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Jonathan Backhouse and Raymond Bone, both NEBOSH Diploma-holders, were among the first to sign up for the part-time Masters of Research (MRes) Degrees, which launched in 2013. The degrees are available by distance learning in a range of occupational health, safety and environmental management variants.

The students were honoured at University of Hull’s Degree Congregation in January, where they were congratulated by NEBOSH Chair, Sir Bill Callaghan, along with Steve Pace, Specialist Course Director at University of Hull. 

To complete his MRes in Health, Safety and Environmental Management, Jonathan Backhouse, a Chartered Health and Safety Practitioner and qualified teacher, compared and contrasted fire risk assessments and fire audits. Since gaining his MRes, Jonathan has presented his research and gained full membership (MIFireE) of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFireE). 

“My studies really drove me to hone my research skills”, commented Jonathan. ““The partnership between NEBOSH and University of Hull meant that this degree appealed much more than any other qualification available. The format allowed me to study around my existing commitments, while the support from University of Hull was fantastic. I’m now confident that I can research any health, safety and environmental topic with authority.” 

Raymond Bone achieved his MRes in Occupational Health and Safety, having researched the impact of health and safely files upon accidents, injuries and prosecutions in the context of construction design management. Recently promoted to the position of Assistant Principal Engineer at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Raymond oversees management of construction projects, providing training to neighbouring councils. Since gaining his MRes, Raymond has also become a lecturer on University of Hull’s BSc (Hons) Safety and Environmental Management degree course. 

“The Degree was certainly challenging,” commented Raymond, “but above all it was enjoyable, leading to an amazing range and depth of knowledge, which is really paying off in my career development.” 

Stephen Pace, Specialist Course Director at University of Hull, who developed the MRes qualifications in partnership with NEBOSH, added: “It was fantastic to recognise Jonathan and Raymond’s achievement. Our MRes programmes are extremely versatile and are already leading to great academic and personal success for our initial intake of students.” 

The MRes programmes are open to holders of a NEBOSH Diploma who wish to further their learning in Health and Safety and/or Environmental Management. They incorporate modules on research methodology, literature review, and design of research projects. These lead on to a one-year research project, during which students are able to produce a thesis on a topic that is relevant to their own employment. 

For more information on the qualifications, please contact Stephen Pace at the University of Hull on +44 (0)1482 465455 or [email protected], or see our Qualifications page.