Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health (MSc OSH)

Overview

The Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health (MSc OSH) is a multidisciplinary postgraduate programme aimed at advancing knowledge and professional practice in workplace health and safety. This programme supports Malawi’s national efforts to improve occupational safety and health (OSH) systems and meets global standards defined by the ILO and WHO.

Occupational Safety and Health is concerned with promoting the highest standards of physical, mental, and social well-being among workers. It plays a critical role in improving labour productivity, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and creating safer working environments, especially as Malawi experiences growth in construction, manufacturing, and other industrial sectors.

Aim of the Programme

The MSc OSH programme is designed to build capacity in the occupational safety, health, and welfare sector. It also aims to equip OHS professionals with knowledge and skills to design, implement, and evaluate OSH policies. It further promotes safer, healthier, and more productive work environments across sectors

Programme Structure

The MSc OSH is a two-year (four-semester) programme delivered in a modular format:

Year 1 (semester 1 & 2)

Ten compulsory modules (Five per semester)
Each module carries a specific number of credits contributing to the required 120 credits for coursework completion
Module include:
- - Occupational Safety
  - Occupational Health
  - Occupational Toxicology
  - Ergonomics
  - Risk Management
  - Epidemiology and Statistics
  - Workplace Health and Safety Regulations
  - Management for Occupational Safety and Health
  - Professional Practice in OSH
  - Research Methodology

Semester 3: Submission of a research proposal
Semester 4: Completion and submission of a dissertation
Research may involve experimental work, surveys, case studies, programme development, or modelling in OSH-related areas

To graduate with a Master’s degree, a student must earn:

120 credits from coursework
60 credits from the dissertation
A minimum pass mark of 50% is required for the dissertation. Students must meet all academic requirements to graduate.

Programme Duration and Extension

Standard Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Extension: Up to 2 additional semesters allowed upon application and payment of 50% of programme fees

Programme Exit Options

Postgraduate Diploma in OSH: Awarded to students who complete at least 120 credits from coursework but do not proceed with the dissertation.
Master of Science in OSH: Awarded upon successful completion of 120 coursework credits and 60 dissertation credits.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to occupational safety and health such as Environmental Health, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry or any relevant subject area, with an average grade of at least 50%.

Required Documents

- Proof of payment of the application fee (A non-refundable application fee of MK20,000.00 for Malawian applicants and US$60.00 for international applicants) – Completed PG programmes application form [insert link].
- Certified copy of academic transcript/ academic record.
- Certified copies of relevant certificates.
- Reference letters from two (2) traceable referees (at least one academic).
- Recent curriculum vitae.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit their applications via email to: applicationspostgraduate@mubas.ac.mw
Important Notes:
- Postgraduate candidates can apply at any time during the academic year.
- The closing date for receiving applications for the September intake is 30 May the same year whereas closing date for receiving applications for the March intake is 30 November the previous year

Fees Structure

Successful applicants shall be required to pay the Malawi Kwacha equivalent of US$3,250.00 per year for domicile and SADC students and US$3,750.00 per year for other international students to cater for tuition, research project supervision and dissertation examination.

Non-Programme Specific – Support Services

Accommodation Assistance

Postgraduate programmes are offered on a non-residential basis. However, the University through the Office of the Director of Students and Student Affairs (DoSA) and the Postgraduate Office supports (PG) both local and international postgraduate students in securing suitable accommodation.

Mental Health and Wellness

The university prioritizes student well-being by offering free psychological counselling through DoSA and the MUBAS Clinic. These services cover issues such as stress, anxiety, and university adjustment. In its effort to promote awareness and mental wellness each year, the university holds an annual Mental Health Day.

Medical Coverage

All registered students are automatically enrolled in the UNIMED medical scheme, providing them with access to essential healthcare services.

Orientation and Integration Support (for International Students)

- International students benefit from a well-structured orientation programme organized by the PG. The programme provides several issues including, guidance on academic life, cultural adaptation, transportation, banking, and local living. Through the programme students interact with university personnel and receive help with registration, course selection, and use of learning platforms.

Administrative and Visa Support

Through the office international student support, the university ensure that international student receive continuous support for visa applications, educational permits, and registration. The office also offer advice on local regulations to ease students’ transition and ensure policy compliance.

Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health

Admission criteria

The following shall be eligible for admission into the Master of Science in Occupational Safet and Health programme:

The Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health programme shall admit holders of a bachelor’s degree from any recognized institution of higher learning in Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Health, Public Health or in any other related field with a minimum average grade of 50%. The minimum average shall be computed based on final year grades. For applicants with grade point average (GPA) grades, the requirement shall be a holder of a bachelor’s degree from any recognized institution of higher learning in Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Health, Public Health or any other related field with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on 5.0 GPA scale and 2.25 on a 4.0 GPA scale.

Programme Structure

The programme comprises ten compulsory modules. Five of these modules will be offered in semester 1, and the other five in semester 2. A dissertation will be conducted in semester 3 and 4. A student must complete all the ten modules and must obtain at least a total of 180 credit points to fulfill the requirements for the award of a Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health degree. One credit point represents the amount of learning achieved through a notional 10 hours of learning time. Notional hours include everything a student must do to achieve the intended learning outcomes in a qualification.

In addition, students are required to submit a research proposal at the beginning of the third semester. A complete dissertation will be submitted at the end of the fourth semester. The research can take the form of experimental work, survey, case studies, programme development, and modeling in any OSH related area of interest.

Programme Exits

The programme has two exits: postgraduate diploma and MSc depending on completion of modules and dissertation. A student, who has been credited with at least 120 credits from course work and cannot progress further on the programme, will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma. A student, who has been credited with at least 120 credits from course work and at least 60 credits from dissertation, will be awarded a Master’s Degree in OSH.

Support for Students and their Learning

The programme will make use of existing teaching and learning resources outlined below

Lecture rooms, laboratories, library, and internet facilities. MUBAS Library subscribes to a number of online databases enabling the students of the programme to access to online or e-journals.

Student Information Management System which will be used to manage the administrative and academic processes of the programme.

In terms of social services, MUBAS and College of Medine are well positioned. It is within walking distance to social amenities e.g. manufacturing companies, shopping mall, dispensaries, banks, highway, and sports facilities.

WASHTED, under the Institutional Capacity Grant from the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST), has acquired some equipment which will be used for practical teaching of some modules in this programme.

Students shall be supported through consultations, tutorials and presentations.

Bachelor Of Science In Occupational Safety And Health

Admission Criteria

Normal Entry

A candidate with MSCE, ‘O’ Level or equivalent may join the programme at the beginning of year 1 or level 0. These should have at least six credits including English, Mathematics, Biology, Physics and Chemistry or Physical Science

Mature Entry

A candidate with MSCE, ‘O’ Level or equivalent, field work experience and a qualification from a recognized institution, may join the programme at the beginning of year 2 (Semester 1).

A candidate with MSCE, ‘O’ Level or equivalent and a MUBAS diploma in OSH may join the programme at the beginning of year 3 (Semester 1).

Programme Structure

The School of Science and Technology, Department of Public and Environmental Health Sciences at MUBAS proposes to introduce a BSc in Occupational Safety and Health (BOSH) programme. Occupational Safety and Health deals with safeguarding and promoting the health and welfare of all workers which include the following priority areas;

Improving capacity for occupational safety and health management.

Strengthening legal framework and infrastructure on occupational safety and health

Improving occupational safety and health information and documentation

Improving occupational safety and health promotion and safety and health culture

Improving the mainstreaming of HIV/AIDS and occupational TB management.

BOSH students may be employed as Occupational Safety and Health officers and OSH inspectors. They research, develop, control and provide advice on OSH. They coordinate risk assessment procedures that provide guidance on how risks should be controlled in a workplace. They promote safety and health principles through enforcement of OSH Act and regulations.

The programme will enable students to gain skills and competences in the design, implementation and evaluation of occupational safety and health management systems. Furthermore, the programme includes an element of self-directed learning and reflective practice that provide an experience of independent knowledge acquisition and their application in problem solving activities.

Students will be able to join the programme at level 0, level 1 and level 2 depending on previous qualifications and experience. It is also possible for a student to exit the programme and get an appropriate competence-level award.

Figure 1: Triple-Entry and Triple-Exit Structure of BSc in Occupational Safety and Health

Programme Exits

Intermediate Award: Certificate in OSH

A student who has been credited with at least 240 credits, and who cannot progress further on the programme, will be awarded an Intermediate Award: Certificate in OSH.

Intermediate Award: Diploma in OSH

A student who has been credited with at least 360 credits, and who cannot progress further on the programme, will be awarded an Intermediate Award: Diploma in OSH.

Bachelor of Science Degree in OSH

A student, who has been credited with at least 480 credits will be awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in OSH (Figure 1).

Diploma In Occupational Safety And Health

Admission Criteria

The admission requirement into the Dip OSH programme shall be:

Normal entry

MSCE or O level with four credits including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics or General Science.; or
A-Level with at least a C in English, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Mature entry

MSCE with four credits including English, Physical Science or General Science and Biology
Minimum of two years working experience in related field and
Any certificate in related field

Programme Structure

The programme will run for a period of three years (six semesters). The minimum number of credits a student may take per semester is 60. Thus, the minimum total number of credits required in the entire programme is 360 in semester two of year two students will go on attachment.