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Diploma of Work Health and Safety
This course is delivered in fast-track mode for working professionals

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Work health and safety (WHS) qualified personnel are needed in almost every business, and this qualification gives you the skills to lead and manage WHS in your workplace, whilst future-proofing your career.
This nationally recognised Diploma of Work Health and Safety course will develop your workplace safety knowledge, covering how to lead and manage WHS procedures, environment, risk and quality systems.
The Swinburne Professional approach is to not only deliver the technical skills you need to be a qualified WHS professional, but also to develop the leadership and management skills needed to do the job.
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. Undergoing the program gives you skills and tools you can use immediately and encourages you to think differently.
Who should attend?
This qualification is suitable for people who coordinate and maintain the work health and safety (WHS) program in an organisation.
This course is currently in transition.
The course code, title, units, and content may change. Further information will become available on our website, upon enrolment or during your studies. To discuss your study options, please get in touch with us today.
Duration
6 to 10 months (starting monthly)View dates on timetable
Study modes
Part-time, Face-to-face, Live online, workplace
Fees

BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety
Download this course brochure for more information about the qualification, and a detailed breakdown of the course units. This can also be given to your employer to pitch for funding or support of your program.
“[The best part of the experience was] hearing interesting examples from different industries. The instructor was very enthusiastic.”
Thomas
Diploma Work Health and Safety
Swinburne Live Online Short Courses and Qualifications
Our Live Online training is delivered to you live, providing similar interactions as face to face training with the benefits of remote access. The training is delivered through video conferencing and discussion board platforms. Workshops are broken into interactive video sessions, including presentations and distribution of materials and discussion board based activities.
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.
Course details
- Course delivery, learning objectives and benefits.
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 participantsare to complete 10 Units of competency delivered across four clusters.
For further information speak to one of our Customer Development Advisors on 1800 633 560.
Manage WHS procedures
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Lead in a WHS environment
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Managing WHS risk
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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 4 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.
Learning objectives
Though this diploma course, you will learn the WHS skills and knowledge required to:
- Learn the skills and knowledge required to lead and coordinate organisational arrangements for managing WHS compliance of contractors.
- 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.
- Contribute to the development, implementation and maintenance of elements of a work health and safety management system.
Benefits
Benefits of this Diploma of WHS course
- Minimise risks associated with work-related operations.
- Lower workplace absenteeism rate.
- Increase organisational resilience across the board.
- Improve employee performance and job satisfaction.
- Enjoy streamlined processes for managing WHS issues.
- Ensure company compliance with WHS laws.
- Show leadership at your workplace; including presentation skills, leadership skills, and writing complex documents.
- Be able to manage external WHS contractors.
- Assist with Workplace Incident Responses and the return-to-work process.
What to expect
- Networking opportunities with other working professionals.
- Access to industry experts who facilitate the workshops.
- Rolling monthly intakes.
- Program materials and manuals are used in the workshops. These double as take-home resources.
- Access to Customer Development Advisors to discuss further study options - to book an appointment call 1800 633 560.
- Live Online delivery available in the following states and territories – Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Tasmania.
Swinburne student benefits
1. Convenient Live Online delivery
Our unique Live Online training is delivered to you live, providing similar interactions as face to face training with the benefits of remote access. Our courses offer the same great quality course and human connection that our classroom delivery does from the comfort of your own home.
2. Be supported throughout every stage of your professional development journey
From initial enquiry through to graduation, our team will support students and offer the tools and guidance necessary for completing course requirements. Enjoy access to an Assessor guidance session to discuss assessment requirements and due dates. Every assessment you complete throughout your course will provide practical real-time learning.
3. Receive a practical tool kit and resources that can be used in the workplace
You will not need to purchase any additional textbooks as we provide comprehensive workbooks written specifically for each course. This means that content is 100% relevant. Receive the real time benefits of our tailored participant manuals, tools for assessments, and practical techniques and templates. The skills and resources that you gain can be implemented straight into the workplace during the course of your learning.
4. More one-on-one time to focus on individual needs
Capacity-restricted workshops provide Facilitators with the time to focus on individual needs and more one-on-one time. Unlike self-paced asynchronous online learning, workshop participants receive an interactive experience designed for asking questions and undergoing group discussions alongside learning peers.
5. Access to expert facilitators
To maintain their currency in knowledge for the courses and qualifications they deliver, Swinburne’s expert facilitators go above and beyond requirements set by the vocational educational training sector. As such, all facilitators undergo relevant professional development, attend industry conferences, read journals and industry newsletters, and engage with employers and trade unions to ensure they remain appropriately informed.
6. Swinburne discounts, benefits, and services
Swinburne’s student support services are available to offer you the care and support you need to have the best student life you can. Whilst studying with Swinburne, our students are provided access to a broad range of health and well being services, some of which can be accessed online. As a part of the Swinburne Alumni Community, enjoy access to a wide range of services and special offers, including a 15% discount for Swinburne Professional short courses. Please contact us for further information about this discount.
7. Swinburne’s commitment to sustainability and diversity
Driven by our dedication to sustainability, Swinburne procure 100% renewable electricity; bringing us one step closer to our goal of being carbon neutral by 2025. To support the mental, physical and emotional well being of its community, Swinburne also offer comprehensive professional health and medical services to its students and staff. Visit the Strategies and Initiatives and Giving to Swinburne pages to read more about Swinburne’s efforts to embrace sustainability, cross-cultural partnerships, diversity and equal opportunity.
Fees
- Fees for 2023.
A VET Student Loan is available for this course – allowing you to defer part of your fees if you're eligible.
The maximum VET Student Loan amount for this course is $10,342. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
Diploma of Work Health and SafetyEstimated course fees for 2023* |
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You will need to pay this amount if you do not receive a VET Student Loan | Face to Face/Online - $4,388 Skills First funding - $1,458 |
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You will need to pay this amount if you do receive a VET Student Loan | $0 |
How do I pay my fees?
Find out more about VET Student Loans.
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.
The following documents can assist you with this process:
Find out more about fees.
How to enter this course
- Entry requirements, pathways, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
Entry requirements
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
OR
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) - Extensive vocational experience in WHS roles without a formal qualification.
IMPORTANT:
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. Learn more about credit.
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. Learn more about RPL.
Enquire and enrol
- How to enquire and enrol in this course.

Register your interest
To register your interest and request an application form or to submit an enquiry, please fill in your details below and press submit. Alternatively, you can call us on 1800 633 560, or email us at indenrolments@swin.edu.au with the relevant information.
Arrangements can be made for group bookings.
Course downloads
- Timetables, course brochures and further information.
2022 Diploma of Work Health and Safety - Timetable
Download this timetable planner as part of your registration.
2023 Diploma of Work Health and Safety - Timetable
Download this timetable planner as part of your registration.
Course outline - Diploma of WHS Assessment Only Pathway
View entry requirements for the experienced assessment pathway for the Diploma of WHS.
Course outline - Diploma of WHS Live Online delivery
Download this document as a quick outline of the course that can be printed and presented to your employer.
Find out more
Make an enquiry
Make an enquiry
To register your interest and request an application form or to submit an enquiry, please fill in your details below and press submit.
Training Organisation Identifier (TOID): 3059