Who is the Level 7 OHS Management Diploma for?
The diploma suits practitioners and managers responsible for translating health and safety strategy into operational performance. It develops critical evaluation of systems, organisational culture, risk and well-being, rather than concentrating only on individual workplace hazards.
It is particularly useful when your responsibilities include reviewing arrangements, recommending change and explaining decisions to senior management. The research unit adds a structured way to investigate an issue using evidence.
Six mandatory units and their learning focus
Each unit carries 20 credits, 100 guided hours and 200 total hours. Together they make 120 credits, 600 guided learning hours and 1,200 total qualification hours.
| Unit and learning focus | Credits | GLH | TQT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Safety Management PracticeM/618/8236Evaluate culture, risk perception and the reasons for managing safety. Review the organisation’s structure and current practice, justify areas for improvement and develop a time-bound plan that can be presented to senior management. | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| Effectiveness of Health and Safety Management SystemsT/618/8237Compare reactive and proactive safety models and evaluate the factors that drive system performance. Examine communication and how organisational arrangements influence whether the management system works in practice. | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| Factors Affecting Risk and Strategic Risk InterventionA/618/8238Evaluate a proportionate risk-management approach, analyse risks within the organisation and develop suitable control measures. Connect assessment methods with strategic priorities, implementation and review rather than treating the risk register as an end in itself. | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| Strategic Commitment to Health and Well-BeingF/618/8239Evaluate health and well-being policy and strategy, consider compliance and the organisation’s current position, and build support for improvement. Explore how to engage different levels of the business and relate occupational health services to workforce needs. | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| Sustainability and Ethics in Health and Safety PracticeT/618/8240Examine the workplace’s effect on people and the evidence for a more inclusive approach to health, safety and well-being. Consider ethical responsibilities, stakeholder perspectives and how sustainability can be reflected in business strategy and practice. | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| Advanced Research MethodsY/618/8246Define a relevant health and safety research problem, critically review literature and select a justified research design. Plan data collection and analysis, consider ethics and prepare a research proposal that addresses the chosen question. | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| Qualification total | 120 | 600 | 1200 |
Portfolios, research and indicative written workload
The first five units each use a portfolio of evidence with an indicative length of approximately 4,000 words. The Advanced Research Methods unit specifies a research project of approximately 4,000 words; its learning outcomes include designing and preparing a research proposal.
Evidence should connect analysis to the organisation or problem being examined: for example, a review of culture and management practice, a risk-control argument or a strategy for engaging people in health and well-being. Simply describing a model does not demonstrate the critical judgement expected at this level.
These lengths are guidance from the specification. The centre’s current assignment briefs determine the actual tasks, evidence and submission arrangements.
What does a Pass require?
All six units must be achieved. Assessment is Pass / Fail, based on meeting every learning outcome and assessment criterion. The centre assesses the evidence and OTHM externally verifies it.
This is coursework-based assessment, not a single final examination with a universal percentage pass mark. A strong submission uses relevant evidence, evaluates alternatives and explains why a recommendation is appropriate to the circumstances.
Entry requirements and English
Learners must be at least 21 at the start. The usual entry route is a relevant Level 6 qualification, such as the OTHM Level 6 OHS Diploma, or an honours degree at 2:2 or above with relevant OHS knowledge and experience. Substantial relevant professional experience can be considered case by case.
Assessment is in English. Applicants from countries where English is not the majority language need evidence of English competence. The centre should review your actual qualifications and experience before registration.
How much study should you plan for?
The specification describes a one-year qualification. Your actual timetable depends on delivery and assessment arrangements. The 1,200-hour TQT estimate includes the 600 guided hours plus independent reading, preparation, research and assessment; the two figures should not be added together.
Access to a suitable organisation or reliable organisational information helps you connect strategic concepts with realistic evidence. Plan for research and analytical writing alongside tutor-supported study.
Level 6, Level 7 or a full master’s degree?
Level 6 develops a broad practitioner foundation in policy, management practice and workplace controls. Level 7 places more emphasis on strategic evaluation, organisational influence and research.
RQF Level 7 describes the academic level. This 120-credit diploma is shorter than a full master’s degree. Further university study may involve a 60-credit dissertation or other requirements; entry, credit recognition and the exact top-up route are decided by the university.
Official qualification resources
- OTHM: qualification overview and entry requirements
- OTHM: official specification, units and assessment guidance (PDF)
Reviewed 25 October 2026. The current specification and registered assessment instructions apply.