| Code | LW6109 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 weeks - March to May |
| Teaching Mode | Part-Time. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for more info. |
| Fees | €1000 See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Closing Date | 4 Dec 2026 |
| Course Delivery Method | Online |
| Venue | On-line Programme. |
| Credits | 10 |
| Start Date | 11 Jan 2027 |
Outline
Module Objective: To introduce students to legal reasoning and to the sources of law; to give students an understanding of the statutory framework governing health and safety at work in Ireland and of the European context to the development of the law in this area; to introduce students to aspects of employment law and the law of torts that relate to occupational health and safety; to give students an understanding of the principles of environmental law as it relates to occupational health, safety and welfare.
Module Content: Introduction to law and the sources of law. The development of health and safety law and the influence of Europe. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and regulations made thereunder. The preparation of safety statements and the role of the Health and Safety Authority. Relevant aspects of the law of torts and employment law. International and comparative aspects of the law relating to occupational health, safety and welfare. Environmental law as it relates to occupational health, safety and welfare at work.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the major legal principles relevant to occupational health and safety and an ability to integrate these into broader legal frameworks.
- Apply these principles in practical workplace settings
- Review human resources and health and safety policy documentation in light of these principles
- Demonstrate an understanding of relevant aspects of employment law, the law of torts and environmental law as they apply to occupational health, safety and welfare.
Additional Teaching Mode Information
You may take up to 15 CPD credits in one academic year, up to a maximum of 20 credits in total.
This module is available for external individuals to attend as independent modules, having as target groups essentially: Health and Safety Professionals in Industry and Healthcare, Occupational Health Nurses, Self-employed Occupational Health and Safety Consultants, Human Resources Managers among others. This module is also available to Healthcare Professionals - doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists, allied healthcare professionals among others.
A student, if admitted to the course, who successfully completes and passes a module under CPD will be eligible for exemptions if he/she is admitted to the MSc in Occupational Health or the MSc in Occupational Health (Online) within five years from the date of successful completion of the module (and subject to the module being offered on the MSc in Occupational Health or the MSc in Occupational Health (On-line)).
Practicalities
8 Weeks duration. Will run from 11 Jan - 7 Mar 2027
Teaching Method(s): 90 x 1hr(s) Other (directed online learning); 110 x 1hr(s) Directed Study (recommended reading, independent research and project work).
Requirements
Candidates who satisfy the programme eligibility criteria may, subject to the approval of the Programme Director/Coordinator, be permitted to take the module as part of UCC's commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and be provided with a relevant transcript of marks.
Entry requirements (as per MSc Occupational Health and MSc Occupational Health (Online) modules):
Candidates for this CPD module must normally meet one of the following criteria:
A Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in a relevant area, for example, a health-related field (such as Public Health, Nursing, Medicine, Environmental Health, Psychology/Behavioural Science, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy); a business-related field (such as Human Resource Management, Management and Law), engineering-related (such as Ergonomics, Systems Engineering) or science-related (such as Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science). Relevant professional experience or work placement is desirable in an area relevant to occupational health, safety, welfare and well-being practice and/or research;
Or
A minimum of an NFQ Level 8 Diploma/Higher Diploma in Safety, Health and Welfare (minimum Second Class Honours, Grade 1), from UCC or an equivalent qualification² from another Institution (NFQ Level 8 Diploma, minimum Second Class Honours Grade I) AND a minimum of one year's professional work experience¹ in an area relevant to Occupational Health, Safety, Welfare and Wellbeing practice and/or research;
Or
Applicants with a minimum of three years of professional work experience and/or evidence of continuous professional development/ training in an associated area¹ of Occupational Health, Safety, Welfare and well-being may be invited for an interview to satisfy the selection committee of their suitability for the programme, under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
¹Areas of relevant professional work experience include, but are not limited to fields such as Health and Safety; Environmental Safety; Safety Engineering; Health Promotion; Work Psychology; Ergonomics; Human Resources; Training and Development; Occupational Health Nursing; Health Science.
²Level 8 examples: Diploma/Higher Diploma/International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety; Diploma in Environment Management, Diploma in Health Promotion, Diploma in Learning, Development and Work-based Training.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Vsit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.
Fees and Costs
€1000 - payable on application.
Will be fully refunded if course does not run or if you are not offered a place.
How To Apply
Create an account or login to UCC Apply (click the 'Apply' button below).
- Start a new application
- WHEN ASKED FOR APPLICATION TYPE - YOU MUST CHOOSE: ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION
- During the application on the tab titled Academic Level, under Level Selection, select the following options:
- Academic Level: Adult Continuing Education (ACE at UCC)
- Course Type: CPD Credit-Bearing Modules
- Academic Programme: Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Law [Online] LW6109