Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Medicine

Specific admission requirements
• Possession of an MBChB degree (or equivalent) for at least two years.
• Registration for at least one year as medical practitioner in the category independent practice with the Health Professions Council of South Africa or equivalent professions council if you do not practice in South Africa.

Curriculum vitae (CV)
A document that outlines your educational level, employment history, description of work experience, especially that is relevant to your application to study and contact details of three referees.

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Curriculum vitae (CV)

Proof of professional registration with an entity
​A recognised professional body grants professional registration on the grounds of attainment of a recognised standard of competence and education that permits practice of a profession.

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Proof of professional or accredited registration

Programme outcomes
On completion of the diploma programme, you will be able to demonstrate the following:
• Effective management of individuals with occupational-related diseases or injuries utilising appropriate knowledge and skills in occupational medicine, which includes appropriate screening, correct diagnosis and treatment, as well as appropriate referral for further treatment.
• The ability to identify and quantify occupational health-related problems within the worker community and act appropriately by formulating and implementing viable solutions based on
occupational health knowledge and skills of appropriate depth and breadth.
• The ability to act as a coordinating link between the employer, the employee and the multidisciplinary team in Occupational Health to ensure optimal worker health.
• The ability to plan, implement and effectively manage occupational health services based on occupational health knowledge and skills of appropriate depth and breadth.

Programme content
Theoretical modules (all compulsory)
Occupational Health Management and Legislation 772(12)
Occupational Hygiene and Risk Management 772(10)
Chemical Risk Factors in the Workplace 772(12)
Physical Risk Factors in the Workplace 772(12)
Ergonomic Risk Factors in the Workplace 772(12)
Biological Risk Factors in the Workplace 773(6)
Psychosocial Risk Factors in the Workplace 773(6)
Clinical Occupational Medicine 771(16)
Evaluation of Disability and Fitness for Work/Employment 771(16)
Research Methodology 772(10)
Health Promotion and Communication 773(4)
Environmental Medicine 773(4)
Practical module (not compulsory)
Exposure through Industrial Visits 773(6)

Assessment and examination
• The final examination in this programme is conducted in November of the second year of enrolment.
• The examination consists of three three-hour papers and the minimum pass mark is 50%.
• The final mark is calculated on the basis of a weighted average in the ratio 30:70 for the flexible assessment and the examination mark.
• If you fail the November examination, you will be admitted to a re-examination in the following
January if you have achieved a final mark of at least 40%. The re-examination will be a structured oral assessment.