Posted By Guderian Difficult to answer your question with out a little ore information. Depends upon your current safety experience, industry type(s) that you have worked in etc Personally, I would go for someone with a blend of academics/qualifications and experience. Other qualifications - engineering/science etc I would prefer someone with Diploma or equivalent with a reasonable amount of experience rather than someone with MSc and no experience. Also what type of h&s role/industry are you looking for - site based, engineering/science environment, a more people skills role, training, occupational health position, working in a local authority/council?? As I say it really does depend on a number of factors

Posted By lj44 Thank you I am currently a unit manager in the aggregate products industry (having worked in both quarrying and readymix concrete). I recently was involved in a SHE auditing team for one of our international operations, I thoroughly enjoyed this process and felt it was of benefit. I would now like to pursue this as a career direction, although not neccesarily just in this industry.

Posted By RachelW Hi, I thought I could add a different perspective on this. I have just completed an MSc in Occ Safety and Health at Middlesex University. I chose this course as it was approved by IOSH for Chartered Membership and for me was a good alternative to the NEBOSH Diploma. I already have a Chemistry degree and a NEBOSH Certificate and have been helping low risk SMEs with very simple H&S problems for 8 years, so in this sector I feel that I have plenty of experience. You don't say what your starting qualifications are, but I agree with the other posts that a good blend of academic, technical and practical skills are best, with a leaning to the practical experience - an MSc doesn't give you that, but the reading, assignments and research elements will give you a more in-depth insight into the issues, which will ultimately help you in your role.

Posted By Raymond Rapp To provide another slant, you may wish to do something more basic like the NEBOSH construction certificate. A sound knowledge of construction safety will provide an underpinning knowledge in may areas and you will never be short of work. I went from a NVQ3 straight to a MSc in Health and Safety Management. In truth, I missed something in between and regret not having a better understanding of the basic principles. Good luck, whatever. Ray