Overview

Develop skills and knowledge that lead to a safe work environment with the Diploma of Work Health and Safety. You’ll learn how to lead and manage WHS procedures, environment, risk and quality systems. This qualification focuses on real world, relevant global contexts. It is a practical program with projects and assignments you can integrate into your existing role or organisation.

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

  • Nationally recognised training
    Nationally recognised training
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Skills you’ll learn

  • Managing workers compensation claims
  • Plan and produce documents
  • Manage external WHS contractors
  • Understand how to comply with WHS laws

Learning outcomes

  • Learn the skills and knowledge required to lead and coordinate organisational arrangements for managing WHS compliance of contractors
  • Contribute to the development, implementation and maintenance of elements of a work health and safety management system
  • Contribute to the implementation of planning and response procedures for emergencies
  • Develop skills to plan, conduct, and report on investigations of WHS incidents
  • Lead the development and use of WHS risk management tools
  • Learn how to contribute to managing work-related psychological health and safety
  • Gain skills to lead the management of WHS risks in an organisation

Your career opportunities

  • WHS consultant
  • WHS contractor

Location options

Why Swinburne?

Delivered by facilitators who are industry experts

Participant course training manual

Live Online delivery allows you to do the course from anywhere

Access to our team of Customer Development Advisors

Live Online Delivery

Our Live Online delivery

Our Live Online delivery is a dynamic, engaging and interactive way to learn remotely. It’s just like face-to-face but with the added benefits of digital technology. Your facilitator will present in real-time, and you will be able to participate in group discussions and collaborate on exercises and group activities using our interactive platforms.

Admissions

The entry requirements for the Diploma of WHS include:

AND

  • at least 3 years of relevant work experience in the work health and safety industry.

Other requirements

Students are required to have access to a suitable workplace, including relevant WHS policies, procedures and processes, to meet performance evidence requirements and complete the assessment tasks for the embedded units of competency.

Students must also have access to working professionals in the WHS industry to collaborate with in order to complete assessment activities.

If the candidate already holds a Certificate of OHS/ WHS, they are required to provide a certified (attested) copy of their certificate of results upon enrolment. If the candidate does not comply with the Certificate IV of OHS/WHS requirement but has vocational experience in the OHS/WHS sector, they are required to apply for the ‘recognition of the Certificate IV in WHS core units’. If you would like to know more about this recognition of prior learning, please contact our Customer Development Advisor team on 1800 633 560.

Credit transfer

Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Course structure

The Diploma of WHS is delivered in workshop clusters. Clusters can be completed in any order.

Both Face-to-face and live online participants are to complete 10 Units of competency delivered across four clusters.

4
Clusters
=
Diploma
Course outline
Download this document as a quick outline of the course that can be printed and presented to your employer.

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Elective units
Manage WHS compliance of contractors
Elective unit
BSBWHS514
Manage implementation of emergency procedures
Elective unit
BSBWHS520
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Lead initial response to and investigate WHS incidents
Core unit
BSBWHS515
Lead the development and use of WHS risk management tools
Core unit
BSBWHS519
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Lead WHS risk management
Core unit
BSBWHS513
Elective units
Manage WHS risks
Elective unit
BSBWHS504
Contribute to managing work-related psychological health and safety
Elective unit
BSBWHS512
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Contribute to developing, implementing and maintaining an organisations WHS management systems
Core unit
BSBWHS516
Manage WHS consultation and participation processes
Core unit
BSBWHS522
Elective units
Contribute to managing a WHS information system
Elective unit
BSBWHS517

Course delivery

Live Online

Live online delivery is just like face-to-face but with the added benefits of digital technology. Your facilitator will present in real time, and you will be able to participate in group discussions and collaborate on exercises and group activities using our interactive platforms.

Assessment

Following the delivery of each cluster students will undertake assessment(s).
Face to face/Live Online students will be given 6 weeks to complete their assessment(s).
Online students will be given 6 weeks to complete their assessment(s).

Assessor Guidance Session

Each unit of the program embeds a personalised guidance session tailored to the learner’s needs. This key checkpoint in the blended framework provides the opportunity to clarify understanding, ask questions, and ensures learners are on track for successful course completion.

Workplace delivery

This course (or units from it) can be tailored to industry delivery within the workplace for groups of eight or more students. Students may enrol in the course at any stage during the year. Students have the chance to select from a range of dates for elective units to determine the duration of their course.

2023 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$4,388

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$1,458

Fees are estimates only

Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2023 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

Skills first government-subsidised place

To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Financials
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.

Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)

If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.

The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.

VET Student Loan amount* ($AUD)

$10,342

Employer sponsored training

Many organisations are more than willing to help employees build on their skills and knowledge through professional development opportunities. In some circumstances, employers may be able to assist you in your professional development by sponsoring all or part of your fees.

Register your interest

To register your interest and request an application form you can submit our online enquiry form. Alternatively, you can call us on 1800 633 560, or email us at edge@swinburne.edu.au with the relevant information.

Course code
BSB51319
Enquire now

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and spoken with one of our Customer Development Advisors to understand your eligibility, what are you waiting for? Apply online! 

Start dates

The dates shown indicate when the Manage WHS procedures cluster commences. Students are eligible to commence this course during one of the other clusters if desired. Please see timetables further down for more information on all cluster dates. 

Location
Start dates
October intake
Location
Online
Start dates
02-October-2023
November intake
Location
Online
Start dates
28-November-2023
Start dates
Location
Start dates
October intake
Location
Online
Start dates
02-October-2023
November intake
Location
Online
Start dates
28-November-2023

Course timetables

2022 Diploma of Work Health and Safety
Download this schedule planner as part of your registration.
2023 Diploma of Work Health and Safety
Download this schedule planner as part of your registration.
Upcoming events
Swinburne Innovation Challenge
29-November-2023
  • “[The best part of the experience was] hearing interesting examples from different industries. The instructor was very enthusiastic.”

    Thomas , Diploma Work Health and Safety