Diploma of Work Health and Safety
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.
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
- Online
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
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:
- All five core units of the Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety or equivalent competencies:
- BSBWHS412 Assist with compliance with WHS laws
- BSBWHS413 Contribute to implementation and maintenance of WHS consultation and participation processes
- BSBWHS414 Contribute to WHS risk management
- BSBWHS415 Contribute to implementing WHS management system
- BSBWHS416 Contribute to workplace incident response
AND
- at least 3 years of relevant work experience in the work health and safety industry.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
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 transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
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.
-
Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety - Fast track
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Diploma of Quality Auditing - Fast track
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Diploma of Business - Fast track
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.
Course outline
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 organisation's WHS management system
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.
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$4,794
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$1,594
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
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 2025 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, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. 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)
$12,557
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.
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 Course Advisors to understand your eligibility, what are you waiting for? Apply online!
Course timetables and start dates
Course timetables
2025 Diploma of Work Health and Safety
2024 Diploma of Work Health and Safety
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.
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“[The best part of the experience was] hearing interesting examples from different industries. The instructor was very enthusiastic.”
Thomas , Diploma Work Health and Safety