Posted By AlanB I am at the point of having to make a decision regarding my future now. One option is to go to a University on the outskirts of Sydney, Australia for a year to study for a Master of Applied Science (Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management), which costs £6000 to do, and I would have to self fund (then there are the additional transport and living costs). I am worried that this may not give me the same opportunities as a NEBOSH diploma. Tne opportunity is a great chance to study in a wonderful place, but I am concerned that employers would consider a Masters to be an over-qualification, or too specialised (even though the course covers a wide range of topics). I am currently working as a HSE and Quality management role, and I know the company would consider paying for me to do a NEBOSH diploma or equivalent, but Iwant to aim higher up the ladder. Any comments regarding this potential move? Many thanks, Alan

Posted By Francis MSc MIOSH RSP Hi Alan, I had started an NVQ IV when the chance to do a Masters degree in SHE arose. I chose to do the Masters (after advice)- and don't regret it at all for a number of reasons but the ones I will concentrate on are: 1) If you can stretch yourself academically to do it, it should prove worthwhile- it'll be testing but you'll feel that you've pushed yourself. It is a "natural" progression from a first degree. 2) If you are not 100% sure that you will always be in SHE it is still a Masters- and should be recognised as such be others/employers. 3) People still don't always recogise a "NEBOSH" but they do a "Masters"- which tells them the academic level you are competent at. HOWEVER, you really do need to find out why its not IOSH recognised (or is it too new etc..) because you may need to take a NEBOSH as well depending on what/where you want to go. Let us know what you decide Good luck

Posted By Arran Linton - Smith Alan and Sean, If you look on http://www.iosh.co.uk/in...fm?go=membership.courses I think you will find that the course is accredited for membership. I have pasted the details below. University of Western Sydney MSc in Occupational Safety, Health and Environmental Management (Australia only) (p/t d/l M) Having undertaken a NEBOSH Diploma and having started a Masters degree in Environmental Management, I would recommend the Masters Degree every time.

Posted By AlanB Arran, Neil Thank you for your reply. I agree with both viewpoints, but I do tend to edge for the Masters route, as I don't really see the point in doing a diploma nest year, and then a masters again a couple of years down the line. I may as well cut out the middle stage and get the cream. I already have 3 years experioence in HSE and 2 working as a consultant geologist and environmental engineer, so I have SOME experience. Once I have the qualification at the end of the year I would be willing to work on the cheap just to get some more experience. If things go right I would be looking at staying on in Australia for a year or two to get experience, make some contacts and build a better CV. I have only just turned 26 now, so I still have a couple of years left to play around wihth my time before the mortgage and kids come along! Just as an interesting point, I recently posted a similar question on the Safety Institute of Australia discussion forum (www.sia.org.au) asking if the masters qualification or experience is best route to take into Safety and Health. The discussion was a huge success, with a 50/50 split opinion. The thread had the biggest number of responses and hits on the forum. It was still going strong until a couple of weeks back. That was over 6 months of discussion!!! Anyway, it's a tough one and everyone has their opinion, and it truly does appear to be 50/50. I guess I am more inclined to do the masters. Thanks again, Alan