-
Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
-
University Life
University Life
Each year more than 4,000 choose University of Galway as their University of choice. Find out what life at University of Galway is all about here.
-
About University of Galway
About University of Galway
Since 1845, University of Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.
-
Colleges & Schools
Colleges & Schools
University of Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching across a range of key areas of expertise.
-
Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation
University of Galway’s vibrant research community take on some of the most pressing challenges of our times.
-
Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at University of Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
-
Alumni & Friends
Alumni & Friends
There are 128,000 University of Galway alumni worldwide. Stay connected to your alumni community! Join our social networks and update your details online.
-
Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Accessibility & LanguageBachelor of Science (Occupational Health and Safety Management)
Entry Points (2024)
408
Course Overview
The BSc in Occupational Health and Safety Management is a multidisciplinary programme that examines the relationship between workplace factors and human health, safety and well-being. Students study subjects including the basic sciences, health sciences, engineering, law, management and regulatory affairs among others. The programme is designed to meet the needs of industry and provides students with a high-quality qualification in the multidisciplinary area of Occupational Health and Safety Management.
It enables students to work across all sectors as Occupational Health and Safety Managers and Environmental Health and Safety professionals. There is continuous demand for such graduates across all sectors.
This programme offers the opportunity to experience life as a health and safety professional as all students complete a seven-month work placement in industry during third year. This placement allows students to further develop their knowledge and apply their technical skills within the workplace. Our 4th year students are currently on their work placement with, Boston Scientific, Hollister, Zimmer Biomet, Thermo King, The Irish Defence Forces, Regeneron, Abbvie, Aerogen, Ward and Burke and PMS Athenry.
This programme has been accredited by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). Students can access IOSH Student Membership for the duration of their studies and, on successful completion, they will meet the academic requirements for Graduate (Grad IOSH) membership. Graduate membership is the gateway to Chartered status. As IOSH is the only organisation in the world that offers Chartered membership to health and safety practitioners, this can help you achieve the highest professional standards and gain international recognition
Applications and Selections
Who Teaches this Course
The BSc Environmental Health and Safety programme is truly multidisciplinary and modules are taught by academic staff From the School of Physics, Engineering, Health Sciences and Law. Lecturers include:
Dr Marie Coggins
Dr Martina Kelly
Dr Victoria Hogan
Mr Enda Fallon
Dr Miriam Byrne
Ms Deirdre Callanan
Dr Lisa Pursell
Prof. Kathryn Cormican
Prof. Colin O’ Dowd
Prof. Martin Leahy
Requirements and Assessment
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science) and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes
Additional Requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Duration
4 years
Next start date
September 2025
A Level Grades (2024)
universityofgalway.ie/alevels
Average intake
28
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
NFQ level
Mode of study
ECTS weighting
Award
CAO
GY313
Course code
Course Outline
YEAR ONE
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Chemistry/Physics
- Communications and Computing
- Introduction to Environmental Health and Safety
- Introduction to Law
YEAR TWO
- Human Gross Anatomy
- Health and Safety Physiology
- Introduction to Biostatistics
- Health and Safety Law
- Physics of the Environment
- Analytical and Environmental Chemistry
- Microbes and the Environment
- Fundamentals of Operations Engineering
- Safety System Design
- Environmental Health and Safety Practice
YEAR THREE
- Occupational Health and Well-Being
- Exposure Science
- Environmental Health and Safety Law
- Project Management
- Ergonomic Design of the Workplace
- Safety and Construction
- Quality Systems
- Introduction to Regulatory Affairs in Manufacturing
- Introduction to Management
YEAR FOUR
- Health and the Work Environment
- Research Methods for Occupational Health and Safety
- Information Systems Ergonomics
- Professional Experience Report
- Human Reliability
- Health and Safety Project
See course outline for GY313 Occupatioinal Health and Safety Management here
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Year 1
First year students will study some of the basic fundamental science subjects e.g. Biology, Chemistry and Physics and also Mathematics. It is important to obtain a solid foundation in the general scientific skills and concepts in first year, as they under pin many of the applied Environmental Health and Safety subjects taught in later years.
An introduction to more applied Environmental Health and Safety specific topics are also taught in 1st year, e.g. Introduction in Environmental Health & Safety risk and also Introduction to law.
Year 2
In second year, the programme modules start to become more applied to the specialist area of Environmental Health and Safety. Students will study Engineering, Science, Health Science and Law Modules.
Year 3
Third year modules are more focused on the core area of Environmental Health and Safety, with a strong focus on practice. Students also get an opportunity to complete laboratory practicals and learn new skills relevant to practice. Invited guest lecturers contribute to many of the modules in 3rd year, which brings an interesting practical insight to many of the subject areas.
Year 4
Fourth year is the highlight of the programme for many, as students complete a seven month work placement in a real workplace! The provision of a structured period of relevant work experience provides an opportunity to integrate prior classroom learning and work. The work placement is organised by the University placement Office. Students complete their work placement in a range of sectors both public and private sector, for example, medical device, chemical, manufacturing, food sector, regulatory etc
Students also complete their final year project in final year, for many this is completed with the placement host organisation.
Further Education
Graduates of the programme may choose to pursue Masters, Higher Diploma and/or PhD programmes in a wide range of disciplines including Occupational Hygiene, Occupational Health, Ergonomics, Management, Safety & Risk Management, Fire Safety, etc.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
There is continuous demand for occupational health and safety graduates as all organisations have legal duties and regulatory requirements with which they must comply. The course provides students with skills necessary to undertake occupational, environmental and quality roles in industry.
The programme has an excellent employment record. Graduates of the programme are mainly employed as Environmental Health and Safety Professionals, with some choosing careers in Regulatory Affairs and Quality Management. The main employment sectors include manufacturing, consultancy, construction and energy, medical devices and pharmaceutical industries, as well as regulatory and public bodies.
International Accreditation
This programme is accredited by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), and graduates have the opportunity to work nationally and internationally.
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
Work Placement
In the third year of the programme, students participate in a seven month paid work placement (PEP) in industry, which is organised through the University Placement Office. During this time, students work under the supervision of a health and safety professional and gain valuable practical experience.
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
€7,268 p.a. (€7,408 p.a. including levy) 2025/26
Fees: Tuition
€4,268 p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Student Contribution
€3,000 p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Student levy
€140 p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Non EU
€27,000 p.a. (€27,140 including levy). 2025/26
EU Fees are comprised of Tuition + Student Contribution Charge + Student Levy* €140. *Payable by all students and is not covered by SUSI. Further detail here.
For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees**.
**Excludes Full-Time EU Undergraduate fees. These are fixed and do not change.
Find out More
Dr. Marie Coggins
T: 353 (0) 91 495056
E: marie.coggins@univerisityofgalway.ie
What Our Students Say
Eve Mulligan | Lead Safety Advisor, Children's Disability Services HSE
The programme at the University of Galway is well designed, engaging, relevant and highly rated by employers. I selected the degree because it was the best fit for my learning and future employment goals. As I entered the workforce, I felt well prepared to be able to meet client-related needs. I enjoy being part of a team of professionals who are passionate about creating positive change in workplace Environmental Health and Safety. My 4 years as a Science undergraduate at the University of Galway has been an incredible journey beyond my expectations and has given me the necessary skills to succeed in my future career. I would also like to add that the faculty has been an amazing source of strength and support.
Sophie Keady | 3rd year student
This insightful programme perfectly balances a blend of science-based modules with law and engineering- modules. I will be embarking on a six-month placement at the end of my third year where I intend to transfer my practice into theory. Lecturers are a fantastic source of support and encouragement with such a continuous and growing demand for health and safety experts, this course provides excellent employment opportunities.
Eoghan Dobey | ENTERPRISE RISK OFFICER, STATE CLAIMS AGENCY
The programme is a diverse and challenging learning opportunity in which I developed my personal as well as professional skills. The programme extensively covers the systems, regulations and procedures intended to protect the health and safety of individuals. Placement and the final year project were fantastic learning experiences where I received great exposure to how health and safety is provided for in the working environment. Since completing the programme I have begun a role with the State Claims Agency as an Enterprise Risk Officer where I am responsible for advising and assisting a range of state authorities and healthcare enterprises on their health and safety risk management with the aim of reducing future claims and litigation and where claims arise, manage them to contain the State’s liability and associated expenses.
.jpg)
