Environmental Health Science

Course Specification
Health and Safety Management
Diploma, Higher Diploma and Associate
Degree
Business Management Education Centre (BMEC)
U.K.
info@bmec.uk

• Introduction
Protecting the workforce, the general public and environment from injury and illness in today’s age of
technological advancement has become one of the most challenging and rewarding career field available
The upsurge in industrial and commercial accident leading to fatalities, damage of property and
environment in some regions of the world makes it more imperative to have a programme in health and
safety. This course will provide participants with skills and knowledge to anticipate identify and control
hazardous conditions and acts to protect human life and the environment.
Industries including oil and gas exploration and supply, mining, construction and general manufacturing
processes and activities all expose workers and the environment to hazardous conditions which requires
knowledge in health and safety by professionals to mitigate its impact.
The most common employers of health and safety professionals are mining, construction, oil and gas,
consulting, general manufacturing and government. Health and safety professional within these
organizations have a variety of responsibilities such as safety training, accident investigation, audit and
inspections, hazard analysis, fire protection, compliance, emergency response, safety advisory and
managing safety programmes.
This course specification provides information about your programme of study as well as additional
general information on the UK awarding body – Business Management Education Centre (BMEC).
The BMEC website provides more information on the wide range of programmes available. BMEC has
been established to provide up-to-date, relevant programmes that enable students to enhance their
career prospects as well as providing a foundation for further study when required.
• Business Management Education Centre (BMEC)
BMEC offers awards at Diploma, Higher Diploma, Graduate Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma levels.
Subjects cover a wide area including general Business and Management as well as others including
Marketing, Finance, Travel & Tourism and Hospitality.
BMEC offers programmes in many countries around the world and our strong links with UK and
international educational institutions provide a robust foundation for our well-respected portfolio of
courses. We pride ourselves on providing high quality programmes supported by senior academics with
extensive experience in higher education.
• Learning and Teaching
Our programmes provide the necessary knowledge and skills in an ever changing marketplace. These
courses can be delivered using a range of methods including face-to-face teaching via lectures,
workshops and seminars. Alternative approaches can be used by delivery centres as appropriate for the
target student population. For example, blended learning, distance learning, on-line learning can all be
utilised where required.
• Assessment
Assessment of BMEC units is usually carried out by the use of assignments, case studies and business
related projects. It is well recognised that formal examinations are not suitable for the development and
assessment of work-based skills and knowledge at this level. The assessment approaches adopted by
BMEC facilitate the development of enhanced performance and work based skills.
• Student Work Load
Typically, BMEC programmes consist of four to six units. Each unit equates to 20 credits as measured by
the UK Higher Education Framework. Nominally, a 20 credit unit requires 200 hours of learning and this
can be achieved in a variety of ways including formal teaching, directed learning and independent
learning. BMEC does not dictate the hours required or method of delivery, however there is some
guidance provided within the unit descriptors.
Thus, successful completion of 80 to 120 credits would enable a student to gain a BMEC qualification
such as the Diploma, Higher Diploma or Associate Degree. Each of these qualifications can usually be
achieved within one-year of full-time study.
• Entry Requirements for BMEC Qualifications
• BMEC Diplomas
Entry to a BMEC Diploma programme requires successful completion of secondary education or
equivalent as specified on each course syllabus. Candidates would normally be 18 years or over with a
minimum of 17 years.
• BMEC Higher Diplomas
Entry to a BMEC Higher Diploma requires completion of a BMEC Diploma or equivalent programme of
study such as the first year of an appropriate Bachelors degree.
• BMEC Graduate Diplomas / Associate Degree
Entry to the BMEC Graduate Diploma or the Associate degree requires completion of a BMEC Higher
Diploma or equivalent qualification such as a Foundation degree, HND or completion of two years on a
Bachelors degree.
• BMEC Postgraduate Diplomas
Entry to the BMEC Postgraduate Diploma requires completion of the BMEC Graduate Diploma or
equivalent qualification such as an appropriate Bachelors degree.
• BMEC Qualifications and Degree Programmes
The following table indicates the positioning of BMEC qualifications in relation to other recognised awards
and also refers to the UK National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and European Qualifications
Framework (EQF) for comparison of the levels attained.
NQF/EQF

• Assignments
Assignments are set by BMEC and initially assessed by qualified staff in the delivery Centres. The
content and format of such assignments can vary depending on the particular subject being taken.
However, often these will involve business reports based on real companies or published case studies.
Students can enter for an assessment at any time. Students would normally be expected to complete
and submit their assignments within 3-4 months of commencement of each unit.
• Assessment Results
Initial results are produced by staff within the Centre and these are forwarded to BMEC for moderation.
The moderation process should take a maximum of 3 weeks and final results will be issued within 6
weeks of submission.
• Unit Exemptions
Students can apply for exemptions on a subject-for-subject basis. Documentary evidence (such as prior
qualifications and transcripts) will be considered by BMEC and applications will be processed within one
week of receipt.
• Study Methods
There is flexibility in the way BMEC programmes may be delivered. This is dependent on the background
and expertise of Centres and on the learning requirements of students. BMEC programmes can be
delivered by traditional face-to-face classroom based approaches, or alternative methods such as on-line,
distance or blended learning. Students should discuss this with the delivery Centre prior to commencing
any programme.
• Grading
For each unit studied, grades are awarded on the same basis as most undergraduate programmes taken

•The objectives of this programme are as follows:-To produce graduates who will be able to demonstrate a broad knowledge in their chosen field. These
students will be able understand, respond to, and lead in work-based situations requiring the skills and
expertise gained.
Since safety professionals provide technical assistance in identifying, evaluating and controlling hazards,
these specialists can work virtually anywhere in situations where people might be exposed to hazards.
Holders of these Health & Safety qualifications may begin their careers in general supervisory or trainee
management positions or as safety officers, safety coordinators, assistant safety managers, and safety
associates in manufacturing, mining, transportation, chemicals, oil and gas, construction or consulting.
The programme aims to:
• Demonstrate the ability to anticipate, identify and evaluate hazard and develop hazards control
methods.
• Develop an ability to analyze and improve management systems with the aim of preventing
hazardous acts and conditions
• Develop an understanding of the professional and ethical responsibilities within the health, safety
and environmental field.
• Foster the ability to communicate effectively and to work in multidisciplinary team.
• Expand knowledge of contemporary safety, health and environmental issues within global and
social context.