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RQF Level 6 Diploma Ofqual-regulated

Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational Health and Safety · Equivalent to the final year of a UK bachelor's degree · online with LSIB

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The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety is an Ofqual-regulated Level 6 diploma in Occupational Health and Safety worth 60 credits (600 hours of total qualification time), delivered online and flexibly by LSIB, an OTHM approved centre. It is equivalent to the final year of a UK bachelor's degree. Most learners complete it in six months, studying part-time around work. You can apply online today, download the brochure, or ask for the full course details by email.

What is the Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety?

The objective of the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety is to support learners who have, or are seeking to develop into, senior roles with responsibility for managing occupational health and safety policy and practice.

The qualification enables learners to advance their understanding of occupational health and safety management. Learners will develop the knowledge and skills needed to interpret the legal and regulatory context, assess organisational policies, and recommend and implement appropriate improvements.

Learners will also develop practical knowledge relevant to translating policy into practice through management systems, resource planning, risk and incident management, leadership and professional development. Successful completion supports progression into occupational health and safety roles and further relevant study.

Regulatory status and how to verify

LSIB does not replace OTHM as the awarding body; we deliver tuition, assessment and learner support under OTHM's quality assurance.

Is the Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety equivalent to a degree?

The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety represents practical knowledge, skills, capabilities and competences assessed academically at Level 6 of the Regulated Qualifications Framework. Level 6 is comparable in level to the final year of a UK bachelor’s degree, although this qualification does not itself confer a degree.

Equivalent to the final year of a UK bachelor's degree.

Who is this qualification for?

This Level 6 diploma suits learners with a Level 5 qualification who want final-year degree-level study in occupational health and safety and a route to a bachelor's top-up.

  • Study fully online with tutor support from LSIB, with no fixed timetable.
  • Assessment by assignments, so you can evidence learning from your own workplace.

Entry requirements

For entry onto the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety qualification, learners must be at least 18 years old and possess a relevant NQF/QCF/RQF certificate or diploma, or equivalent recognised qualification, covering the following basic concepts within occupational health and safety:

  • Science and Technology
  • Legal and Regulatory Systems
  • Workplace Safety and Health
  • Definitions of Risk and Risk Management Principles
  • Principles and Theories of Safety and Health Management
  • Occupational Health and Hygiene
  • Occupational Psychology
  • Information Technology, Literacy and Numeracy


Qualifications that fulfil this requirement include:

  • British Safety Council Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health
  • British Safety Council International Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health
  • NCFE IOSH Level 3 Certificate in Safety and Health for Business
  • NCRQ Level 6 Certificate in Applied Health and Safety
  • NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety


Alternatively, mature learners aged 21 or over with at least two years’ relevant practical experience in occupational health and safety may be considered for entry on an individual basis. Examples include risk assessments, workplace inspections, incident reporting and implementing safety procedures. Applicants must demonstrate readiness for Level 6 study.

English requirements: Learners who are not from a majority English-speaking country must provide evidence of English language competency. For more information, visit the English Language Expectations page on the OTHM website.

Qualification structure and units


The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety consists of seven mandatory units, comprising 60 credits, 600 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 220 Guided Learning Hours (GLH). All units must be completed.

UnitTypeCredits
The principles of health and safety law, health and safety management and developing the health and safety policy - 8 creditsMandatory—
The principles of health and safety strategy and stakeholder management - 10 creditsMandatory—
Maintaining operational risk and incident management procedures - 8 creditsMandatory—
The management of organisational health and safety culture - 6 creditsMandatory—
Managing the principles of occupational health and well-being - 12 creditsMandatory—
Sustainability and ethical health and safety business practices - 8 creditsMandatory—
Improving personal performance and the role of the safety practitioner - 8 creditsMandatory—
Total for the qualification60

Source: OTHM qualification specification (PDF) · Ofqual qualification number 603/5002/7. View on the Ofqual register.

What you will study: Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety units in detail

Each unit below is summarised from the OTHM specification: what the unit is designed to do and the learning outcomes you are assessed against.

Unit 1: DEVELOPING THE HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

8 credits · 30 guided learning hours · 80 hours total qualification time · Mandatory · Unit reference H/652/4328

The aim of this unit is to give learners an understanding of international frameworks for health and safety legislation and regulation along with organisational obligations and health and safety workplace requirements. The learner will explore the importance of performance objectives, communication systems and health and safety management systems. Learners will need to demonstrate understanding of moral, legal and financial justifications that underpin the importance of the company’s health and safety policy. Learners will also be able to articulate the importance of working with stakeholders and determine the benefits from an effective operational health and safety policy as part of a health and safety management system

Learning outcomes

  1. Understand statutory and regulatory obligations for maintaining health and safety. Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
  2. Understand the principles of health and safety management systems. Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
  3. Understand the key organisational factors that support the development and implementation of an organisation’s health and safety policy.
  4. Be able to review the organisational advantages of a successful occupational health and safety policy.

Unit 2: THE PRINCIPLES OF HEALTH AND SAFETY STRATEGY AND STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT

10 credits · 40 guided learning hours · 100 hours total qualification time · Mandatory · Unit reference J/652/4329

The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an understanding of the key principles that underpin the implementation of an operational health and safety strategy. Learners will be able to reflect on internal and external factors that influence health and safety practice. They will understand how stakeholders contribute to the effective implementation and communication of the health and safety policy, and how the policy is put into practice within an organisation’s health and safety systems. Learners will also develop the knowledge and skills to undertake a critical review of an organisation’s operational health and safety activities

Learning outcomes

  1. Be able to build and influence relationships with stakeholders. Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
  2. Understand how improved stakeholder relationships support and strengthen the organisation’s approach to its health and safety strategy. Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
  3. Understand how a health and safety strategy supports processes that lead and control workplace health and safety practices.

Unit 3: MAINTAINING OPERATIONAL RISK AND INCIDENT MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES

8 credits · 30 guided learning hours · 80 hours total qualification time · Mandatory · Unit reference M/652/4330

The aim of this unit is to enable learners to identify, address and manage risks and incidents in their roles as health and safety practitioners. This includes understanding strategies for assessing and evaluating risk, strategies and techniques for controlling risk, the causes of loss events, the analysis of loss data and the management of incidents

Learning outcomes

  1. Understand the process of managing the assessment and evaluation of risk within an organisation. Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
  2. Understand strategies and techniques for controlling and reducing risk.
  3. Understand loss causation and the principles underpinning incident investigation. Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
  4. Be able to manage operational policies and procedures relating to risk and incident management.

Unit 4: THE MANAGEMENT OF ORGANISATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY CULTURE

6 credits · 20 guided learning hours · 60 hours total qualification time · Mandatory · Unit reference R/652/4331

The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an understanding of a range of factors that influence health and safety behaviours, performance and culture in the workplace, including the impact of human and organisational factors, leadership styles, organisational structure and consultation arrangements. Learners will develop the skills to evaluate the health and safety culture and performance within an organisation, and to develop a coherent strategy to improve these

Learning outcomes

  1. Understand how organisational factors influence workplace health and safety culture.
  2. Understand how human factors influence safety behaviours and performance. Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
  3. Be able to demonstrate how an effective health and safety strategy improves organisational health and safety culture.

Unit 5: MANAGING THE PRINCIPLES OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

12 credits · 40 guided learning hours · 120 hours total qualification time · Mandatory · Unit reference T/652/4332

The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an understanding of the underpinning factors that relate to the principles of occupational health and well-being. Learners will evaluate the organisational factors that influence occupational health and well-being practice, including the critical arrangements that affect its management. Learners will evaluate key areas such as vocational rehabilitation, mental health and the role of agencies and third parties. They will develop a better understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that determine legal and moral obligations

Learning outcomes

  1. Be able to identify a range of factors that influence occupational health and well-being. Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
  2. Understand the critical factors involved in managing workplace occupational health and well- being. Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
  3. Be able to manage occupational health and well-being arrangements and procedures.

Unit 6: SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICAL HEALTH AND SAFETY BUSINESS PRACTICES

8 credits · 35 guided learning hours · 80 hours total qualification time · Mandatory · Unit reference Y/652/4333

The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an understanding of the underpinning factors that relate to establishing a framework for an improved approach to sustainability and ethical business practices. Learners will evaluate the organisational factors that influence CSR and ethical practices including codes of conduct, the general principles of sustainability and the importance of human capital. Learners will better understand the role of professional, trade and employer groups to support the development of improved practices and examine the importance of corporate governance and social responsibility

Learning outcomes

  1. Understand how corporate social responsibility and ethical practices influence successful health and safety management behaviours. Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
  2. Understand the roles of industry and the community in influencing and promoting ethical business practices. Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
  3. Be able to develop arrangements that improve compliance with sustainable practices. Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
  4. Be able to develop practices that improve leadership and ownership of ethical and sustainable business practices.

Unit 7: IMPROVING PERSONAL PERFORMANCE AND THE ROLE OF THE SAFETY PRACTITIONER

8 credits · 25 guided learning hours · 80 hours total qualification time · Mandatory · Unit reference A/652/4334

The aim of this unit is to provide learners with a clearer understanding of the roles and responsibilities of health and safety practitioners, the challenges and conflicts facing them, how they support safe working environments, and the skills required to meet these challenges. Learners will develop greater knowledge of the importance of individual and organisational competence. Learners will develop a better understanding and appreciation of continuing professional development (CPD) and its importance in enhancing personal and professional development. Learners will also gain a greater awareness of the importance of a range of skills beyond health and safety that help in developing the approach and capability of the safety practitioner

Learning outcomes

  1. Understand the roles and responsibilities of health and safety practitioners.
  2. Understand the importance of promoting inclusion and diversity in internal and external health and safety provision. Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
  3. Be able to explain the importance of continuing professional development (CPD) in the personal and professional development of health and safety practitioners. Learning Outcome – The learner will:.
  4. Understand the importance of non-health and safety competencies and skills that support the development of health and safety practitioners.

Unit aims and learning outcomes are reproduced from the OTHM qualification specification (PDF), which also lists the assessment criteria and indicative content for each unit.

Duration and delivery

The qualification is designed to be delivered over six months. Delivery can be arranged flexibly to accommodate learners studying full-time or part-time.

The qualification may be delivered through face-to-face, distance, online or blended learning by OTHM-approved centres. Centres must choose a delivery model that meets learners’ needs and supports achievement of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria, with appropriate teaching, assessment and learner support.

At LSIB the qualification is delivered online: you receive the unit materials, assignment briefs and tutor support through the learning platform and submit assignments when you are ready. There are no fixed lecture times, so you can start in any month.

How you are assessed

All units within this qualification are assessed and internally quality assured by the centre and externally quality assured by OTHM. The qualification is criterion-referenced and is based on the achievement of all specified learning outcomes.

Assessment is through coursework. The recommended word count is approximately 4,500 words per unit, divided between tasks where specified in the assignment briefs. This is an approximate length, rather than a fixed maximum. Learners must complete every task and meet all relevant assessment criteria.

To achieve a pass for a unit, learners must provide evidence that they have fulfilled all learning outcomes and met the standards specified by every assessment criterion. The overall grading type is Pass / Fail. Judgements are made by the assessor, who must retain an audit trail showing how the learner’s achievement has been determined.

Specific assessment guidance and relevant marking criteria are provided in the Assignment Brief document, which is made available to centres immediately after registration of one or more learners.

Progression and career routes

Successful completion of the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety supports progression into occupational health and safety roles and provides opportunities for further study at Level 7 and on relevant master’s degree programmes, subject to the receiving institution’s entry requirements.

As this qualification is approved and regulated by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), learners may be eligible to progress to relevant postgraduate study. For more information, visit the OTHM University Progressions page.

Professional Membership with IOSH

Individuals who achieve the qualification may be eligible to apply for Certified membership (CertIOSH), subject to meeting IOSH’s current membership requirements, including relevant professional experience.

Certified Members maintain a continuing professional development (CPD) record and may progress towards Chartered membership (CMIOSH) through IOSH’s Professional Development Assessment route. Membership requirements are determined by IOSH and may change; learners should consult the current IOSH membership guidance.

Universities that accept the Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

OTHM publishes these progression arrangements for the Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, each confirmed by the university:

Source: OTHM University Progressions. Completing the qualification meets each university's standard academic entry requirements, but every applicant is assessed individually and other entry requirements may apply. LSIB admissions can help you plan your top-up application.

Fees and how to apply

The course fee for the Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety at LSIB depends on how quickly you choose to complete the qualification. Every programme is available in two duration modes.

Course fees by duration mode
Duration modeLengthCourse fee
Standard mode9 months£1,750
Accelerated mode / Fast-track6 months£1,450

The fee is payable in monthly or quarterly instalments. It includes tuition, learning materials, assessment and OTHM registration and certification.

Fee payment plans

9 months (Standard mode)

Standard mode payment plans
PlanInstalmentsTotal
Monthly5 × £290£1,450
Quarterly2 × £725£1,450
Pay in full (Save 5%)1 × £1,378£1,378

6 months (Accelerated / Fast-track)

Fast-track payment plans
PlanInstalmentsTotal
Monthly3 × £583£1,749
Pay in full (Save 5%)1 × £1,663£1,663

You can avail a 5% discount if you pay the full course fee upfront in one instalment (bursary amounts shown in the tables).

The enrolment fee is £10 when you submit your application. It is separate from the course fee above.

  1. Apply and pay the £10 enrolment fee Use Apply now to open the application form with this programme pre-selected. Complete the form, upload your ID and qualification certificates (or a CV showing relevant experience), and pay the £10 enrolment fee to submit.
  2. Application review and course-fee link Admissions review your application within one working day. If you are approved, we email you a secure link to pay the course fee in full or on an instalment plan.
  3. Start your course As soon as your course fee (or first instalment, if you chose a plan) is paid, you receive your learning-platform login and can begin the first unit. There is no fixed intake date.

Frequently asked questions about the Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

What is the Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety equivalent to?
The Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety sits at Level 6 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Equivalent to the final year of a UK bachelor's degree. The OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety represents practical knowledge, skills, capabilities and competences assessed academically at Level 6 of the Regulated Qualifications Framework. Level 6 is comparable in level to the final year of a UK bachelor’s degree, although this qualification does not itself confer a degree.
Is the Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety worth it?
It is an Ofqual-regulated qualification at RQF Level 6 (Equivalent to the final year of a UK bachelor's degree) worth 60 credits, assessed by assignments so you can study while you work and apply each unit to your own role. It supports progression to a bachelor's top-up or OTHM Level 7 where you meet entry requirements. OTHM lists confirmed university progression for this qualification at 2 universities. At LSIB the course fee starts from £1,450, with instalments available.
Which universities accept the Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety?
Progression arrangements confirmed by universities and published by OTHM include Edith Cowan University, Australia (Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, Graduate Diploma of Occupational Health and Safety); University of Greenwich (MSc Safety, Health and Environment, MSc Occupational Hygiene). Each university assesses applicants individually and may set other entry requirements.
What units are in the Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety?
The qualification has 7 mandatory units: DEVELOPING THE HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY (8 credits), THE PRINCIPLES OF HEALTH AND SAFETY STRATEGY AND STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT (10 credits), MAINTAINING OPERATIONAL RISK AND INCIDENT MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES (8 credits), THE MANAGEMENT OF ORGANISATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY CULTURE (6 credits), MANAGING THE PRINCIPLES OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING (12 credits), SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICAL HEALTH AND SAFETY BUSINESS PRACTICES (8 credits), IMPROVING PERSONAL PERFORMANCE AND THE ROLE OF THE SAFETY PRACTITIONER (8 credits). Each unit is assessed by a written assignment.
How much does the Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety cost?
At LSIB the course fee is £1,750 for the 9-month standard mode or £1,450 for the 6-month fast-track mode, payable in monthly or quarterly instalments, with a 5% discount if you pay the full fee upfront. The fee includes tuition, learning materials, assessment and OTHM registration and certification. A £10 enrolment fee is paid when you apply.
What are the entry requirements for the Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety?
For entry onto the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety qualification, learners must be at least 18 years old and possess a relevant NQF/QCF/RQF certificate or diploma, or equivalent recognised qualification, covering the following basic concepts within occupational health and safety: Science and Technology; Legal and Regulatory Systems; Workplace Safety and Health; Definitions of Risk and Risk Management Principles; Principles and Theories of Safety and Health Management; Occupational Health and Hygiene; Occupational Psychology; Information Technology, Literacy and Numeracy; British Safety Council Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health; British Safety Council International Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health; NCFE IOSH Level 3 Certificate in Safety and Health for Business; NCRQ Level 6 Certificate in Applied Health and Safety; NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.
How many credits is the Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety?
The qualification carries 60 credits, with 600 hours of Total Qualification Time and 220 Guided Learning Hours. Credits are awarded per unit on successful completion.
How long does the Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety take?
OTHM designs the qualification to be completed in six months of full-time study; LSIB delivers it online so you can study part-time and pace the assignments around work.
Is the Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety recognised?
Yes. OTHM Qualifications is an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual in England, and this qualification is listed on the Ofqual register under qualification number 603/5002/7. LSIB is an OTHM approved centre.
How can I check the Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety on the Ofqual register?
Search for qualification number 603/5002/7 on the Ofqual register or start from register.ofqual.gov.uk. The register shows the official title, level, credits and awarding organisation.
How do I verify an OTHM certificate for the Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety?
After you are awarded, OTHM issues an e-Certificate and transcript. Each carries a QR code and authentication code verifiable at verification.othm.org.uk — see OTHM's e-Certificate guidance.
Are there exams on the Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety?
No. OTHM qualifications are assessed by written assignments for each unit, marked by the centre and externally verified by OTHM.
How do I apply for the Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety with LSIB?
Apply online through the LSIB application portal (Apply now), pay the £10 enrolment fee, and upload your documents. Admissions review your application within one working day. If approved, you receive a secure link to pay the course fee in full or on an instalment plan. You start as soon as course fee payment clears.
Is the Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety equivalent to the final year of a degree?
Equivalent to the final year of a UK bachelor's degree Many learners use Level 6 to progress to a bachelor's top-up with advanced standing or to OTHM Level 7; see the progression section and OTHM's University Progressions page for routes tied to this qualification.

Progression path

  1. Level 3 Technical Certificate
  2. Level 6 Diploma
  3. Level 7 Diploma in Human Resource Management
  4. University top-up

Other OTHM Occupational Health and Safety qualifications

Who awards and delivers this qualification

Awarding organisation: OTHM Qualifications, regulated by Ofqual. Ofqual qualification number 603/5002/7.

Delivery centre: LSIB, 622 Crown House, North Circular Road, Park Royal, London NW10 7PN — OTHM approved centre since 2007.

Source: OTHM qualification specification (PDF); facts on this page are taken from it and re-checked nightly.

Last reviewed 5 November 2026Published by LSIB admissions team

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