Posted By Nick Higginson Jennifer I'm currently doing an MSc at Loughborough via distance learning. I work full time and have a young family, so time is not something I have a lot of! It's going ok, first project nearly done (8,000 words) - it's the research that takes the time, rather than the typing. I have found it better to do a little often rather than sit down every other weekend and try to do loads. I had a couple of weeks off over Christmas, and managed to write a couple of hundred words every day. This didn't take long, but knocked out quite a bit of the wordcount. Feel free to drop me line direct if you want anymore info. Kind regards Nick

Posted By Stuart Nagle Jennifer. I am doing the MSc (Distance Lesarning) at Portsmouth. Probably my only complaint is that I believe they think all persons going on the course have done this type of study before at degree level, they have not... Hence, I had the materials arrive, but no information/instructions were supplied on what to do - or how, but that it was vital to attend the pre-course introductory meeting day at Portsmouth. I waited eagerly for the day, to find them telling everyone 'well by now you have been studying for some weeks'.... Bit of a shock to the system....and created a bit of panic.... However, all in all when you weigh up the pro's and con's it's got to be worth it. NEBOSH, although well sought by employers as being 'the' standard, is so expensive (Diploma parts 1 and 2 could probably set you back in excess of £6000 judging from the adverts i've seen lately in SHP for what? 10 weeks or so), and whilst the cost of an MSc at Portsmouth is in the same region (a little less) the qualification offers a little extra (three years study - i.e. 2 X semesters each year for 3 years for full MSc, consisting 2X semesters for PgC - MIOSH Entry - 2X semesters for PgD and final year is the MSc Thesis) and may open a few more doors! No it's not a 'fast route if you're going all the way, but you will get your moneys worth. The self study is rewarding, but hard work, especially when holding down the day job, and burning the mid-night oil occassionally.... Give it a bash, you can only fail, but come back stronger... I await with bated breath results of assignments and am looking forward (not) to exams...!!!!!

Posted By Richard Spencer It is rewarding to hear so many people in the United Kindom are doing graduate studies in OHS/Safety. I think this is the way of the future and have said so on many occations in closed and open forum. I have a consultancy outside the UK and have found that there is a greater level of understanding of the issues surrounding 'man/machine/environment' if that person has had the benifit of higher education in the subject matter. I have found that as the country I live in has developed a professional route for OHS specialists the environment has eagerly taken advantage of the highter learned skills. To all those who have made a commitment I say well done. I wish you all the best for choosing to put your money where your mouth is and become professiounally qualified. Well done. Richard Spencer M.Sc M.EnvMgt PGradDipOHS

Posted By Joe Quinn Hi Jennifer, I completed a Post Graduate Certificate with Portsmouth Uni last March. I had not intended going for the MSc until I heard about a possible fast track option to add to my PGc. This option, currently being put together by Woodland Grange in conjunction with Oxford Brooks Uni will entail bridging courses followed by a dissertation. Have a look at the website www.wgrange.com for more info.

Posted By John Wettler Jennifer, I too would be interested to know why some universities offer a 3 year MSc by distant learning and others offer a 2 year MSc by the same route. I am just completing the 1st semester of year 2 with Portsmouth, MSc Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety Management. There are four modules in the 1st year and 3 in the second year plus an examination. In year 3 there is a project proposal plus a 20,000 word research project. An aquaintance is completing his final year of a MSc in Occupational Health and Safety Management. His course requirement is one 20,0000 word project in the 1st year and another 20,000 project in the second year. We both have the same qualification, Dip2 OSH with MIOSH. Is there anyone out there who can explain why the the routes to an MSc are so different? Regards John

Posted By Raymond Rapp Jennifer, I am as miffed as you are why there is a disparity between courses. The moral of the story is to take the fastest and easiest route. Ray

Posted By Christne White Jennifer. There is a huge difference between the MSc and the NEBOSH course. Where the NEBOSH course gives detail and the tools to actually do a SHE advisory role the MSc is much more theoretical/academic. If you aim to be an advisor my advice would be to do the NEBOSH and then if you still want to, follow up with other qualifications. I have done both and should say that the NEBOSH is much more difficult but I wouldn't have been able to do my job competently without it. We as an employer would look for NEBOSH for these same reasons. Which ever way you decide to go it is hard work holding down a job and family at the same time but you can do it, good luck.

Posted By David A Lake Jennifer I did a full time MSc in HS&E Mgt at Paisley Uni 96-97 while working full time. My employer at the time (Volvo) was very flexible and allowed me to juggle my time to make the lectures on 2 afternoons and evenings per week (on the understanding that I made up the time.) Although the whole experience was tough it did pass very quickly and I would recommend the same route to anyone else considering an MSc. Incidentaly, I paid the fees (£4,000)with a career development loan. It was the cheapest money I will ever borrow. Cheers David