Three modules are delivered by elearning. The elearning materials include video lectures, podcasts, and written materials, all of which is located within a virtual learning environment that can be accessed anywhere in the world via an internet-connected computer or tablet.
The elearning modules are supported by seminars during term time that are hosted in an online web-conference facility. Seminars are recorded to ensure that those who cannot attend are not disadvantaged. The course director provides academic support via Skype, email or phone, according to a student’s preference.
Two of the PGCert modules and one of the PGDip modules are delivered as two-day intensive workshops in Nottingham. Workshops are recorded, and the recordings uploaded to the virtual learning environment, for the benefit of those who cannot attend. International students often choose to view the recordings rather than attend in person.
Modules
The Management of Workplace Health (two-day workshop)
This introductory module presents the case for evidence-based workplace health and wellbeing management and considers the role of horizon scanning for new and emerging risks.
The workshop-based module includes inspirational presentations from key influencers in the workplace health and wellbeing debate including Shaun Davis (Group Director of Safety, Health, Wellbeing, and Sustainability at Royal Mail Group), Dr Richard Heron (Chief Medical Officer and Vice-President Health at BP), Dr Sayeed Khan (Chief Medical Officer at EEF – the manufacturers’ organisation), and Michael O’Donnell (Medical Director at Health Management Limited).
Work-related stress (eLearning)
Work-related stress is a leading cause of ill-health and impaired organisational effectiveness. This module establishes the scale of the problem and the imperative for its management, considers leading theoretical models that seek to provide an explanatory framework for the causes and consequences of work-related stress, and examines the application of these models to the management of work-related stress.
Workplace Health Promotion (eLearning)
A healthy workforce is a productive workforce and the workplace provides an ideal location in which to promote healthy behaviours. This module considers the business case for workplace health promotion, introduces psychological theories of behaviour change, and examines the application of these theories to informing the design of effective workplace health promotion interventions.
Contemporary Issues in Workplace Health (two-day workshop)
This workshop-based module considers a range of contemporary issues facing workplace health and wellbeing practitioners. Through presentations from the module convenor and a series of high-level guest speakers the module examines the role of theory and scientific evidence in understanding and managing these problems. The module provides an opportunity for students to focus on a workplace health and wellbeing challenge specifically related to their own interests or professional activities.
Absence, Rehabilitation and Retention (two-day workshop)
This module is delivered by Professor Amanda Griffiths with additional expert input from Dr Sayeed Khan (Chief Medical Officer at EEF – the manufacturers’ organisation) and Dr Barbara Kneale (Independent Occupational Physician). The module considers absence monitoring, analysis, and prevention. The module further explores the management of rehabilitation and barriers and facilitators to a sustained return to work.
Workplace Health Research and Evaluation Methods (eLearning)
This module is about approaches to the design of workplace health studies, the collection of data, and the evaluation of that data with a view towards the construction of an evidence-based argument for the introduction of policies, procedures, and interventions that are designed to generate occupational health benefits. The emphasis throughout is on pragmatism in design, methods of data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The underlying guiding principle to the module content is that there is no point in workplace health practitioners learning about such issues if, upon completion of the module, they are unlikely to have developed the knowledge, confidence, and vocabulary required to explain, justify and implement studies in the organisational setting.
By the end of this module you should: (a) understand the nature of the research process, (b) be able to develop a research question, (c) understand the ingredients of good research design, (d) be familiar with a range of qualitative and quantitative approaches to data collection and aware of their strengths and limitations, and (e) be able to apply a host of qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques.
Applied Research Project: Theory and Practice (eLearning)
Upon completion of the six taught modules that comprise the Postgraduate Diploma, students wishing to obtain the Masters degree undertake an applied research project. This module provides the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge acquired during the course to the task of designing, conducting, and writing-up a piece of research that has the potential to make a positive impact on workplace health and wellbeing. Most students undertake a study in their own place of work or that of a customer or colleague.
IOSH Student Prize: Each year the best two student projects are put forward for the IOSH Health and Safety Student Research Competition. This award recognises the important role that student research plays in improving occupational safety and health policy and practice. To date our students have reached the final each year.
The above is a sample of the typical modules that we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. This course page may be updated over the duration of the course, as modules may change due to developments in the curriculum or in the research interests of staff.
Teaching methods and assessment
Modules are assessed by essay. There are no exams. Many students have been out of education for a number of years; as such, extensive guidance and support is provided on essay preparation.
Careers
MSc Workplace Health and Wellbeing is aimed at those who are currently, and those who aspire to be, involved in the management of contemporary issues in employee health and wellbeing. This may, for example, relate to careers in occupational health and/or safety, nursing, human resource management, occupational hygiene, occupational therapy, and others.
Average starting salary and career progression
90.1% of postgraduates from the School of Medicine secured work or further study within six months of graduation. The average starting salary was £31,086.*
* Known destinations of full-time home postgraduates who were available for employment, 2016/17. Salaries are calculated based on those in full-time paid employment within the UK.
Careers support and advice
We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students whatever your course, mode of study or future career plans.
You can access our Careers and Employability Service during your studies and after you graduate. Expert staff will help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.
More than 1,500 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.
Additional costs
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees. This includes travel and accommodation for attendance at occasional two-day campus-based workshops (MSc students attend three workshops, PGDip students attend two, and PGCert students one).
You should be able to access most of the learning materials through our online library, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles which could cost up to £100. Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.
Scholarships and bursaries
BP Workplace Health and Wellbeing Scholarship
The BP Workplace Health and Wellbeing Scholarship is a competitive scholarship that involves an award of the full MSc course fee. The scholarship recognises academic excellence with a strong commitment to the translation of theory and scientific evidence into workplace practice. To be eligible a student must achieve an overall distinction grade in the first year of the course.
Royal Mail Group Workplace Health and Wellbeing Scholarship
The Royal Mail Group Workplace Health and Wellbeing Scholarship is a competitive scholarship that involves an award of the full MSc course fee. The scholarship recognises academic excellence with a strong commitment to the translation of theory and scientific evidence into workplace practice. To be eligible a student must achieve an overall distinction grade in the first year of the course.
Learning Beyond Registration (LBR) funding
Applicants who will be employed by the NHS in the East Midlands while they are undertaking their studies may be eligible to apply for Learning Beyond Registration (LBR) funding through the Health Education England East Midlands. Funding will be available for both full programmes and individual modules.
Government loans for masters courses
Masters student loans of up to £10,906 are available for taught and research masters courses. Applicants must ordinarily live in the UK or EU.
International and EU students
Masters scholarships are available for international and EU students from a wide variety of countries and areas of study. You must already have an offer to study at Nottingham to apply. Please note closing dates to ensure you apply for your course with enough time.
We provide guidance on funding your degree, living costs and working while you study. You can also access specific funding opportunities, entry requirements and other resources for students from specific countries.