Diploma of Work Health and Safety

The Diploma of Work Health and Safety at Rhodes College is a one-year qualification for people who want to manage safety in Australian workplaces. You study how to identify hazards, assess risk, and put controls in place that actually work on a site, in a warehouse, or on a construction project. The course covers the legal side too: the Work Health and Safety Act and regulations, how to investigate incidents, and how to consult with workers and management when something goes wrong.

This diploma sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework. It is normally delivered over two semesters of full-time study, though some providers offer trimester intakes. You complete units of study, each with a set number of credit points, and the course usually includes a practical component where you apply your knowledge in a real or simulated workplace. Assessment is a mix of written tasks, projects, and practical demonstrations. There is no major research thesis at this level, but you may complete a capstone-style project that pulls together everything you have learned.

You will gain skills in risk management, incident investigation, emergency planning, and safety auditing. You also learn how to communicate safety requirements to a workforce and how to keep records that stand up to scrutiny. The course suits people already working in safety who want a formal qualification, as well as those looking to move into the field from trades, mining, construction, or manufacturing. It is also a pathway to further study, such as a bachelor degree in occupational health and safety.

International students should check the English language requirements for their specific intake. The Student visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and after you finish you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Always confirm the latest details on the official CRICOS register and with Rhodes College directly.

• Work health and safety officer
• Safety coordinator
• WHS advisor
• Risk management assistant
• Occupational health and safety technician
• Safety inspector
• Injury management coordinator

These roles are found across construction, manufacturing, mining, healthcare, logistics, and government. Australian organisations in these industries hire diploma-qualified safety professionals to keep their workplaces compliant and their workers safe.