Tab 01 • Qualification Profile
Course Overview
Ofqual RegulatedThe OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management is designed for aspiring and practising health and safety professionals, particularly managers responsible for developing and applying occupational health and safety procedures and translating organisational strategy into effective operational performance.
The programme reflects current occupational health and safety management practice and 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.
Successful learners are expected to become increasingly independent and self-directed, with the analytical and reflective capability needed for continued professional development and further postgraduate study.
Qualification Ref.603/7782/3
RQF LevelLevel 7
Duration1 Year
Total Credits120
TQT1,200 Hours
GLH600 Hours
AssessmentCoursework
LanguageEnglish
GradingPass / Fail
Regulation Start11 August 2021
Operational Start11 August 2021
Sector Subject Area1.3 Health and Social Care
Unit Structure6 Mandatory Units
Centre NumberDC2508936
Tab 02 • Qualification Purpose
Objectives & Learning Outcomes
Strategic OHS LeadershipThe qualification is intended to develop occupational health and safety management skills for managers who have the authority and personal attributes to convert organisational strategy into strong operational performance.
01
Translate Strategy Into Practice
Connect organisational policy, governance and strategic direction with effective health and safety management operations.
02
Strengthen Safety Culture
Critically evaluate culture, climate, leadership, workforce engagement and proactive models of safety management.
03
Lead Strategic Risk Intervention
Assess risk at organisational level and develop proportionate technical, procedural and behavioural control strategies.
04
Improve Health & Well-Being
Evaluate occupational-health strategy, stakeholder commitment, health promotion, surveillance, rehabilitation and well-being measures.
05
Integrate Sustainability & Ethics
Connect people, planet, ethical business practice, human capital and sustainable organisational performance with OHS.
06
Develop Research Capability
Apply critical literature review, research methodology, data analysis and ethical research principles to health and safety practice.
Professional development focusThe programme is multidisciplinary and designed to strengthen analytical judgement, strategic communication, evidence-based decision-making and reflective professional practice.
Tab 03 • Admissions
Entry Requirements
Typically 21+Applicants are expected to have a strong Level 6 / degree background in occupational health and safety, or substantial relevant professional experience considered on a case-by-case basis.
Level 6 Qualification Route
A minimum Level 6 qualification such as the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety or an equivalent Level 6 qualification.
Honours Degree Route
An honours degree at 2.2 or above with relevant knowledge and experience in the occupational health and safety sector.
Minimum Age
Learners must be 21 years or older at the beginning of the course.
Professional Experience
Applicants with substantial relevant professional experience may also be considered individually.
English Language
Learners from non-majority English-speaking countries must provide suitable evidence of English-language competency.
PESS Eligibility Review
Admission should be confirmed after review of academic documents, professional experience, identification and English-language evidence where applicable.
Important: Meeting a general profile does not automatically guarantee registration. Final eligibility should be confirmed against current OTHM requirements and PESS admissions procedures.
Tab 04 • Credit Framework
Qualification Structure
120 CreditsThe completed qualification consists of six mandatory Level 7 units. Each unit carries 20 credits, 100 Guided Learning Hours and 200 Total Qualification Time hours.
6Mandatory Units
Every unit must be completed.
→
20Credits Per Unit
6 × 20 credits.
→
120Total Credits
Full diploma credit value.
Per Unit100 GLH
Per Unit200 TQT
Qualification600 GLH
Qualification1,200 TQT
Level 7 equivalence: OTHM states that Level 7 diplomas on the RQF are at the same level as master's degrees, but this diploma is shorter at 120 credits. A further 60-credit dissertation stage with a university partner is required for a full master's programme.
Tab 05 • Full Unit Portfolio
Six Mandatory Level 7 Units
All Units RequiredEvery learner completes all six units. The summaries below preserve the official unit titles, reference numbers, credit values, learning-hour values and assessment type while presenting the learning focus in a clearer website format.
01
Health and Safety Management Practice
Unit Ref: M/618/8236 • Level 7 • Mandatory
Develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to translate organisational health and safety policy into effective operations, evaluate current practices and lead structured improvement.
Key learning focus- Health and safety culture and climate
- Traditional vs proactive safety-management models
- Risk perception and human performance
- Moral, legal and economic drivers for effective OHS
- HSG65 Plan–Do–Check–Act and ISO 45001 concepts
- Organisational structures, accountability and reporting
- Review of current OHS practice and performance
- SMART development plans and senior-management presentation
Official assessment: Portfolio of evidence • approximately 4,000 words • all learning outcomes and assessment criteria must be achieved.
02
Effectiveness of Health and Safety Management Systems
Unit Ref: T/618/8237 • Level 7 • Mandatory
Build extensive knowledge of effective health and safety system management, including traditional and proactive models, internal and external influences, stakeholder needs, resources and communication.
Key learning focus- Traditional safety / Safety I
- Proactive safety, Safety II and Safety Differently
- Learning from normal work and workforce expertise
- Resilience, performance variation and continuous learning
- Internal and external influences on safety direction
- Horizon scanning and stakeholder analysis
- Resources, competence, training and implementation
- Professional communication and safety strategy planning
Official assessment: Portfolio of evidence • approximately 4,000 words • all learning outcomes and assessment criteria must be achieved.
03
Factors Affecting Risk and Strategic Risk Intervention
Unit Ref: A/618/8238 • Level 7 • Mandatory
Develop advanced understanding of sensible risk management, organisational risk assessment, risk tolerability and strategic selection of technical, procedural and behavioural controls.
Key learning focus- Sensible and proportionate risk management
- Qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative assessment
- Risk-assessment governance, competence and records
- ISO 31000 and ISO 45001 risk concepts
- Evaluation of existing risk controls and tolerability
- Exposure assessment and action planning
- Avoidance, reduction, transfer and retention strategies
- Hierarchy of control: elimination through PPE
Official assessment: Portfolio of evidence • approximately 4,000 words • all learning outcomes and assessment criteria must be achieved.
04
Strategic Commitment to Health and Well-Being
Unit Ref: F/618/8239 • Level 7 • Mandatory
Explore strategies for securing organisation-wide commitment to occupational health and well-being and for integrating health, well-being and safety into business policy and performance.
Key learning focus- 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
- Stakeholder engagement from board level downward
- Time-bound measures, milestones and benefits
- Mental and physical health promotion
- Communication strategy and evaluation of success
Official assessment: Portfolio of evidence • approximately 4,000 words • all learning outcomes and assessment criteria must be achieved.
05
Sustainability and Ethics in Health and Safety Practice
Unit Ref: T/618/8240 • Level 7 • Mandatory
Evaluate how workplace decisions influence worker safety and health and develop an inclusive approach that integrates sustainability, ethical business practice, human capital and well-being.
Key learning focus- 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
Official assessment: Portfolio of evidence • approximately 4,000 words • all learning outcomes and assessment criteria must be achieved.
06
Advanced Research Methods
Unit Ref: Y/618/8246 • Level 7 • Mandatory
Develop critical health and safety research capability, including research problem selection, literature review, research design, data collection and analysis, ethical considerations and project planning.
Key learning focus- 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, trust and conflicts of interest
- Written research proposal / project planning and reflection
Official assessment: Research Project • approximately 4,000 words • all learning outcomes and assessment criteria must be achieved.
Tab 06 • Assessment & Verification
Coursework, Portfolio Evidence, Research & RPL
Criterion Referenced
Official Assessment MethodCoursework Based
Five units are assessed through a portfolio of evidence of approximately 4,000 words each. Advanced Research Methods is assessed through a research project of approximately 4,000 words.
All specified learning outcomes and assessment criteria must be achieved for a Pass.
Assessment decisions are made by the centre assessor and must be supported by an audit trail.
All units are internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM.
Unit-specific assessment guidance and marking criteria are issued in Assignment Briefs after learner registration.
01Portfolio of Evidence
Units 1–5 use a portfolio of evidence, approximately 4,000 words per unit, aligned to the full learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
02Research Project
Advanced Research Methods requires a 4,000-word research project covering research approach, literature review, methodology and project planning.
03External Verification
Centre assessment is externally verified by OTHM, strengthening consistency and confidence in the assessment process.
04Recognition of Prior Learning
RPL may be considered at unit level where evidence fully meets the learning outcomes and assessment criteria. The complete qualification cannot be claimed through RPL.
Tab 07 • Delivery & Quality Resources
Centre Delivery, Trainer, Assessor & Verifier Standards
Quality ControlledOTHM does not prescribe one single delivery mode. Approved centres may select a delivery approach that meets learner needs while protecting the complete learning experience and equality of opportunity.
TRTrainer Competence
Trainers must be appropriately qualified and occupationally competent in the areas they teach, and must hold a Level 6 qualification in occupational health and safety.
ASAssessment Qualification
Trainers / assessors should hold or be working towards an appropriate Level 3 qualification in assessing vocationally related achievement.
IOProfessional Standing
The specification states that trainers should ideally hold a minimum IOSH membership level of CertIOSH or equivalent.
IQInternal Quality Assurance
Internal verifiers must be appropriately qualified and occupationally competent and hold or work towards suitable Level 4 internal-quality-assurance qualifications.
CPDContinued Professional Development
Internal verifiers are expected to demonstrate recent CPD related to occupational health and safety or quality-assurance auditing.
EQAOTHM External Verification
OTHM may request relevant assessor / verifier qualification evidence and externally verifies the qualification's assessment decisions.
Delivery principle: Guided Learning Hours indicate the likely amount of teacher-supervised or direct study time for each unit. The remaining TQT includes preparation, independent study and assessment activity.
Tab 08 • PESS Study Pathway
PESS Learner Journey
Structured Support
01Eligibility Review
PESS reviews Level 6 / degree evidence, relevant experience, age and English requirements before registration.
02Registration & Induction
Learner profile, documentation, study expectations, academic integrity and assessment process are confirmed.
03Guided Learning
Study the six mandatory units through the PESS delivery model, resources, tutor guidance and independent learning.
04Portfolio / Research
Prepare evidence portfolios for Units 1–5 and the research project for Advanced Research Methods.
05Assessment & IQA
Assessment decisions are documented and internally quality assured in line with centre and awarding-body procedures.
06OTHM Verification
Assessment evidence is subject to OTHM external verification before final certification processes are completed.
Ready for an eligibility review?Send your Level 6 qualification / degree and relevant experience details to PESS Admissions for an eligibility review.
Tab 09 • Future Pathways
Academic Progression & Career Development
Level 7Master's Top-Up Pathway
OTHM states that, where appropriate, successful learners may be eligible to progress to Master's top-up programmes at many universities in the UK and overseas with advanced standing. Admission and credit recognition remain subject to the receiving university's current requirements.
OTHM Level 7 Diploma
120 Credits
→University Dissertation / Top-Up
60 Credits
→Full Master's Programme
180 Credits
The qualification can also support progression within employment by strengthening strategic OHS management, risk, systems, well-being, sustainability and research capability.
Head of HSE
HSE / HSEQ Manager
Senior Safety Manager
Occupational Health & Safety Manager
Risk & Compliance Manager
Corporate HSE Adviser
Health & Safety Consultant
Safety Management Systems Lead
Strategic Risk Adviser
Well-Being / OHS Strategy Lead
Governance & Assurance Manager
HSE Research / Improvement Lead
Career note: The qualification can strengthen professional capability but does not guarantee a particular job title, promotion, salary or professional-membership grade. Employer and professional-body requirements remain separate.
Tab 10 • Trust & Transparency
Approval, Verification & Professional Trust
PESS • DC2508936
UKOfqual Regulated
OTHM Qualifications are approved and regulated by Ofqual. The qualification reference is 603/7782/3.
6UClear 120-Credit Structure
Six mandatory units, each worth 20 credits, combine to form the 120-credit diploma.
QACentre Assessment + OTHM Verification
All units are internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM.
ACIOSH Mark on Specification Cover
The supplied December 2023 qualification specification cover displays the IOSH Accredited Programme mark. PESS avoids making any separate membership-grade guarantee.
PCPESS Approved Centre
PESS operates as OTHM Approved Centre DC2508936. Learners should verify centre and qualification details before registration.
SPOfficial Specification
Course information on this page is aligned to the supplied OTHM specification, updated December 2023. Current awarding-body rules should always be checked at registration.
Important transparency note: Procedures, regulations and timetables may change. The official specification advises learners to check updated information. PESS Admissions should therefore confirm the current intake, registration terms, assessment arrangements and awarding-body requirements before enrolment.
Tab 11 • Before You Enrol
Learner Frequently Asked Questions
Clear Answers
What is the exact qualification title and reference number?
OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management, qualification reference 603/7782/3.
How long is the official qualification?
The OTHM specification lists an official duration of 1 year, with 1,200 TQT hours and 600 GLH.
How many units must I complete?
All six units are mandatory. Each carries 20 credits, 100 GLH and 200 TQT, giving 120 credits overall.
How is the qualification assessed?
The qualification uses coursework. Units 1–5 are assessed through a portfolio of evidence of approximately 4,000 words each; Advanced Research Methods uses a research project of approximately 4,000 words.
Is the Level 7 Diploma itself a full Master's degree?
No. It is at the same RQF level as a Master's degree but carries 120 credits. A further 60-credit university dissertation / top-up stage is required to complete a full Master's programme.
What are the main entry requirements?
Normally a relevant Level 6 qualification or a 2.2 honours degree with relevant OHS knowledge and experience. Learners must be 21 or older, and substantial professional experience may be considered case by case. English-language evidence is required where applicable.
Can Recognition of Prior Learning be used?
RPL may be considered for individual units if evidence fully meets the required learning outcomes and assessment criteria. The whole qualification cannot be claimed through RPL.
Who assesses and verifies my work?
The centre assesses the units and maintains the assessment audit trail. OTHM externally verifies the qualification.
Does the specification mention IOSH?
The supplied qualification specification cover displays the IOSH Accredited Programme mark, while the body also sets professional expectations for trainers and references IOSH in relevant content. PESS does not use this page to promise any automatic IOSH membership grade.
Can I progress to a Master's top-up?
Where appropriate, successful learners may be eligible for Master's top-up programmes at universities in the UK or overseas with advanced standing, subject to the receiving university's current requirements.
Is PESS an OTHM Approved Centre?
Yes. PESS operates as OTHM Approved Centre DC2508936. Learners are encouraged to verify current centre and qualification details before enrolment.
Need an eligibility confirmation?Contact PESS Admissions with your qualification and experience details before registration.
