Posted By Carl B Wil Hi everyone, I'm in a position at the moment of wondering what to do next I have a degree in chemisty but only worked in the biotech sector and although with chemicals etc involved can not really call myself a chemist as a result I have a NEBOSH General have thought about taking the shortened fire/const courses as a top-up but I'm not sure as although its extra quals/knowledge most of the work progression that I want is asking for higher. The problem is what to do next should I do the Diplomas or go straight to a MSc what I can see is that the MSc does not cost any more and to be honest in my local uni is a fair bit less than some of NEBOSH trainers ask for theirs courses I was offered another route to the Grad IOSH level and this was with an OU masters level module added to my degree but am concerned that although it would help with my membership level would not help me on knowledge etc Although cheaper and as a self funder may not be a good option In addition as I'm looking to change employer to work back in Wales another dificulty is to make myself as attractive candidate as possible with respects to what I can currently and will be able to do in the future Any help much appreciated and needed at the moment (someones earlier thread about job not as descirbed etc applies already nearly been made redundant once) Cheers Carl

Posted By Stuart Hamilton Carl, much like yourself, I had the degree in chemistry and the NGC, the only difficulty with going straight for an MSc will be that not all MSc's will give you Grad OSH. Consequently you will need to watch the course you choose. The Loughborough course is very good, I graduated with the MSc from there in 2004. But my Chartered status is based on the diploma I passed at Glasgow Caledonian. (they now provide a BA on Occ H&S).Loughborough do do a diploma, and that could be undertaken prior to the MSc (shop around though, further education colleges/universities have a variety of courses that will get you Grad OSH - all with a variety of prices (not forgetting the NEBOSH Diploma and SVQ/NVQ route). So I guess the short answer is "it depends" - choose the MSc wisely to ensure that it will get you the membership grade you want the old days of "topic specialist" have gone and the diploma level qualification is needed. Happy to help more if you wish Stuart

Posted By Hazel Harvey Carl, The MSc programme at Glamorgan is accredited by IOSH to allow entry to Graduate Membership. You can progress to this level of IOSH membership once you have attained the Post-Graduate Diploma. Hazel Harvey Professional Affairs Director

Posted By G Kamildeen Abiodun Carl, I have a first degree in Chemical science - chemistry major just like you, however you have a role to play in HSE with the analytical skills acquired in chemistry studies is very useful in this profession. I have been practicing this profession for 7yrs now as safety Advisor. Your on track, if you are really interested. cheers Kamil

Posted By terminator Just remember the level of committment required to complete MSc. I finished mine Sept 05 (Health & Safety Mgt from Leicester Uni (no longer being offered) ,great course, tutors etc, aim high and get a distinction but this takes that extra 30% on top of the norm. Not sure of your arrangements but say goodbye to the kids for 2yrs and saturday's. But worth it in the end, returned to the uk and employed by top consultancy within 5weeks. Been there couple of years and still loving the career choice. My parting advice is to ensure you have H&S as a core liking, not just because it's the thing to do, otherwise when studying gets hard at 11pm at night you will fail.