Posted By Kenneth Dear Friends, I am interested in reading a MSc/PGDip in H&S. I do not have any qualifications in the subject and minimal experience. Do you think it i spossible I manage to complete such course ? Regards, Kenneth.

Posted By Kate Graham It's perfectly normal to do an MSc in a subject you haven't studied before! So long as your first degree gives you some foundation (science, engineering?). Kate

Posted By Kenneth Kate, Have you done an MSc in H&S ?

Posted By Kelvin Hughes Kenneth. It’s always nice to hear that someone wants to take up a profession they believe that they can contribute to. If you believe in yourself, and have got the will power and determination to see it through, as well as the finance to support your studies, then my advice is ‘go for it’. My background is mechanical engineering and I took up the responsibilities for all of the statutory requirements in a previous company. They said they would pay for me to take the MSc in Safety, Health and Environmental Management at the University of Glamorgan. Six months into the course the company closed its facility and I was faced with either to giving up, or continue to study. I continued, and completed it on time at my own expense at the age of 41. Not an easy task when you are married with young children. Take a long hard look at what you want, and where you want to be in a number of years time. Set your own course of how to achieve the end goal and go for it. I have not looked back and made some very good acquaintances along the way, all of which are only too glad to help you solve any problems or queries you may need answering. Regards Kelvin

Posted By Kate Graham Some things you need to consider: Are you the academic type? Do you have a degree in a relevant subject? Do you have relevant experience (if not directly in H&S, then in hazardous workplaces or in management)? Are you intending to study full-time (much better if you can fund it)? Are you free of other commitments such as family? Are you motivated and willing to work hard? Can you study independently and not expect to be spoon-fed? These are all factors in whether you will be successful in your studies and only you can answer! Kate

Posted By Raymond Rapp Kenneth Anything is possible...you just need the determination to follow it through. I have recently completed a MSc in H&S Management (distance learning), left school with no qualifications and I am not an academic in any sense of the word. My qualifications for entry was a TUC sponsored NVQ3 and some experience as a H&S Rep. I am now 46 and at this point in time still driving trains for a living. As Alan suggests you do need some basic skills in writing essays and articulation. However, if you find a good proof-reader with an excellent command of the English language you are almost there...its almost cheating! Ray

Posted By Richard Spencer Agreed, my wife who is a B.Arts recently started doing a science based G.Dip in Ergonomics. She was however very good at maths and the sciences even though she decided to do Arts. My wife noted there was a train driver on the course and that he was having a tough time contemplating the basics of mathematics and physics as well as comprehending the subject matter in the mandatory Statistics course. Stats are everyone’s nightmare unless you are naturally interested in the mathematics of statistics. Whilst I agree with the general premise, with sufficient will, there also needs to be some foundation science to start the exercise. I think the tenacity applied by our train driver is most commendable, but I ask the question – why are you still driving trains, you must be the singularly highest qualified train driver in GB. I will say no more as I believe this could be a ‘red herring’. Yes I am naturally a suspicious person. To coin a phrase, “Fools rush in where Angels fear to tread”. Richard

Posted By Raymond Rapp Kate- I never said it was easy gaining a MSc and did not intend to give that impression. In fact, I studied very hard to ensure that I did not fail, afterall, I was paying all my own fees (£5.750) and failure was not an option. Richard - I take your point about entering a field where you might have limited skills or knowledge. Maths and physics is my Achilles heel and therefore I would not attempt anything that required these skills. However, the myth that train drivers have no brains just because they do a relatively simple job is a stigma we could all do without. I am not the highest qualified train driver but if and when I complete my MPhil or PhD I might just be... Aplogies to Kenneth for 'hi-jacking' your thread. Ray

Posted By Geof Personally, and it is purely a personal matter, I would go for the NEBOSH certificate first. The reason - the certificate will give you an excellent grounding in H&S, and very importantly, will show you if your interest in the subject is genuine or just a passing phase (that isn't meant to be a rude remark, and comes from my own experience). If you get a credit but preferably a distinction in the distinction it would also give you the confidence to go ahead. Another advantage is that you could take it as a three/four week full time course. Kate - please don't encourage Ray. As far as I can see taking an MSc didn't affect his free time in any way and in fact his handicap went down over the same period. However, I have stopped using the London Underground since making his aquaintance!

Posted By Richard Poole Hi Kenneth, My experience, for what it's worth, that could result in PGDip / MSc: 1) NEBOSH NGC - 10 Days 2) Oxford Brookes Dip in H&S Practice (provided by Woodland Grange) - 10 Days This is where I've got to so far. I plan to continue with: 3) Oxford Brookes Dip in H&S Management(provided by Woodland Grange) - 28 Days Contact time but complete in 1 year. This is sufficient as academic requirement for MIOSH but you could continue with: 4) Oxford Brookes Environmental Modules to convert the Dip in H&S Management into PGDip in H,S&E Management. Add a dissertation and you've got your MSc from Oxford Brookes. Simplistic view, I know, though this is the basic process! I hope this helps but if you want further information, feel free to contact me by email. Best regards, Richard Poole