SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Safety Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122236  Postgraduate Diploma in Safety Management 
ORIGINATOR
Vaal University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Safety in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0922/24  2024-03-07  2027-03-07 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-03-07   2031-03-07  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Safety Management is to develop higher-order thinking by applying integrated strategic managerial skills to demonstrate a sound understanding of complex safety, health, and environmental-related issues. A learner will be able to identify and solve specific safety, health, and environmental-related problems by applying enhanced strategic managerial skills and research methodologies. The learner will furthermore be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of safety management principles and practices and be able to apply these on a postgraduate level.

This qualification will prepare learners to become research-driven in an ever-changing safety and law enforcement environment. Learners will acquire advanced and specialised skills to find the facts and gain experience in conducting research and evaluation regarding all aspects of modern-day safety practices and policies. These advanced skills will prepare learners to apply best practice approaches regarding complex and abstract managerial project management methods in a safety and law enforcement environment.

After completing this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Apply professional standards, principles, and responsibilities in the required safety industry, advanced safety and environmental management skills and a sound understanding of the legal principles and compliance involved, providing a platform for deeper understanding and professionalism.
  • Communicate professionally, efficiently, and effectively (both orally and in writing) with all stakeholders in a professional and ethical manner.
  • Demonstrate enhanced knowledge and competence in addressing discipline-specific projects in the safety environment.
  • Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
  • Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics within the discipline (health, safety management and environment) standards.

    The qualifying learners will be able to articulate to a Master's degree in Safety Management after completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Safety Management, based on the strategic design of this programme the learners' employment, promotion and articulation will be enhanced.

    Rationale:
    Due to the continuous changes that occur in the service, manufacturing, construction, and mining environments the Postgraduate Diploma in Safety Management presents the ideal opportunity for those wanting to enter the industry. It will also address the shortage of individuals in various industries with the requisite safety management knowledge and skills to execute their duties efficiently and effectively.

    To address the changing needs identified (advisory boards, benchmarking), this qualification focuses on equipping learners with advanced safety, health and environmental skills and knowledge enabling them to manage advanced operational and managerial functions in a safety enforcement working environment.

    To address the non-compliance trends, this qualification will prepare learners with the ability to critically analyse and address the knowledge gaps in identifying non-compliance patterns and be able to plan and ensure safe work-driven operations in the working environment. The learners will be able to solve and identify non-compliance in the working environment and be able to apply the best code of practices in solving complex safety-related work environment challenges and complex problems on an advanced level. This qualification focuses on individuals interested in safety management and conducting research in safety, health, environment and risk, learning strategic approaches to managerial roles of safety, health, environment and risk.

    Learners completing this qualification will have an advantage in the discipline of environmental, health, hygiene, and safety law enforcement, as well as compliance with environment, health, and safety regulations, including risk and safety management and the ensuring of a safe work environment. An in-depth focus would be on applying safety laws and principles in the workplace, both nationally and internationally. The learners completing the qualification will be critical thinkers, understand complex issues facing the safety environment, and be able to compile a research project which will contribute to professionalism in the safety industry.

    The Institution's learners meet the needs of the surrounding community, as the Vaal Triangle region has many enterprises that employ graduates in the field of Safety Management, however, more specialised personnel in Safety Management are needed in the industry. The advanced skills offered by this qualification are sought after in related and relevant disciplines. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Advanced Diploma in Safety Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts in Disaster and Safety Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Construction in Health and Safety Management, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Advanced Safety Management Module 1, 10 Credits.
  • Advanced Safety Management Module 2, 10 Credits.
  • Various Aspects of Occupational Health and Safety Law Module 1, 10 Credits.
  • International Occupational Health and Safety Law Module 2, 10 Credits.
  • Advanced Environmental Law 1, 10 Credits.
  • International Environmental Law 2, 10 Credits.
  • Research Project in Safety Management and Safety Law, 30 Credits.
  • Occupational Health and Hygiene 1, 10 Credits.
  • Project Management Module 1, 10 Credits.
  • Advanced Strategic Communication 1, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Integrate enhanced project management and investigative principles tools and techniques to diagnose and solve broad complex, abstract-defined problems through the application of research-informed information.
    2. Apply analytical thinking strategies and safety skills to address discipline-specific (health, safety management and environmental) needs.
    3. Develop an integrated project plan for environmental, health and safety management for the work environment.
    4. Apply knowledge of research methodologies and the ability to identify research problems in the safety industry.
    5. Apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern discipline-applicable tools, research applicable information technology, prediction and modelling, for the solution of specific-defined discipline (health, safety management and environment) complex problems, with an understanding of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
    6. Communicate professionally, efficiently, and effectively (both orally and in writing) with all stakeholders in a professional and ethical manner.
    7. Apply enhanced knowledge and competence in addressing discipline-specific projects in the safety environment.
    8. Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics within the discipline (health, safety management and environment) standards. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1.
  • Apply project management and investigative principles, tools and techniques to solve complex safety management and project management problems. through the application of research-informed national and international safety industry information.
  • Illustrate an advanced knowledge of sustainable development projects and application of King IV-related principles through the application of research-informed national and international safety industry information.
  • Apply solutions based on relevant evidence and procedures on health and safety management systems and environmental management programs.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2.
  • Apply analytical thinking strategies and safety skills to address discipline-specific needs (safety and environment) to critically assess complex safety-related issues.
  • Utilise the strategy implementation as a component of the strategic management process.
  • Examine the performance gap in successful strategy implementation to address discipline-specific (health, safety management and environmental) needs.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3.
  • Conceptualize and design a strategic and integrated project plan for environmental, health and safety management for the work environment in a South African and international context.
  • Manage behaviour-based safety programmes and advanced operational and managerial functions in a safety enforcement working environment to create a culture of safety in organisations and projects.
  • Implement creative and innovative problem-solving, risk and safety management strategies to solve ill-defined problems in a professional and ethical manner.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4.
  • Conduct research in safety and environmental management to address and investigate abstract and complex safety management-specific problems.
  • Identify and apply advanced skills for safety professionals in a corporate environment and projects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5.
  • Apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern discipline applicable tools, including information technology, prediction, and modelling for the solution of specifically defined discipline problems in safety, health, and environment.
  • Collect reliable information, accurately and coherently with an understanding of the limitations, restrictions, premises, and assumptions. and constraints related to the safety industries.
  • Apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern construction tools including information technology for seeking solutions to well-defined construction health and safety challenges and problems, with an awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions, and constraints.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6.
  • Communicate professionally, efficiently, and effectively both orally and in writing with all stakeholders within a safety environment.
  • Collect and communicate reliable information, accurately and coherently, using conventions appropriate to the context, either in writing, verbally or in practical demonstration.
  • Illustrate an understanding and ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with relevant stakeholders in a professional and ethical manner.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7.
  • Integrate and implement research and understanding of safety management principles and practices by aligning and applying these individually and group safety-related projects.
  • Apply appropriate solutions based on relevant evidence and procedures to Occupational Health and Safety law problems.
  • Gather relevant evidence and apply procedures to address discipline-specific projects in the safety environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8.
  • Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics within the discipline of safety and environmental management.
  • Act in accordance with prescribed organisational and professional ethical codes of conduct, values, and practices.
  • Illustrate the ability to seek guidance on ethical and professional issues where necessary within the discipline of health, safety management and environment standards. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United Kingdon
    Institution name: University of Birmingham
    Qualification title: Postgraduate Diploma in Health, Safety and Environment Management
    Credits: 32
    Duration: one year

    Entry requirements:
  • Learners who hold a bachelor's degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas.

    Purpose:
    This course aims to teach the science and practice of occupational health, safety, and environmental control in the context of a team approach. On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to identify, evaluate and provide solutions to a wide range of health, safety and environmental problems, and function well in a multi-disciplinary team. The comprehensive syllabus recognises the importance of technical and practical skills as well as the need for good management skills and critical thinking.

    Course structure:
    Modules
  • Health, Safety and Environment Management compares with Advanced Safety Management Module.
  • Assessing and Controlling Workplace Health.
  • Environmental Protection and Climate Change.
  • Health, Safety and Environment Leadership.
  • Organisational Factors for Health and Safety, compares with Occupational Health and Hygiene Module.
  • Chemical and Biological Incident Management
    Safety Technology.
    Similarities:
  • The University of Birmingham (UB) and the South African (SA) qualifications are both offered over one year and accept learners who have completed a bachelor's degree in the relevant field.
  • The UB qualification aims to enable learners to identify, evaluate and provide solutions to a wide range of health, safety and environmental problems, and function well in a multi-disciplinary team.
  • The SA qualification, similarly, in its attempt to address the non-compliance trends, the qualification prepares learners with the ability to critically analyse and address the knowledge gaps in identifying non-compliance patterns and be able to plan and ensure safe work-driven operations in the working environment.
  • Both qualifications vertically articulate to a master's degree.

    Differences:
  • The UB qualification carries 32 credits whereas the SA qualification carries 120 credits for a postgraduate qualification that is offered over one year.

    Country: Australia
    Institution name: Queensland University of Technology
    Qualification title: Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety
    Credits: 96 Duration: One year

    Entry requirements:
    A recognised bachelor's degree (or higher qualification) in any discipline
    Or
    A recognised diploma (or higher qualification) in occupational health and safety followed by at least 3 years of full-time (or equivalent) work experience in an occupational health and safety role.

    Purpose:
    This course focuses on developing occupational health and safety professionals who can apply current knowledge and analytical methods to the management and improvement of occupational health and safety in an organisation.

    The course explores several areas of fundamental importance to OHS practice to ensure graduates are prepared to work across a range of industries and have the advanced knowledge and skills suitable for leadership positions.

    Leading industry professionals are contributors to the development and ongoing sustainment of our programs. They provide insight into emerging trends and are regular guest lecturers and presenters in many of the occupational health and safety subject areas.
    Gain expert knowledge in risk assessment, risk management, ergonomics, occupational health, law, and safety technology.
    Complete in 2 semesters full-time, or 4 semesters part-time and gain an opportunity to progress into the Master of Health, Safety and Environment.

    Course structure:
    Modules
  • Occupational Health and Safety Law and Policy, compares with Various Aspects of Occupational Health and Safety Law.
  • Occupational Hygiene and Toxicology
  • Human Factors and Ergonomics
  • Safety and Environment Leadership and
    Management compares with the Advanced Safety Management Module.
  • Risk Assessment
  • Leadership in Disaster Management
  • Health Planning and Evaluation

    Similarities:
  • The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the South African SA qualification are both offered over one year.
  • The QUT qualification accepts learners who have completed a recognised bachelor's degree (or higher qualification) in any discipline or a recognised diploma in occupational health and safety.
  • Similarly, the SA qualification accepts learners who have completed a relevant degree in safety management or an equivalent advanced diploma.
  • The QUT qualification focuses on developing occupational health and safety professionals who can apply current knowledge and analytical methods to the management and improvement of occupational health and safety in an organisation.
  • Similarly, the SA qualification focuses on equipping learners with advanced safety, health and environmental skills and knowledge enabling them to manage advanced operational and managerial functions in a safety enforcement working environment.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules, namely, Various Aspects of Occupational Health and Safety Law and Advanced Safety Management Module.
  • Both qualifications vertically articulate into a master's degree.

    Differences:
    The QUT qualification has 96 credits, whereas the SA qualification carries 120 credits. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Construction in Health and Safety Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Construction Health and Safety Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Traffic Safety and Municipal Police Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Construction in Health and Safety Management, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Laws in Environmental Law, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Environmental Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Environmental Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Environmental Management, NQF Level 9.

    Diagonal Articulation:
    No diagonal articulation options are available. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Vaal University of Technology 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.