MSc is a good to have but in my experience the CMIOSH assists in looking for work, you could always reference the fact in your CV you are about to self fund MSc to show your drive for continual improvement etc. Similar stage myself wanted to do MSc in Environmental Management (already CMIOSH, L6Dip etc) but as a fellow expat time allowance was a bit tricky so decided to do the IEAM certificate in Env management as a quick fix qualification onto CV to match Environmental experience part of my HSE role etc etc. I would imagine CMIOSH is something you can achieve quickly (took me about 7 months for IPD). The best advice I can give is look at job adverts for the roles you think may be of interest in the future and what they specify i.e. if they all mention diploma's and CMIOSH and not MSc it a good indicator of which to prioritise. Sometimes deends on who is recruiting as well and if they know what they are looking for.

Interesting article about 10 years ago is SHP basically an MSc in Safety Management is actually at a level above NEBOSH Diploma (that being equal to a first degree). Any employer who has done their research would know the differences with both. My MSc Dissertation was actually significant in obtaining the then CMIOSH....

I agree, its amazing that employers are so ignorant as to the comparative merits of different routes to entering into the H&S profession. THese same employers are often advised by HR professionals and more worrying H&S Consultants. These are often the same employers who expect the H&S Competent Advice to do all the Risk Assessments. I used to copy that same article and send it with my CV to enlighten prospective employers. But this is life...next we will have Tour De France Cyclists having to pass thrir Cycling Proficiency. (Only joking!)

What you mean no one in the Tour de France has done their cycling proficiency test, maybe the fun police need a phone call to alert them. On a serious note though it is done to the person recruiting if it is the quickest route to a better job or a job if that is your aim. On a personal note the MSc is a high standard and should unlock doors but not so sure. Had one recruitment agent tell me I had to be a member of NEBOSH and have an IOSH qualification which filled me full of confidence. I informed them I did not want them acting on my behalf through obvious lack of understanding.

I'm amazed at how many job specs indicate CMIOSH as a qualification... but then again do IOSH turn a blind eye to such esteem employer wish lists?