PURPOSE OF THE BACHELOR DEGREE IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

The Bachelor Degree in Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management is designed to develop competent professionals capable of identifying, assessing, and managing workplace health, safety, and environmental risks across diverse industries. The programme provides learners with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in hazard control, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, emergency preparedness, and the development of sustainable safety management systems. Graduates are prepared to lead organisational initiatives that prevent workplace injuries, promote employee well-being, protect the environment, and ensure adherence to national and international standards. The qualification aims to contribute to safer workplaces, responsible resource management, and improved organisational performance through evidence-based OHS and environmental practices.

DURATION AND MODE OF STUDY

• Three (3) years, Full time or Distance

WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR THIS PROGRAM?

This qualification is ideal for individuals seeking to build a professional career in workplace health, safety, and environmental management. It is suitable for:

1. School leavers with an interest in science, engineering, environmental studies, or workplace safety who aspire to enter the OHS profession.
2. Employees working in industry, construction, mining, manufacturing, logistics, or public sector organisations who wish to formalise their experience and advance into supervisory or managerial safety roles.
3. Safety officers, SHE representatives, and environmental assistants seeking higher-level competencies to progress to specialised or leadership positions.
4. Professionals transitioning from other fields who want to acquire specialised knowledge in occupational health, safety legislation, risk management, and environmental sustainability.
5. Individuals passionate about workplace well-being and environmental protection, and who want to contribute to safer, compliant, and more sustainable organisational systems.
6. Learners aiming to pursue further studies such as postgraduate diplomas or master’s degrees in OHS, environmental management, public health, or related fields.

MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

To gain entry into the Bachelor Degree in Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental Management, applicants must meet the following academic and non-academic criteria:

• Academic Requirements:
  • A National Senior Secondary Certificate (Grade 11, 12 or equivalent) with a minimum of 25 points in the best six (6) subjects, which must include:
    • Mathematics
    • Physical Science
    • Natural Science or Biology
    • English (minimum E symbol)
  • Alternatively, a relevant NQF Level 6 National Diploma or Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety from a recognized and accredited institution; OR
  • NQF Level 5 diploma or certificate in Occupational Health and safety with minimum 1 year working experience in the health and safety environment.
• Mature age entry provided that applicant:

• Is 25 years old or over at the time of making the application.
• Has at least three (3) years’ work experience in a related field.
• Has at least passed grade 10 which must include E symbol in English.
• Provides an acceptable reference letter from a reputable respective employing organization.
• Must pass an Aptitude Test with a minimum of 60%.

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)

RPL Admission: Qualifications and Work Experience to Consider

Candidates applying through Recognition of Prior Learning should demonstrate substantial learning, competence, and workplace experience equivalent to the knowledge and skills expected at NQF Level 6. The following may be considered:

1. Formal Qualifications (Any of the following or equivalents):

• A Certificate or Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety (NQF Level 4–6) from a recognised institution.
• A Certificate in Environmental Health, Public Health, or Environmental Management at NQF Level 4–6.
• A Technical or vocational qualification in engineering, mining, construction, manufacturing, logistics, or a related field that includes health and safety components.
• Professional OHS short courses such as SAMTRAC, SHE Representative Training, HIRA, First Aid, Fire Fighting, Incident Investigation, or Risk Management.

2. Relevant Work Experience (Any combination of the following):

• A minimum of 2–5 years of practical experience in roles involving occupational health, safety, environment, or risk management.
• Experience working as a Safety Officer, SHEQ Officer, Safety Representative, Environmental Assistant, Risk Coordinator, or Supervisor with responsibility for workplace safety or environmental compliance.
• Demonstrated involvement in developing, implementing, or monitoring OHS policies, procedures, risk assessments, safe work systems, emergency preparedness, or environmental protection measures.
• Participation in incident reporting, investigations, audits, inspections, or safety committee activities within an organisation.
• Experience in training or coaching staff on safety practices, emergency procedures, PPE usage, or environmental standards.

3. Evidence of Learning and Competence

RPL applicants should provide documented proof such as:

• Portfolio of evidence (POE) demonstrating workplace tasks, responsibilities, and achievements.
• Certificates of short courses, workshops, or in-service training.
• Letters from employers verifying roles, responsibilities, and duration of service.
• Reflective narratives demonstrating applied knowledge and problem-solving in health, safety, or environmental management contexts.

4. Additional Considerations

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Ability to work with OHS legislation, standards, and compliance frameworks.
• Understanding of workplace hazards, controls, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Basic literacy, numeracy, and ICT competence required for higher-level academic work.

MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS

Upon registration, you are expected to buy the following items:

1. Study guides
2. Practical work books (compulsory)
3. Uniform (PPE)

FEES AND PAYMENT STRUCTURE

Payment method:

The upfront payment for all students, payable upon registration, includes: –

• Bank deposit only, no cash payments will be accepted at the office. Please provide the office with the bank deposit slip as proof of payment.
• Use your Student Number or Full Name as Reference on the bank deposit slip when you are making payments
• Application fee: N$ 200.00 (Non-refundable, Namibian students), N$ 300.00 (Non-refundable, Foreign students).
• Tuition fee: N$ 16,000.00, payable in cash or in monthly instalments
• Registration fee: N$ 500.00 (Non-refundable)
• Deposit: N$ 1,000.00, payable at registration and is deducted from tuition fee.
• Monthly instalment (N$ 1,500.00 /10 months = N$ 15,000.00): N$ 1,500.00 X 10 months.
• Twenty-five (25%) of the annual tuition payable upon registration – Local Students (registration fee plus deposit)
• Thirty-five (35%) of the annual tuition payable upon registration – Foreign Students (registration fee plus deposit)
• Note: Each student is required to pay a monthly instalment of 10% of the remaining balance after 25% deposit (Local Students) and 10% of the remaining balance after 35% deposit (Foreign Students).
• Fifty percent (50%) of the total course/ tuition fees to be paid before you can seat for mid-term examination.
• Hundred percent (100%) of the total tuition fee to be paid before you can seat for final examination.

• The uniform is N$ 1,500.00 (x1 shirt and 1 trouser, or skirt with the school logo embroidered on it), study guides/ study materials and practical registers are sold at the school. Should you want extra uniform, you are welcome to add more.
• Student card: N$ 170.00
• Practical register/ Logbook: N$ 120.00