Solve the world
Find answers at Massey to real-life problems in the world around us for people and communities at work, home and out and about.
Squeaky clean
For clean water and sanitation SDG, Times Higher Education ranks Massey University as first in New Zealand and fourth globally.
Personalised to you
Our health courses at Massey feature small class sizes with a learning environment customised to your interests and needs.
Be connected
We'll help you build strong industry contacts. And your health qualification lets you work globally once you graduate from Massey.
Overview
The world around us impacts our health and wellbeing – from air and water quality to housing, climate change to workplace health and safety.
Learn from respected lecturers and researchers with specialisations such as the future of work or water contamination. Solve real-world problems, including working closely with businesses or government agencies responsible for public health and workplace safety.
Gain hands-on experience using equipment to collect samples or measure noise. See real-world scenarios during site visits – examples include food businesses, swimming pools and water treatment plants. Graduate work-ready, with qualifications recognised nationally and internationally.
Environmental and occupational health is a good fit if you:
- enjoy school subjects such as biology, chemistry or physics
- want to protect people, communities and where they live and work
- like working with people to solve problems.
Courses in environmental and occupational health may cover:
- hazards such as air pollution, noise, or how climate change may affect health – and how to manage these risks
- health and safety at work, also called occupational health and safety
- how to collect samples such as air, food or water.
How to study environmental and occupational health
Discover what we offer if you’re interested in environmental and occupational health – whether you’re coming to university for the first time, changing direction or returning to advance your study or career.
Undergraduate study
Bachelor's degrees
Environmental Health – Bachelor of Health Science
Protect people and communities from threats to their health from built and natural environments, with the Bachelor of Health Science (Environmental Health).
Occupational Health and Safety – Bachelor of Health Science
Massey’s Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Health and Safety) will give you essential skills for a career in the health industry.
Graduate diplomas
Graduate Diploma in Environmental Health – GradDipEH
If you’re interested in protecting people’s health and wellbeing at a local community level, the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Health is for you.
Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety – GradDipOHS
With a Massey Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, you can improve the working lives of New Zealanders, while boosting your career.
Undergraduate diplomas
Disability and Rehabilitation Studies – Diploma in Arts
Learn a broad general knowledge of the purpose, practice, and philosophy of rehabilitation with Massey's Diploma in Arts (Disability and Rehabilitation Studies).
Relevant undergraduate subjects to major or specialise in
When you apply to study at Massey, for some undergraduate qualifications you can choose what subject you’d like to specialise in. You can usually change your mind after you get to university, depending on the courses you enrol in.
Postgraduate study
Master's degrees
Occupational Health and Safety – Master of Health Science
Occupational health and safety has become an integral part of business. Help improve the health and wellbeing of workers in New Zealand through Massey’s Master of Health Science (Occupational Health and Safety).
Master of Public Health – MPH
The Master of Public Health is a research-focused qualification. You'll conduct your own research under the supervision of experienced public health researchers and engage in professional practice opportunities.
Climate Action – Master of Sustainable Development Goals
Equips you with the skills and knowledge required to work within the field of climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Postgraduate diplomas
Occupational Health and Safety – Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science
Occupational health and safety (OHS) has become an integral part of business. Help improve the health and wellbeing of workers by preventing work-related injuries.
PhD and other doctoral degrees
Doctor of Philosophy – PhD
A prestigious research qualification that demonstrates your ability to carry out independent and original research in your chosen field.
What our students say
“The combination of my work experience and a health and safety qualification has enabled me to really engage with people across the hierarchy of organisations I have been associated with. It has benefited me in terms of career development and acceptance in workplaces.”
“Studying my degree has enabled me to work as an Environmental Health Officer. This has allowed me to put my knowledge into practice. Work alongside communities and providers selling food and making sure they do this safely. The help and support received from staff, lecturers and other students was invaluable in completing my degree.”
Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngā Puhi
“The staff at Massey University helped me find my way and set me in the right direction to achieve what I wanted. There is no doubt that without the support from my lecturers I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Te Rarawa, Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi
Jobs in environmental and occupational health
A career in environmental and occupational health can span environmental hazards to workplace health and safety, resource consent to services for people with disabilities. Some of our graduates become researchers, or work in local or national government. Job prospects are good in New Zealand and overseas.
Environmental and occupational health careers include:
- air pollution or noise assessment specialists
- health and safety managers
- environmental health officers, who work in local councils
- health protection officers, who work in public health units (PHUs) within district health boards (DHBs)
- occupational hygienists, who specialise in reducing workers' exposure to toxins, gases, dust, or noise
- policy analysts or advisors, who work for government or businesses.
WorkSafe on managing health and safety
Annual salary ranges for jobs
- Environmental or public health officer – $48,000 to $85,000
- Health and safety advisor – $42,000 to $140,000
- Policy analyst or advisor – $47,000 to $150,000
Salary ranges disclaimer
Indicative pay rates are:
- in New Zealand dollars
- based on careers.govt.nz data.
Which environmental and occupational health qualification?
Examples of where our qualifications may take you.
| Jobs | Examples of what you could study |
|---|---|
| Environmental health officer or health protection officer |
Bachelor of Health Science (Environmental Health) Graduate Diploma in Environmental Health if you already have a degree |
| Environmental health manager or policy specialist | Master of Public Health |
| Health and safety adviser or health and safety officer |
Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Health and Safety) Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety if you already have a degree |
| Health and safety manager | Master of Health Science (Occupational Health and Safety) |
Accreditations and rankings
Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)
Our Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety and Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Health & Safety) are the only NZ tertiary qualifications accredited by IOSH, a global professional body based in the UK. Completing this qualification meets the academic requirement for Graduate Membership to IOSH. Membership leads to registration as an OHS practitioner.
Environmental Health Officers Qualifications Regulations 1993
Our environmental health qualifications are recognised by the Ministry of Health as meeting qualification requirements for environmental health officers. Our qualifications are also recognised by Environmental Health Australia (EHA).
Get an information guide
Download our guides to find out more about studying environmental and occupational health at Massey.
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