Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health

The Wits School of Public Health offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health (PG DOH) over two years.

Who qualifies to study the PG DOH?

The diploma is for medical doctors in possession of an MBChB, MBBCh or equivalent qualification acceptable to the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) for registration as an independent medical practitioner in South Africa. The incumbent should be someone who works or intends to work in occupational health in the public or private sector. Students who complete the programme will have the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to work as occupational medicine practitioners. 

Applications

The postgraduate office handles applications, i.e. issuing of application forms and liaising with applicants about progress thereof. You may also apply online, using following the link: https://www.wits.ac.za/applications

Required documents

• Written motivation, indicating why you have selected the PG DOH
• Letters from two referees
• Degree certificates and academic transcripts
• SAQA letter (international students)
• Current Curriculum Vitae

Registration

Each student is required to contact the postgraduate office with regard to registration after being accepted into the PG DOH programme.

Additional components

Much of the programme is participant-driven, requiring studying of selected reading material before each block. Self-learning and self-study are important aspects of all courses. Inter-block assignments include:

• Identification and description of a workplace of your choice
• Conducting a health risk assessment
• Identification of a relevant risk, and literature search
• Management of specific occupational diseases

During each course, the students will visit a work place (mine, foundry, etc.) to gain practical experience and familiarise themselves with processes in various industries. This experiential learning will comprise a practical (hands-on) systematic approach to managing an occupational health issue and an opportunity to interact with management and workers in a variety of workplaces.