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
7 Mandatory Units
Assignment / Portfolio
Pass / Fail
Minimum Age 18+
Qualification Overview
60 Credits • Level 6
Advanced Occupational Health & Safety Management Diploma
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.
Qualification No. 603/5002/7
Level RQF Level 6
Mandatory Units 7 Units
Credits 60 Credits
TQT 600 Hours
GLH 220 Hours
Assessment Assignment + Portfolio
Grading Pass / Fail
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.
Important qualification-level clarification: RQF Level 6 is at the same framework level as UK bachelor’s-degree-level qualifications, but this 60-credit OTHM diploma is not itself a full university bachelor’s degree.
Level 6 Explained
Professional Level
Understand the Qualification Level and Study Route
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.
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.
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.
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: 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.
Admission Profile
Minimum Age 18+
Entry Requirements & Eligibility Review
Relevant 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.
Mature 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.
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
Where a learner is not from a majority English-speaking country, evidence of English-language competency may be required in line with OTHM expectations.
PESS eligibility review: Applicants may be asked for identification, prior qualifications, CV, employment evidence for an experience-based route, and English-language evidence where applicable. Registration should proceed after eligibility has been confirmed.
Qualification Structure
60 Credits • 600 TQT • 220 GLH
Seven Mandatory Units
Open each unit to review its credit value, GLH/TQT, professional focus and the areas learners are expected to understand and apply.
01 H/617/7539 • Mandatory Health and Safety Management Principles and Policy
Unit Focus
Develop a critical understanding of health and safety management principles, organisational systems, objectives and policy review.
Management 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.
02 Y/617/8526 • Mandatory Health and Safety Management Practice
Unit Focus
Translate policy into planning, organising, leading, controlling, reviewing and auditing practice.
Planning & 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.
03 Y/617/7540 • Mandatory Risk and Incident Management
Unit Focus
Evaluate workplace risk, loss events and incidents using structured assessment, investigation and control strategies.
Hazard 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.
04 Y/617/8543 • Mandatory Promoting a Positive Health and Safety Culture
Unit Focus
Understand organisational, human and leadership factors that influence behaviour, culture and safety performance.
Culture & 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.
05 R/617/9092 • Mandatory Maintaining a Safe Workplace Environment
Unit Focus
Apply technical knowledge to control workplace, occupational health, equipment and hazardous-substance risks.
Workplace & 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.
06 H/617/7542 • Mandatory Health and Safety Law, Regulation and Influence
Unit Focus
Interpret legal and regulatory frameworks and evaluate how health and safety practitioners influence compliance and organisational decisions.
Legal 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.
07 K/617/7543 • Mandatory Development of the Health and Safety Practitioner
Unit Focus
Strengthen practitioner competence, ethics, communication, leadership and continuing professional development.
Practitioner 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.
Assessment & Quality Assurance
Pass / Fail
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.
Step 1 Assignment Briefing Understand learning outcomes, assessment criteria, evidence expectations and academic requirements.
Step 2 Evidence Development Prepare written work and appropriate portfolio evidence mapped to required criteria.
Step 3 Assessment & dback Centre assessors make assessment decisions and provide dback where further work is required.
Step 4 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.
s & Enrolment
OTHM Level 6 Diploma at PESS
Enrolment Support
Check Your Eligibility Before Paying the Course .
Share your academic and professional profile with PESS so the correct entry route and documentation can be confirmed.
PESS Learner Support
Centre DC2508936
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
6-Step Process
From Eligibility Check to OTHM Result
01
Apply
Submit registration information and supporting documents.
02
Eligibility Review
PESS checks qualification, experience, age and English readiness.
03
Induction & Registration
Complete learner induction and formal registration arrangements.
04
Study & Submit
Attend learning, use the LMS and submit evidence for all seven units.
05
Assessment & IQA
Receive assessment decisions, dback and internal quality assurance.
06
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
Check Current Criteria
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.
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 Requirements →Qualification
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
Career Development
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.
HSE Officer / Senior HSE Officer
Health & Safety Adviser
HSE Engineer
Safety Supervisor
HSE Coordinator
Health & Safety Manager
QHSE / SHEQ Professional
Compliance / Risk Professional
HSE Consultant
Construction Oil & Gas Manufacturing Power & Energy Petrochemical Logistics Facilities Management Engineering Projects Corporate 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
Further Study
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 OTHM OTHM Level 6 Qualification Page Review official qualification information and current awarding-body details. Official Specification OTHM Qualification Specification Review regulatory information, structure, entry requirements, assessment and unit specifications. Professional Body IOSH Certified Membership Check current qualification, experience and CPD requirements. Next PESS Qualification OTHM Level 7 OHS Management Explore the next strategic occupational health and safety study route. University Progression OTHM University Pathways Review current progression arrangements and admission information. PESS Portfolio Explore Qualifications Compare professional HSE qualifications and progression options available through PESS.
Learner Questions
12 Answers
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 dback, internal quality assurance and learner progress monitoring.
Ready to Begin?
Apply for the OTHM Level 6 Diploma at PESS.
Submit your profile for an eligibility review before registration and payment.
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 6 Credits 60 TQT 600 Hours GLH 220 Hours Units 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 Review
Document Guidance
Registration Support
Assessment Guidance