Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
40Course code
Overview
Our Graduate Certificate of Leadership (Police, Fire and Emergency Services) prepares you with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide effective and efficient leadership for managing all types of situations, from small-scale routine emergencies to complex catastrophic events.
The course explores how public leaders manage crises, the secrets of successful crisis management, and how to anticipate and mitigate risk and future crises.
During the course, you will:
- develop your leadership skills through advanced analysis of case studies from Australian and abroad
- learn about proactive measures to deal with emergency risk reduction
- explore how to use your skills and knowledge in a way that is appropriate, collaborative and productive in local and global contexts gain a holistic, in-depth understanding of the leadership framework for complex crisis management
- move beyond academic and theory-based learning to gain the practical and applied skills you will need to work in the sector at a national, regional and international level.
The course creates a solid foundation for translating your academic development into practical responses, and to apply lessons learned from your professional experience to academic thinking. You will develop your leadership and managerial skills to extend your career opportunities.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
2022: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Why study humanitarian emergency & disaster management at CDU?
There is growing demand for skilled humanitarian and development aid professionals in today's world. Study Humanitarian Emergency and Disaster Management at CDU to learn how to help those affected by natural and man-made disasters, social injustice, and poverty.
- Gain hands-on experience with intensives and placements in Australia and overseas
- Study online, on campus, full-time or part-time
- Learn from academics and industry professionals
What will I study?
You must successfully complete two core and two specialist elective units of 10 credit points each, totalling 40 credit points. You will choose specialist electives from a suite of units and we recommend that you discuss your selection with the Course Coordinator, who will provide guidance on which units meet your specific needs and can advise on further study pathways.
Course structure
The Graduate Certificate of Leadership (Police, Fire and Emergency Services) is a nested course within CDU's Master of Emergency and Disaster Management and Graduate Diploma of Emergency and Disaster Management. It is also a pathway into CDU's Master of Business Administration (MBA).
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 40 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
Core Units (2 units) |
20cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below.
DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management |
Specialist Electives (2 units) |
20cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below.
DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context |
40cp | Total Credit Points |
Students who commenced in or after 2013
The grade of "PC" cannot be counted towards a Graduate Certificate AQF Level 8 course award.
Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information.
Study plan
Students commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit.
Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
Year 1 | |||
BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise (replaces MAN508 from 2022) | CO | DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management | CO |
Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
Students commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit.
Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master's degree or equivalent international qualification.
Applicants who have a diploma level qualification and at least five years relevant professional experience will also be considered. Applicants must provide further documentation detailing their employment experience (i.e. work experience certificate from an employer/s) and outlining their roles and achievements in the form of a curriculum vitae (CV). Applicants must also provide a statement of purpose which should address why you would like to be admitted into the course, career goals and aspirations and benefits the course will provide you.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
My dream is to be of service to others, especially to the vulnerable people in the community. I'm studying humanitarian aid to broaden my knowledge so that I will be able to be of service and encourage other people as well to serve humanity.
Lloyd
CDU Student

Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
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How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC or TAS.
UAC
UAC is the application channel for residents of NSW.
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