English 
Deutsch Who is suitable for the part-time Master's degree in Occupational Safety Management?
The Master's degree in Occupational Safety Management is aimed at professionals who want to further qualify themselves in fields such as occupational health and safety, quality and risk management, environmental protection, IT security, or fire protection. The target group includes specialists and managers from engineering or natural science disciplines who are responsible for operational safety and the management of complex technical systems in companies, authorities, or consulting roles. It is especially intended for individuals seeking a practice-oriented qualification to advance into leadership positions in safety management and related areas.
Which formal criteria must you meet for admission?
To be admitted to the part-time Master's degree in Occupational Safety Management at the Technische Hochschule Georg Agricola, you need:
- A completed university degree in an engineering or natural science (e.g. mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemistry, physics, environmental sciences)
- At least one year of relevant professional experience after completing the first degree
- For other university degrees, several years of relevant professional experience in the field of occupational safety management must be demonstrated (individual assessment)
The language of instruction is German. Applications are only possible for the summer semester; the application deadline is 15 February.
For successful participation, you should have practical experience in a technical or scientific environment. You need a strong interest in issues related to operational safety, the reliability of technical systems, and risk management. Analytical thinking, a sense of responsibility, and the ability to consider processes holistically are helpful. Communication skills, willingness to collaborate with different departments, diligence, and a structured way of working will make your studies and future work in occupational safety management easier.
Study Content in Detail
In the Master’s programme in Occupational Safety Management, you will engage comprehensively with the central aspects of operational safety as well as risk and quality management. The focus areas range from occupational health and safety through environmental protection, IT security and data protection to operational fire safety. The course is closely linked to current practical requirements and takes into account collaboration with renowned institutions such as the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) and the Society for Data Protection and Data Security (GDD).
- Occupational Health and Safety: Analysis and optimisation of safe working conditions, prevention and management of workplace accidents, and compliance with national and European legislation.
- Risk Management and Quality Management: Identification and assessment of risks in technical processes, development and implementation of preventive measures within the company context.
- Environmental Protection, Waste and Water Protection: Technical and legal fundamentals, tasks as representatives for environmental protection areas, development of sustainable safety concepts.
- IT Security and Data Protection: Introduction of technical and organisational measures to protect company data, tasks of a data protection officer.
- Fire Safety and Operational Safety: Planning, management and implementation of protective measures, including training as a fire safety officer and training in cooperation with CFPA Europe and vfdb.
- Additional Qualifications: During your studies you will acquire, among other things, the Sifa training (Occupational Safety Specialist, relevant learning fields), qualifications as officers for waste, water and emissions protection, as well as certification as a quality manager for technical processes.
The curriculum is practice-oriented, enabling you to apply the knowledge gained directly to the challenges in your profession.
Course Structure
The part-time Master’s programme in Occupational Safety Management at the Georg Agricola University of Applied Sciences is designed for three semesters. You attend seminars and lectures during two on-site semesters, while the third semester is reserved for writing your Master’s thesis. Classes are deliberately scheduled on Fridays from 3:30 pm and Saturdays from 8:15 am to allow an optimal combination of study and work. Additionally, a modern e-learning platform is available, enabling you to review content flexibly and exchange ideas independently of time and place.
The practice-oriented Master’s thesis allows you to scientifically address operational issues from your work environment. On successful completion, you are awarded the academic degree Master of Science (M.Sc.). In addition to the regular curriculum, you will acquire various additional qualifications that directly enhance your professional value.
Career Opportunities & Professional Prospects
With the successful completion of the Master’s in Occupational Safety Management, a wide range of prospects opens up for you in companies, institutions and authorities. You will be prepared to take on leadership roles in safety, risk and quality management. You are particularly sought after to lead occupational health and safety, develop and implement corporate safety strategies as well as monitor compliance with legal requirements.
- Specialist and leadership positions in occupational health and safety
- Quality and risk management at departmental and corporate levels
- Role as officer for data protection, environmental protection or fire safety
- Expert and consulting activities, e.g. at business consultancies or inspection organisations
- Career options in the public sector, including access to higher civil service
- The possibility to pursue further scientific work or a doctorate in the field of occupational safety
The additional qualifications you acquire are recognised across industries and strengthen your position on the job market.
Study Location
The course takes place at the Georg Agricola University of Applied Sciences in Bochum. The central location in North Rhine-Westphalia and the modern university infrastructure allow for a good balance between study, work and private life. Attendance courses take place on site, with teaching times adapted to the needs of working professionals. The e-learning platform enables you to work on part of the study material flexibly and independently of location.
Costs and Financing
The tuition fees for the Master’s programme in Occupational Safety Management amount to a total of 12,500 euros, plus the respective semester contributions. Payments are usually made per semester; the exact payment modalities can be coordinated with the university. Various financing options are available such as employer support, tax deductibility of study costs as well as scholarships and education loans if applicable. The investment in the course pays off particularly through improved career opportunities and the numerous recognised additional qualifications.
Advisory Service
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