced evidence.
PESS Learner Support
Structured Support from Admission to Completion
Eligibility Review
Review of qualifications, experience, age, English readiness and admission evidence.
Learner Induction
Guidance on units, assessment criteria, academic integrity, policies and learner responsibilities.
Tutor Guidance
Scheduled teaching, subject explanation and guidance for applied understanding.
Academic Writing
Support with report structure, critical discussion, referencing and evidence-based conclusions.
Internal Quality Assurance
IQA sampling and standardisation help support fair and consistent assessment decisions.
Progress Monitoring
Attendance, LMS activity, submissions, actions and completion progress can be monitored through the learner journey.
Learner Journey
From Eligibility Check to OTHM Result
Apply
Submit registration information and supporting documents.
Eligibility Review
PESS checks qualification, experience, age and English readiness.
Induction & Registration
Complete learner induction and formal registration arrangements.
Study & Submit
Attend learning, use the LMS and submit evidence for all seven units.
Assessment & IQA
Receive assessment decisions, feedback and internal quality assurance.
OTHM Verification
Assessment decisions are externally verified before final result and certification processes.
Completion time can vary: Progress depends on the learner's study pace, assignment quality, reassessment needs, quality assurance and external verification.
Professional Recognition
IOSH Membership & Professional Development
Academic Qualification Route
IOSH's qualification directory lists the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety. The Certified membership route also requires relevant professional experience and continuing professional development.
Level 6ExperienceCPDMembership Review
Membership Is Not Automatic
Successful completion of the diploma does not by itself automatically grant CertIOSH or CMIOSH. Learners must meet IOSH's current membership requirements and professional-development process.
Check Current IOSH RequirementsQualification
Complete an eligible Level 6 or 7 health and safety qualification that satisfies the applicable academic requirement.
Professional Experience
Relevant professional experience is required in addition to the qualification under the applicable membership route.
CPD & Progression
Continuing professional development remains part of professional membership and later progression.
Career Relevance
Professional Roles and Industries Where Level 6 Knowledge Applies
The qualification can strengthen knowledge relevant to professional HSE work, but job titles, salary, hiring and employer acceptance depend on experience, competence, local requirements and the specific vacancy.
Relevant Professional Roles
9 role examplesHSE Officer / Senior HSE OfficerHealth & Safety AdviserHSE EngineerSafety SupervisorHSE CoordinatorHealth & Safety ManagerQHSE / SHEQ ProfessionalCompliance / Risk ProfessionalHSE Consultant
Industries & Sectors
Knowledge applicationConstructionOil & GasManufacturingPower & EnergyPetrochemicalLogisticsFacilities ManagementEngineering ProjectsCorporate HSE
Policy and System Capability
Useful for practitioners expected to contribute to policy, management systems, objectives, performance review and leadership decisions.
Risk and Workplace Controls
Strengthens understanding of operational risks, incident management, workplace hazards and control strategies.
Communication and Influence
Develops practitioner ethics, leadership, consultation, communication and professional-development thinking.
Next Steps
Level 7, Master's and Professional Progression
OTHM Level 7 OHS Management
Successful learners may progress to the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management, subject to applicable admission requirements.
Relevant Master's Programmes
Successful Level 6 learners may seek entry to relevant master's degree programmes, subject to the receiving institution's admission criteria.
IOSH Membership Development
Use the qualification alongside relevant experience and CPD when reviewing eligibility for professional membership progression.
Official References & Further Study
Original resource linksOfficial OTHMOTHM Level 6 Qualification Page
Review official qualification information and current awarding-body details.
↗Official SpecificationOTHM Qualification SpecificationReview regulatory information, structure, entry requirements, assessment and unit specifications.
↗Professional BodyIOSH Certified MembershipCheck current qualification, experience and CPD requirements.
↗Next PESS QualificationOTHM Level 7 OHS ManagementExplore the next strategic occupational health and safety study route.
↗University ProgressionOTHM University PathwaysReview current progression arrangements and admission information.
↗PESS PortfolioExplore QualificationsCompare professional HSE qualifications and progression options available through PESS.
↗Learner Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About OTHM Level 6 OHS
What is the full qualification name and number?
The full title is OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety , qualification number 603/5002/7 .
How many units and credits are included?
The diploma contains 7 mandatory units for a total of 60 credits , 600 Total Qualification Time hours and 220 Guided Learning Hours.
How is the qualification assessed?
Assessment methods include assignments and portfolio of evidence . Assessment is criterion referenced, internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM.
Is there one final written examination?
No. The qualification is not based on one final written examination. Learners demonstrate achievement through assignments and appropriate portfolio evidence mapped to the assessment criteria.
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants normally need a relevant recognised OHS certificate or diploma covering required foundation concepts. Mature learners over 21 with at least two years of practical experience may also be considered. Learners must be at least 18 years old.
What if English is not my first language?
Where a learner is not from a majority English-speaking country, evidence of English-language competency may be required in line with applicable OTHM expectations.
Can Recognition of Prior Learning be used?
RPL may be considered for individual units where valid evidence demonstrates the required learning outcomes and assessment criteria. The complete qualification cannot be claimed solely through RPL.
Is OTHM Level 6 equal to a bachelor's degree?
It is at the same RQF framework level as bachelor's-degree-level qualifications, but the 60-credit OTHM diploma is not itself a complete university bachelor's degree.
Does the diploma automatically give CertIOSH membership?
No. Professional membership depends on the applicable IOSH qualification, experience, CPD and membership requirements.
What can I study after Level 6?
Successful learners may progress to the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management or seek entry to relevant master's programmes, subject to applicable admission requirements.
What support does PESS provide?
PESS provides eligibility review, learner induction, LMS access, scheduled teaching, tutor guidance, academic-writing support, assessment feedback, internal quality assurance and learner progress monitoring.
Original OTHM Specification
Verify the Qualification Through Official OTHM Sources.
Review the original OTHM qualification information for the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety , qualification number 603/5002/7 . The official specification provides the regulatory information, entry requirements, qualification structure, mandatory units, assessment guidance and progression information.
RQF Level 6Credits 60TQT 600 HoursGLH 220 HoursUnits 7 Mandatory
Start Your OTHM Level 6 Pathway
Advance Your Career in Occupational Health & Safety.
Submit your profile to PESS for an eligibility review for the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety. Get guidance on entry requirements, documents, registration, assessment requirements and your progression pathway.
Eligibility ReviewDocument GuidanceRegistration SupportAssessment Guidance