Course descriptionOur online blended learning Occupational Medicine course provides an overview of the whole spectrum of medicine and hygiene within the workplace.The course is aimed at GPs who want to gain an academic qualification in occupational medicine and doctors already working in the field - especially in specialist training posts - who want to prepare for professional exams with the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM).The course is also suitable for doctors in other disciplines who have an interest in occupational medicine.You will benefit from access to a range of specialist knowledge and resources within occupational health and examine the evidence on which occupational health practice is based.The course takes place in a research-enriched environment and, for those progressing to the third year of the MSc, you will have the opportunity to undertake research-based activities relevant to occupational health, including formulating a research question, designing and executing an appropriate study and drawing valid conclusions through writing a dissertation.Our course follows the syllabus requirements of the FOM (London and Ireland).AimsThis course aims to provide you with the core knowledge required by medical practitioners working in the field of occupational medicine, and to allow you to pursue an academic qualification in this subject.We will teach you the rudiments of research methods, critical appraisal and critical objectivity so that on a life-long basis you will apply your knowledge to assess for, and make, evidence based decisions.Teaching and learningThe part-time course comprises a blend of specially commissioned written materials, together with interactive teaching and learning methods, delivered on the University's virtual learning environment, Blackboard.Some of the course unit includes online tutorial time, providing an opportunity to re-address concepts and approaches to problem solving in discussion with both the tutor and your peers. All units are assessed through assignment/examination.Coursework and assessmentTaught course units have a variety of assignments and examinations at intervals throughout the course which may require attendance in Manchester or one of our Global Assessment Centres.Career opportunitiesUpon successful completion of your MSc, the dissertation may be modified (to comply with the regulations), for higher professional qualification in Occupational Medicine via the MFOM or CESR routes.Students can also exit with PGDip or PGCert awards.