Detailed Diploma Course Information

Pre-Selection Assessment

Course providers are required by NEBOSH to take reasonable steps to ensure that prospective course members have a good chance of successfully completing the course. It is recommended that delegates hold the NEBOSH National General Certificate, the NEBOSH International General Certificate, NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Safety & Health or equivalent level 3 qualification subject to agreement with CHSS.

Availability of time for study

Experience has shown that candidates often underestimate the demands of such a course. Course members will be required to commit themselves to a prolonged period of intensive study, which is very demanding of their time and energy.

Availability of work premises in which to carry out workplace-based assignment which may be related to a workplace situation. Where this presents a difficulty it may be possible for CHSS to make arrangements with a local employer for such assignments.

Learning Contract

The Diploma programme is intensive, requiring 6 weeks attendance at 4 Cefn Coed, Parc Nantgarw, Cardiff . In addition to preparing for 3 written exams there will be 1 workplace-based assignment. Experience has shown that some prospective course members (and sometimes their employers) greatly under-estimate the commitment of time and effort involved. Every course member and their sponsor (if relevant) will be required to enter into a learning contract with CHSS demonstrating a commitment to the course.

Method of study

The NEBOSH National Diploma is offered, on a 6-week block release study programme. The 4 units will be covered by lectures, videos, discussion groups, web support and syndicate exercises. The study periods will allow for the experienced teaching team to cover the requirements of the syllabus and continually assess the performance of candidates as they progress towards the award of the National Diploma. Study weeks will be separated by periods where candidates will have the opportunity to consolidate their knowledge and complete the required assessments for the award.

Website Supported Learning

At the CHSS website found at www.chss .uk.com click on diploma login and it leads you to a password protected website dedicated exclusively to diploma students providing comprehensive online support comprising:

assignment timetable
assignment briefs with guidance
information updates
discussion room for online key topics
tutorial & administrative back up via email
Guide to technical images

Study Materials

Candidates will be provided with comprehensive supporting study notes. Candidates will be encouraged to make their own notes during the course programme.

The course requires members to read as broad a range of health and safety material as possible. The National Diploma therefore requires that course members have access to a reasonable library containing supporting texts on topics relevant to the syllabus. Many larger employers might already have well stocked libraries of health and safety information either in hard copy or on computer database.

Continuous Assessment and Tasks

The pass mark for each unit may vary accordingly to pre-determined criteria but it is normalised to 45% for the written papers Units A, B & C & 50% for the assignment Unit D. Assignments that fail to meet this standard will be referred back to course members for modification and/or re-submission. Wherever possible, course members will be required to relate the study topics to their own workplace particularly during assignments.

In addition to the marked assignment, course members will be required to complete 'tasks' which form part of the learning process. Assignments will be completed following the taught sessions with which they are associated. The tasks do not form part of the assessment but must be submitted to the course tutor for marking so that feedback can be provided.

It is considered that this approach offers a number of advantages:

The learning process involves the 3 key components for effective learning to take place (i.e. motivation, activity and feedback).
Course members will be carrying out their own research; this will be valuable practice in an important part of the Safety Practitioner's role. The research will be guided by the study notes and constant feedback will be provided by the self-assessment questions as well as tutor support.
The tasks take the study process into the workplace. Course members therefore have the advantage of tutorial support when putting the learning into practice.

Joining the Course

If you have decided that you would like to undertake the National Diploma with CHSS please complete the attached application, being sure to let us know a telephone number on which you can be contacted. The sequence for enrolment is therefore: