Posted By ChrisinMalta Hi John, in my opinion, the h&s profession is undergoing a period of "stratification" which is common in the development of relatively new professions. During this time it becomes obvious that practitioners are being called upon to operate at a variety of different levels and the old saying, "horses for courses" comes into play. For example, a person working at corporate level uses different skills and knowledge sets to someone working as an advisor in a small business. Some practitioners need to understand the complexities of strategic management and business planning, as well as the core knowledge of h&s, whereas others operate mainly in the day to day "nitty-gritty" of h&s. Of equal value perhaps, but very different roles. Masters programmes help people not only with the further acquisition of knowledge, but perhaps more importantly, they can help them in their personal development and in their thinking skills. The ability to analyse problems and to come up with innovative solutions is essential in the "higher professional" and Masters programmes can help develop these abilities. Finally, I would say that most people (mature students particularly)that hold a masters degree have shown the ability and stamina to commit to a project and stick to it until they achieve success; a quality that is hard to find in today's labour market!

Posted By Graham Bullough Another benefit of any course, irrespective of type or duration, is that of meeting other students with their mix of experiences and backgrounds and thus being able to learn something from them as well as the lecturers. The same goes for IOSH meetings and conferences, etc. It's always good to be able to receive new information, be refreshed about what we think we know (and have probably forgotten) and consider new approaches to existing problems, etc. The above comments about courses won't apply to correspondence courses where there is no contact with other students. In some ways this discussion forum is akin to a correspondence course. If forum participants were meeting and talking in person (either face to face or in groups) rather than typing on a webpage, the discussions would surely be a lot more civilised and considerate.

Posted By Jay Joshi It is also a myth that a Masters Degree is "academic" and does not equip the holder with practical aspects that the NEBOSH/BSc diploma does. All we have is anecdotal information from limited experience of individuals who do not give information regarding the level of practical experience the MSc holder has. Perhaps it is high time some of the more reputed recruitment agencies undertook some survey and published their results. Even IOSH requires NEBOSH/BSC holders undertaking their IPD by completing a skills development portfolio (SDP), maintaining CPD, and successfully completing the peer review interview in the same way it may require an MSc holder to undertake for moving from Graduate membership level to Chartered status. Last, but not least, employers appear to be genuinely unaware of the breadth of qualifications in Occupational Health and Safety despite efforts by IOSH, recruitment agencies and professional magazine publishers( such as SHP)

Posted By Bill Parkinson Stevew Would be interested in where you did yours as I am looking to undertake a MSc soon. My reason for doing this despite having a degree (chemical engineering); NEBOSH Diploma and being a Chartered Member with 22 years h&s experience? I always view h&S as continuously evolving and whilst still doing work which can contribute to my CPD cycle, I still feel that I have more to learn and this is my choice to make. Bill

Posted By Tim Briggs The original question as asked was "Why do health & safety advisors want to do a Masters Degree in H & S". There are many different reasons for wanting to do a Masters Degree. Well like it or not here is my fourpennorth. Someone earlier quoted an old version of Maslow, (DKP I think), the fifth strand of the hierarchy omitted was self actualisation. There is new research suggesting that the strands of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs can be further developed, and that four further strands of self actualisation now exist. This may include people experiencing self-transcendence as a personal motivational step beyond the fifth step of self-actualization. It may be that this occurs because the learner wants to develop a deeper comprehensive understanding of world views. It may be to gain a broader understanding of motivational roots of altruism or social progress, or a more multicultural integrated approach that develops intricate knowledge in specialist areas. All valid reasons for wanting to undertake the Masters level of learning (Dont forget M Phil D Phil etc etc)levels of education or higher. As you learn more you learn at the higher levels you begin to broaden your knowledge and horizons, which is part of the masters (or higher) learning criteria. In his Just So stories, Kipling said he knew six honest men, their names were aligned to questions we all ask ourselves when we want to develop new knowledge or skills. Kipling wrote that he knew six honest serving men, "What Why When How Where and Who" the precursor to identifying the solutions I think to problems that beget us all and society. But sometimes the real reason behind higher level learning is even simpler, some people undertake higher level learning as it may lead to more money, better work conditions, better job status and better career prospects. And of course let us not forget those who just want to prove that they have an academic ability and learn at these levels because it is fun and just a personal challenge!!!! But one thing that has already been said, the day we all stop learning we stop developing and progressing our understanding which I believe is a fundamental foundation stone in developing ourselves and society. Regards Tim Briggs

Posted By GaryC40 Because i found the NEBOSH method of learning deficient and unsatisfactory, however combined with an MSC one becomes more complete and confident IMO. Also in general, i have found that the MSC commands more respect from employers...but that's mainly as a result of ignorance of what the NEBOSH quals stand for. I have experienced on several occasions employers not having a 'scooby' of the difference between the NGC and Dip, however all recognised the merits of an MSC. As for the environmental issue then there are clear links between environmental risks/hazards and HS, so i cannot see your point. GC GC

Posted By justgossip people should do as they want. the only thing that bugs me about qualifications is that people think that with all the letters after your name you are competant which is completely wrong. take job adverts, they stipulate you must have this or that certificate. The first thing I would want is can you do the job effectively. I potter round building sites in London and meet up with highly educated safety people who can on instant re call quote any piece of legislation. Not one of them is able to get thier workforce operating on a daily basis in conformance to a safe system of work. I now a days have little respect at all for H&S qualifications . When I meet people in this job I just look to see if they are able to get the workforce doing it safely. However to look the other way I also believe training is worthwhile. So I will not be going after all the silly letters, I want skills that work on the shop floor. My next quals. NEBOSH Environ 7303 teaching qual garry

Posted By GaryC40 In normal circumstances what you say may be correct, however i know for a fact that in the current climate it can only be positive to have as many relevant qualifications as possible; whether they be academic or not. BTW i will not be pursuing an MSC at this time as the work load required is beyond my capability to cope whilst in full-time employment (ironic). PGC / NEBOSH just fine...i hope. GC