OTHM Qualifications • RQF Level 7 • Ofqual Regulated

OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management

Develop advanced capability in occupational health and safety leadership, management systems, strategic risk intervention, health and well-being, sustainability, ethics and research through a UK-regulated Level 7 qualification designed for experienced and aspiring HSE professionals.

Qualification at a glance: 603/7782/3 • RQF Level 7 • 120 credits • six mandatory units • 1,200 TQT • 600 GLH • coursework assessment.
Six mandatory Level 7 units
Coursework and portfolio assessment
One-year official duration
Progression to postgraduate study
Check Eligibility & Apply → Talk to a PESS Adviser
FrameworkRQF Level 7
Qualification603/7782/3
Structure6 Mandatory Units
Credits120 UK Credits
AssessmentCoursework • Pass / Fail
01 • Qualification Overview

Advanced Occupational Health & Safety Management

Ofqual Regulated

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management is designed for aspiring and practising health and safety professionals, particularly managers who develop and apply OHS procedures and translate organisational strategy into effective operational performance.

The programme develops high-level understanding across health and safety management practice, management systems, strategic risk intervention, occupational health and well-being, sustainability, ethics and advanced research methods.

Learners are expected to become increasingly independent and reflective practitioners who can analyse complex information, influence organisational decisions and continue professional development throughout their careers.

Qualification Ref.603/7782/3
RQF LevelLevel 7
Official Duration1 Year
Total Credits120
TQT1,200 Hours
GLH600 Hours
AssessmentCoursework
GradingPass / Fail
LanguageEnglish
Suitable Profiles

Who typically studies this qualification?

  • HSE Managers and OHS Managers
  • Senior Safety Officers and HSE Leads
  • HSE Engineers and experienced practitioners
  • Health and Safety Consultants
  • Risk, compliance and management-system professionals
  • Professionals preparing for senior OHS leadership
Capability Developed

What does the programme strengthen?

  • Strategic OHS management and governance
  • Management-system effectiveness
  • Strategic risk intervention
  • Occupational health and well-being strategy
  • Sustainability and ethical decision-making
  • Advanced research and evidence-based practice
Eligibility Review

Confirm Your Level 7 Entry Route Before Registration.

Share your academic and professional profile with PESS to review your suitability for the qualification.

Apply OnlineWhatsApp
02 • Level 7 Explained

What Does RQF Level 7 Mean?

Postgraduate Level

RQF Level 7 is an advanced qualification level in the UK framework. OTHM states that Level 7 diplomas sit at the same framework level as master’s degrees, but the qualification type and credit volume are different.

This OTHM diploma carries 120 credits. A full UK master’s programme is normally 180 credits, so learners usually need a further 60-credit dissertation or top-up stage with a receiving university to complete a full master’s award.

Correct Interpretation

Same framework level

Level 7 describes the level of academic challenge and complexity. It does not mean the OTHM diploma itself is a university master’s degree.

Progression

Master’s top-up pathway

Successful learners may be considered for advanced standing or master’s top-up progression, subject to the receiving university’s current admission requirements.

Use the official qualification title when verifying your award: OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management — qualification reference 603/7782/3.
03 • Admissions

Entry Requirements & Candidate Readiness

Typically 21+
Route 1

Relevant Level 6

A minimum Level 6 qualification such as the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety or an equivalent Level 6 qualification.

Route 2

Honours Degree

An honours degree at 2.2 or above with relevant knowledge and experience in the occupational health and safety sector.

Route 3

Professional Experience

Applicants with substantial relevant professional experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Age

Minimum 21 Years

Learners must be 21 years or older at the beginning of the course according to the current OTHM specification.

English

Language Competency

Applicants from non-majority English-speaking countries must provide suitable evidence of English-language competency.

PESS Review

Documents & Suitability

PESS should review academic documents, experience, identification and English-language evidence before final registration.

Admission note: meeting a general profile does not automatically guarantee registration. Final eligibility should be checked against current OTHM and PESS admission requirements.
04 • Qualification Structure

Six Mandatory Units • 120 Credits

All Units Required

The completed qualification contains six mandatory Level 7 units. Each unit carries 20 credits, 100 Guided Learning Hours and 200 Total Qualification Time hours.

Units

6 Mandatory

Every unit must be successfully completed for the full diploma.

Per Unit

20 Credits

Six units × 20 credits produce the full 120-credit qualification.

Per Unit

100 GLH / 200 TQT

Guided learning forms part of the wider total qualification time.

Qualification GLH600 Hours
Qualification TQT1,200 Hours
Overall GradingPass / Fail
05 • Full Unit Portfolio

Six Mandatory Level 7 Units

120 Credits

Open each unit to review the official title, unit reference, credit and learning-hour values, the professional learning focus and the assessment route.

01 Level 7 • Mandatory • Unit M/618/8236Health and Safety Management Practice 20 Credits • 100 GLH • 200 TQT
Unit purpose

Develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to translate organisational health and safety policy into effective operations, evaluate current practice and lead structured improvement.

  • Health and safety culture and organisational climate
  • Traditional and proactive safety-management approaches
  • Risk perception, behaviour and human performance
  • Moral, legal and economic drivers for effective OHS
  • HSG65 Plan–Do–Check–Act and ISO 45001 concepts
  • Accountability, reporting and organisational structures
  • Review of current OHS performance and effectiveness
  • SMART improvement planning and management communication
    • Assessment: Portfolio of evidence • approximately 4,000 words • all learning outcomes and assessment criteria must be achieved.
    02 Level 7 • Mandatory • Unit T/618/8237Effectiveness of Health and Safety Management Systems 20 Credits • 100 GLH • 200 TQT
    Unit purpose

    Build high-level understanding of effective health and safety management systems, including proactive models, organisational influences, stakeholder expectations, resources and communication.

  • Traditional safety and Safety I approaches
  • Proactive safety, Safety II and Safety Differently
  • Learning from normal work and workforce expertise
  • Resilience, performance variation and organisational learning
  • Internal and external influences on safety direction
  • Horizon scanning and stakeholder analysis
  • Competence, resources, training and implementation
  • Strategic communication and management-system planning
    • Assessment: Portfolio of evidence • approximately 4,000 words • all learning outcomes and assessment criteria must be achieved.
    03 Level 7 • Mandatory • Unit A/618/8238Factors Affecting Risk and Strategic Risk Intervention 20 Credits • 100 GLH • 200 TQT
    Unit purpose

    Develop advanced capability in organisational risk assessment, risk tolerability and the strategic selection of technical, procedural and behavioural controls.

  • Sensible and proportionate risk management
  • Qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative assessment
  • Risk governance, competence and records
  • ISO 31000 and ISO 45001 risk concepts
  • Evaluation of risk controls and tolerability
  • Exposure assessment and action planning
  • Avoidance, reduction, transfer and retention strategies
  • Hierarchy of control from elimination through PPE
    • Assessment: Portfolio of evidence • approximately 4,000 words • all learning outcomes and assessment criteria must be achieved.
    04 Level 7 • Mandatory • Unit F/618/8239Strategic Commitment to Health and Well-Being 20 Credits • 100 GLH • 200 TQT
    Unit purpose

    Explore strategies for securing organisation-wide commitment to occupational health and well-being and integrating health, well-being and safety into business policy and performance.

  • Evaluation of OHS policy and well-being strategy
  • Legal and regulatory compliance analysis
  • Occupational-health services and fitness for work
  • Health surveillance, rehabilitation and return to work
  • Board-level and workforce stakeholder engagement
  • Time-bound measures, milestones and expected benefits
  • Mental and physical health promotion
  • Communication strategy and evaluation of success
    • Assessment: Portfolio of evidence • approximately 4,000 words • all learning outcomes and assessment criteria must be achieved.
    05 Level 7 • Mandatory • Unit T/618/8240Sustainability and Ethics in Health and Safety Practice 20 Credits • 100 GLH • 200 TQT
    Unit purpose

    Evaluate how workplace decisions influence worker safety and health and integrate sustainability, ethical business practice, human capital and well-being into OHS leadership.

  • Sustainability aligned with core health and safety objectives
  • Corporate social responsibility and stakeholder duties
  • Profit, people and planet considerations
  • Benchmarking ethical business practices
  • PESTLE and resourcing for sustainability strategy
  • Diversity, inclusion, wellness and rehabilitation
  • Human capital, social purpose and stakeholder engagement
  • Performance indicators, communication and ethical leadership
    • Assessment: Portfolio of evidence • approximately 4,000 words • all learning outcomes and assessment criteria must be achieved.
    06 Level 7 • Mandatory • Unit Y/618/8246Advanced Research Methods 20 Credits • 100 GLH • 200 TQT
    Unit purpose

    Develop critical research capability for health and safety practice, including research problem selection, literature review, research design, data collection, analysis, ethics and project planning.

  • Research topic, aims, objectives and milestones
  • Critical literature review and theoretical frameworks
  • Research methods and methodology selection
  • Primary / secondary and qualitative / quantitative data
  • Reliability, validity and sufficiency of evidence
  • Surveys, questionnaires and observations
  • Research ethics, copyright and conflicts of interest
  • Written research proposal, planning and reflection
    • Assessment: Research project • approximately 4,000 words • all learning outcomes and assessment criteria must be achieved.
    06 • Assessment & Verification

    Coursework, Portfolio Evidence, Research & RPL

    Criterion Referenced

    All units are internally assessed by the approved centre and externally verified by OTHM. Assessment is criterion referenced, which means learners must demonstrate achievement of all specified learning outcomes and assessment criteria.

    01

    Learning & Guidance

    Complete guided learning, independent study and structured tutor support.

    02

    Assignment Evidence

    Prepare unit evidence against the published learning outcomes and assessment criteria.

    03

    Assessor Decision

    The centre assessor reviews the evidence and records the assessment decision.

    04

    Internal Quality Assurance

    Assessment decisions are sampled and quality assured in line with centre procedures.

    05

    OTHM Verification

    OTHM externally verifies assessment standards before final certification processes.

    06

    Certification

    Successful completion of all mandatory units leads to the qualification award.

    Units 1–5

    Portfolio of Evidence

    Approximately 4,000 words per unit, with full achievement of the specified learning outcomes and assessment criteria.

    Unit 6

    Advanced Research Methods

    Research project of approximately 4,000 words covering research approach, literature, methodology, evidence and planning.

    RPL

    Recognition of Prior Learning

    RPL may be considered at unit level when valid evidence fully meets the required criteria. The complete qualification cannot be claimed only through RPL.

    Audit Trail

    Evidence-Based Decisions

    Assessment decisions should be supported by a clear audit trail showing how achievement against the criteria was reached.

    07 • Delivery & Quality

    Trainer, Assessor, IQA & Centre Standards

    Quality Controlled

    OTHM does not prescribe one single mode of delivery. Approved centres can select appropriate delivery methods while maintaining the full learner experience, equality of opportunity and required quality standards.

    Trainer

    Occupational Competence

    Trainers must be appropriately qualified and occupationally competent in the areas they teach and hold a Level 6 OHS qualification.

    Assessor

    Assessment Competence

    Trainers / assessors should hold or be working towards an appropriate Level 3 qualification in assessing vocationally related achievement.

    IQA

    Internal Quality Assurance

    Internal verifiers must be appropriately qualified, occupationally competent and hold or work towards suitable Level 4 IQA qualifications.

    CPD

    Professional Currency

    Quality personnel are expected to maintain current professional knowledge and continuing professional development relevant to OHS and quality assurance.

    PESS Approved Centre: Centre No. DC2508936. Learners should always verify current centre approval, intake availability and registration details before payment.
    09 • Professional Relevance

    Career Development, Industries & IOSH Recognition

    Senior OHS Pathway

    The qualification can support experienced practitioners seeking stronger evidence of advanced OHS management knowledge and progression toward senior leadership, consulting, governance and management-system roles.

    The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management is currently listed in IOSH’s accredited qualification directory. IOSH membership eligibility remains subject to IOSH’s current membership grade, experience, CPD and application requirements.

    Health & Safety Manager
    HSE Manager
    OHS Manager
    HSE Consultant
    Risk & Compliance Manager
    Management Systems Manager
    Corporate HSE Lead
    Safety Governance Professional
    OHS Research / Advisory Roles

    Industry relevance

    Oil & GasConstructionManufacturingEnergyPetrochemicalInfrastructureLogisticsConsultancyCorporate Governance
    Important: a qualification can support career development, but it does not guarantee a particular job title, salary, country-specific licence or professional membership grade.
    10 • Progression

    Employment, Master’s Top-Up & Further Study

    120 Credits

    The qualification enables learners to progress into or within employment and/or continue further study. As an Ofqual-regulated Level 7 qualification, successful learners may be considered for master’s top-up with advanced standing at universities that accept the award.

    Stage 1

    OTHM Level 7 Diploma

    Complete the 120-credit OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management.

    Stage 2

    University Top-Up / Dissertation

    Apply to an eligible university route for the remaining dissertation or top-up stage, subject to current admissions criteria.

    Stage 3

    Full Master’s Award

    Complete the university’s remaining requirements to achieve the relevant full master’s qualification.

    Progression is not automatic: universities set their own entry, credit-transfer, English-language and programme requirements. Candidates should verify the current receiving-university terms before planning a top-up.
    11 • Learner Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Before Enrolment
    What is the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management?

    It is a UK regulated RQF Level 7 qualification for experienced or aspiring health and safety professionals who need advanced capability in OHS management practice, management systems, strategic risk intervention, occupational health and well-being, sustainability, ethics and research.

    What is the qualification number?

    The Ofqual qualification reference number is 603/7782/3.

    How many credits does the diploma carry?

    The completed diploma carries 120 credits across six mandatory Level 7 units.

    How long is the qualification?

    The official OTHM specification states a duration of one year. Actual learner completion can depend on centre delivery, assessment progress and individual circumstances.

    What are the TQT and GLH values?

    The qualification has 1,200 Total Qualification Time hours and 600 Guided Learning Hours.

    How is the course assessed?

    Assessment is coursework based and criterion referenced. Five units use a portfolio of evidence of approximately 4,000 words per unit, while Advanced Research Methods uses a research project of approximately 4,000 words.

    Is there a traditional final examination?

    The official specification lists coursework as the assessment method. Learners must meet all learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit.

    What are the entry requirements?

    Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant Level 6 qualification or an honours degree at 2.2 or above with relevant OHS knowledge and experience. Substantial professional experience may be considered case by case, and learners must be 21 or older at the beginning of the course.

    Is the diploma equivalent to a master's degree?

    It is at the same RQF level as a master's degree, but it is a 120-credit diploma rather than a complete 180-credit master's degree. A further university dissertation or top-up stage is normally required for a full master's award.

    Is the OTHM Level 7 Diploma recognised by IOSH?

    The qualification is currently listed in IOSH's accredited qualification directory. Membership applications remain subject to IOSH's current grade, experience, CPD and application requirements.

    What is the PESS fee?

    The current PESS course fee shown on this page is PKR 335,000. Contact PESS before payment to confirm the current intake, payment plan and registration requirements.

    Can I study online?

    OTHM does not prescribe one single delivery mode. Approved centres may use delivery methods that meet learner needs while maintaining the required learning and quality-assurance standards.

    Can Recognition of Prior Learning be used?

    RPL may be considered at unit level where appropriate evidence fully demonstrates achievement of the required learning outcomes and assessment criteria. The complete qualification cannot be claimed only through RPL.

    What can I progress to after completion?

    Successful learners may progress within employment, into senior OHS leadership roles, or to relevant master's top-up / further postgraduate study subject to the receiving institution's current entry requirements.

    Ready to Apply?

    Start With an Eligibility Review.

    Confirm your academic background, experience and current intake with PESS before registration.

    Apply OnlineWhatsApp PESS
    Official OTHM Reference

    Verify the Qualification Directly with OTHM.

    Review the official OTHM qualification page and the original OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management specification for regulatory information, entry requirements, qualification structure, mandatory units, assessment and progression details.

    OTHM Official WebsiteView Qualification Page↗ Original OTHM DocumentOpen Official SpecificationPDF ↗
    Ready for Level 7 Progression?

    Take the Next Step in Your Health & Safety Leadership Career.

    Submit your profile for an eligibility review for the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management. PESS can guide you through entry requirements, documents, registration and the learning pathway.

    Eligibility Review Document Guidance Approved Centre Support Coursework-Based Assessment
    PESS • OTHM Approved Centre Centre No. DC2508936 Check Eligibility & Apply → Talk to a PESS Adviser ↗

    Where You Learn. Certify. Lead.

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