OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice, online from 6 months
Awarded by OTHM Qualifications and Ofqual-regulated at RQF Level 5: 120 credits, 8 units, assessed by assignment with no exams. Delivered 100% online by LEAP Education.
£10 to apply · Offer within 24 hours · Apply with qualifications or relevant work experience
Stanmore School of Business Limited — UK registered learning provider since 2017.
- Duration
- 9 months
- Credits
- 120
- Level
- RQF Level 5
- Assessment
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Start date
- Any time
- Fees from
- £190 / month
What this qualification is
The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice is awarded by OTHM Qualifications and regulated by Ofqual at RQF Level 5. The qualification totals 120 credits across 7 mandatory units. Ofqual register reference 603/5095/X. LEAP Education delivers this programme 100% online with tutor support.
Standard completion is 9 months; accelerated completion in 6 months is offered on this programme where shown below. Fees from £950. Assessment is through coursework and assignments — there is no requirement to attend a UK campus.
Health and safety officers and practitioners seeking Ofqual-regulated credentials. Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and IOSH membership pathways.
Global supply chains are collapsing under the weight of stricter ESG mandates and zero-tolerance safety regulations. Companies are no longer hiring safety officers who simply fill out incident reports; they are demanding strategic leaders who can architect compliance frameworks that protect the bottom line from litigation and operational shutdowns.
You will gain the authority to redesign entire operational safety protocols, moving beyond basic hazard identification to systemic risk management. This qualification equips you to lead high-stakes safety audits, negotiate directly with executive boards on resource allocation for risk mitigation, and command the respect of international stakeholders who require certified expertise rather than informal experience.
You develop practical health and safety management skills — risk assessment, incident investigation, occupational health and professional practice — assessed through OTHM assignments.
- Awarding organisation: OTHM Qualifications
- Regulation: Ofqual, RQF Level 5
- Credits: 120
- Units: 8
- Duration: 9 months (accelerated 6 months)
- Progression: Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and IOSH membership pathways.
Key facts
- Qualification:
- Level 5 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice
- Awarding organisation:
- OTHM Qualifications
- Qualification number (Ofqual):
- 603/5095/X
- Level:
- RQF Level 5
- Credits:
- 120
- Study mode:
- 100% online
- Duration:
- 9 months
- Assessment:
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Fees from:
- £190 / month
- Entry requirements:
- A Level 4 qualification or equivalent (e.g., HNC, Level 4 Diploma), or equivalent; or relevant experience. Minimum age 18.
- Progression:
- Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and IOSH membership pathways.
- Last verified:
- 5 September 2026 by Dr Namita Singh, Head of Academics
Related: Level 6 OHS Management, Level 7 OHS Management, occupational health and safety qualifications.
See how the programme works, how you're assessed and how online study fits around your job.
Level 5 occupational health and safety units
Health and Safety Management Systems
Design and implement scalable safety governance frameworks that ensure consistent compliance and operational resilience across multinational sites.
Risk Assessment and Control
Apply rigorous risk evaluation methodologies to prioritize controls that protect critical assets and maintain business continuity in complex environments.
Occupational Health and Safety Law and Regulations
Interpret and apply statutory requirements to mitigate legal liability and ensure regulatory alignment within international operational contexts.
Hazard Identification and Control
Systematically detect and eliminate workplace hazards using technical controls to reduce incident rates in diverse industrial settings.
Workplace Safety and Health
Drive behavioral change and safety culture initiatives that improve employee well-being and support sustainable organizational performance.
Health and Safety Audits and Inspections
Conduct evidence-based audits to verify compliance, identify systemic failures, and lead corrective actions across global operations.
Health and Safety Policy Development
Draft and refine strategic safety policies that translate organizational objectives into actionable risk management standards.
Safety and Health at Work Act 1974
Master the core principles of UK health and safety legislation to establish a compliant foundation for managing teams within or reporting to UK-based entities.
Every unit is assessed by written assignments submitted online, with tutor feedback and sample assignments to guide you.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
A Level 4 qualification or equivalent (e.g., HNC, Level 4 Diploma), or an international equivalent. Higher qualifications are also accepted.
Work experience
Candidates with 2+ years of relevant professional experience are encouraged to apply. Your practical knowledge counts.
Minimum age 18. International applicants welcome. Send us your certificates and we'll confirm eligibility within 24 hours.
Fully online
No campus visits. Study on any device, in any time zone.
Materials included
Study notes, sample assignments and resources from day one.
24/7 study assistant
Instant explanations and assignment guidance from our AI study assistant.
Tutor feedback
Qualified tutors mark assignments and give feedback by email and chat.
Where this can take you
Office for National Statistics, ASHE Table 14.7a Annual pay - Gross, full-time — Health and safety managers and officers (SOC 3582). Data year: 2025 provisional (released 23 October 2025). Geography: UK. Occupation: Health and safety managers and officers. Data type: Median gross annual earnings of full-time employee jobs. Not a minimum, maximum, or average of a range. https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/datasets/occupation4digitsoc2010ashetable14/2025provisional
This figure is the UK median gross annual earnings of full-time employees in the cited occupation. It is not a minimum or a maximum, and it is not the pay of people who completed this qualification. Actual pay varies by location, hours, experience and employer. Completing this qualification does not guarantee employment or this salary.
Indicative UK salary information for related occupations. Figures reflect the referenced occupation and data source, not guaranteed earnings after completing this qualification.
Progression: Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and IOSH membership pathways.
Course fees and instalments
All plans are interest-free and include every unit, study material and tutor support. A £10 enrolment fee applies.
| This page9 monthsStandard mode | 6 monthsFast-track | |
|---|---|---|
| Total fee | £950 | £1,250 |
| Monthly | £190 × 5 | £416.67 + £416.67 + £416.66 (total £1,250) |
| Quarterly | £475 × 2 | — |
| Pay in full | £902.50 (save 5%) | £1,187.50 (save 5%) |
| Apply | Apply |
- Monthly£190 × 5
- Quarterly£475 × 2
- Pay in full£902.50 (save 5%)
- Monthly£416.67 + £416.67 + £416.66 (total £1,250)
- Pay in full£1,187.50 (save 5%)
* Programme fees shown include online learning, study materials and tutor support for the qualification. A separate £10 enrolment fee is payable when you submit your application. Interest-free instalment plans and a 5% discount for paying the full programme fee upfront are available where shown.
Need a different payment plan? Our admissions team can help.
Talk to an adviser on WhatsApp →Who awards your qualification
This qualification is awarded by OTHM Qualifications, an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation. OTHM qualifications are regulated on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and recognised by employers and universities in the UK and internationally.
Regulation
Ofqual-regulated at RQF Level 5, 120 credits.
Find OTHM Qualifications qualifications on the Ofqual Register →
Provider
Stanmore School of Business Limited · Company No. 10591140 · UKPRN 10085235.
OTHM Qualifications →
Start in three steps
- 01
Apply online
Complete the short form and pay the £10 enrolment fee. About five minutes.
- 02
Receive your offer
We confirm eligibility and email your start date and payment options.
- 03
Start learning
Pay your first instalment and get access to your units.
Insights and Q&A
Extra detail beyond this page — written for learners researching fees, assessment and outcomes.
Common questions
Is this qualification regulated by Ofqual?
Yes. This qualification is awarded by OTHM Qualifications at RQF Level 5 and is listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications.
Can I study from outside the UK?
Yes. The programme is 100% online with no campus visits, so you can study from anywhere in the UK or internationally.
Are there any exams?
No. Every unit is assessed through written assignments submitted online. There are no written examinations.
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants should hold a Level 4 qualification or equivalent (e.g., HNC, Level 4 Diploma) or an equivalent credential. Candidates with 2+ years of relevant professional experience are also encouraged to apply. Minimum age 18.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
You can choose 9 months (Standard mode, £950); 6 months (Fast-track, £1,250). Interest-free instalment plans are available on each option.
When can I start?
You can enrol at any time. Once your application is accepted and the first payment is made, you receive access to the learning platform and study materials.
What can I progress to?
Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and IOSH membership pathways.
Who operates LEAP Education?
LEAP Education is a brand of Stanmore School of Business Limited (Company No. 10591140, UKPRN 10085235), a UK learning provider.
Is the OTHM Level 5 health and safety practice diploma online?
Yes. Ofqual reference 603/5095/X — delivered 100% online with assignment assessment.
How many units are in the Level 5 OHS practice diploma?
Seven units totalling 120 credits covering health and safety management practice, risk, incident investigation and professional development.
Does this help with IOSH membership?
Many learners use OTHM health and safety qualifications toward IOSH pathways. Membership rules are set by IOSH — the diploma alone does not confer membership.
Are there exams?
No written exams. Each unit is assessed through assignments.
What jobs can this lead to?
Health and safety officer, advisor and practitioner roles in UK workplaces, depending on experience and sector.
What are entry requirements?
Level 3 health and safety qualification or equivalent experience recommended. Minimum age 18.
Last reviewed 5 September 2026 by Dr Namita Singh, Head of Academics
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