Safety Management and Occupational Hygiene are critical fields in today’s workplaces. As industries expand and new technologies emerge, the need for qualified professionals who can protect worker health, ensure legal compliance, and manage risk continues to grow.
Whether you’re interested in occupational health, workplace safety, environmental hazards, or compliance management, these three South African universities offer strong, accredited programmes to launch your career.
1. North-West University (NWU)
NWU offers one of the most comprehensive and respected programmes in Occupational Hygiene and Safety Management in South Africa. Their qualifications are known for combining scientific depth with strong industry relevance.
Programmes Offered:
- Bachelor of Health Sciences in Occupational Hygiene
- Bachelor of Health Sciences in Occupational Hygiene (Extended Programme)
- Postgraduate programmes in Occupational Hygiene
Why Choose NWU?
- Highly specialised programme focusing on worker health, environmental hazards, exposure assessment, and risk control
- Strong research and laboratory facilities
- Good partnerships with the mining, manufacturing, and industrial sectors
- Excellent pathway to becoming a certified occupational hygienist
NWU is ideal for students wanting a more scientific, highly technical career in worker health protection and exposure assessment.
2. University of South Africa (UNISA)
UNISA is one of the most popular institutions for students pursuing Safety Management, especially those working full-time and studying part-time.
Programmes Offered:
- Diploma in Safety Management (90102)
- Bachelor of Commerce in Safety Management (90104)
- Advanced Diploma in Safety Management (90181)
- Short learning programmes in Occupational Health, Safety & Compliance
Why Choose UNISA?
- Flexible distance-learning model
- Perfect for working professionals
- Strong foundation in workplace safety legislation, risk management, and incident investigation
- Recognised in both public and private sector industries
UNISA’s programmes are ideal for students aiming to become Safety Officers, HSE Practitioners, Risk Compliance Officers, or Safety Managers.
3. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
UJ offers industry-driven safety and health programmes designed to prepare students for practical, real-world safety and environmental management roles.
Programmes Offered:
- Bachelor of Environmental Health (includes strong Occupational Hygiene components)
- Bachelor of Health Sciences (various specialisations)
- Postgraduate programmes in Occupational Health & Safety / Environmental Health
Why Choose UJ?
- Modern laboratories and strong fieldwork exposure
- Close ties with the private sector (mining, manufacturing, construction, logistics, etc.)
- Students learn accident prevention, hazard identification, industrial hygiene sampling, and environmental legislation
UJ is an excellent option for students who want both health sciences and workplace safety integrated into one qualification.
What You Will Learn in Safety Management & Occupational Hygiene
These programmes will prepare you with key competencies such as:
- Occupational health and hygiene monitoring
- Workplace risk assessment and control
- Health and safety legislation (OHS Act)
- Environmental exposure measurement (noise, chemicals, ventilation, dust)
- Incident and accident investigation
- Safety systems (ISO 45001)
- Emergency preparedness and disaster management
- Ergonomics
- Safety auditing and compliance
Career Opportunities
Graduates can work in a wide range of industries:
- Mining
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Petrochemical
- Logistics & Warehousing
- Healthcare
- Government departments (Labour, Health, Environment)
- Consulting firms
Possible Job Titles:
- Occupational Hygienist
- Safety Officer / Practitioner
- SHEQ Manager
- Risk Control Officer
- Environmental Health & Safety Specialist
- Compliance Auditor
- Industrial Hygienist Technician