Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
160Course code
Overview
The Master of Emergency and Disaster Management qualifies you with the skills and knowledge to work as an emergency and disaster management professional in a variety of contexts. This in-depth and unique program draws upon the expertise and practical experience of researchers and practitioners working from Australia's gateway to Indonesia and Southeast Asia which is arguably one of the regions of the world most prone to, and affected by, various types of disasters. This course focuses on informed practice and research, and critically examines issues through a multi-sectoral lens to explore the ways in which different professional and cultural perspectives may shape emergency and disaster management work.
During the course you will:
- Gain the essential knowledge and skills required to lead and manage all phases of the disaster management cycle
- Learn how to confidently apply your academic studies to practical responses
- Learn how to apply your skills, knowledge and experience in a way that's appropriate, collaborative and productive in the Asia Pacific region and beyond
- Have the opportunity to tailor your course by choosing from a broad range of specialised electives and drawing on relevant study opportunities both at CDU and elsewhere
- Acquire the technical, managerial and leadership skills to progress your current career or take a new professional direction.
This course is available for study in both full-time and part-time modes. Students can choose to study on campus (face-to-face) or fully online, providing flexibility to suit diverse learning needs and life circumstances.
The following courses are nested within the Masters degree course as an entry and exit pathway to this program:
- Graduate Certificate of Emergency and Disaster Management
- Graduate Diploma of Emergency and Disaster Management
Career opportunities
With growing demand for disaster management professionals and expertise, CDU's Master of Emergency and Disaster Management prepares highly sought-after graduates for diverse, impactful roles in leadership, specialised fields, international aid, policy, and the private sector. Our alumni secure highly sought-after roles like Emergency Managers, Humanitarian Work, and Business Continuity Managers, finding fulfilling careers across government, NGOs, international organisations, research, and the private sector/
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
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2026 is AUD $36,480.00. This equates to $4,560.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia. See 2026 Higher Education International Annual Tuition Fees.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.
- #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Why study humanitarian, emergency and 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 disasters, man-made conflicts, social injustice and poverty.
- Gain hands-on experience with intensives and placements
- Learn from academics and industry professionals
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.
- #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Why study humanitarian, emergency and 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 disasters, man-made conflicts, social injustice and poverty.
- Gain hands-on experience with intensives and placements
- Learn from academics and industry professionals
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to 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, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
RESEARCH PATHWAY
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | SER = Specialist Elective Research | R = Research | CA = Capstone | E = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context | CO | DEM512 Interdisciplinary Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO |
| DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management | CO | DEM514 Cultural, Social and Psychological Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO |
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | Specialist or General Elective | SE/E |
| Specialist Elective (Research Methodology) | SER | Specialist Elective (Research Methodology) | SER |
| Year 2 | |||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | Specialist or General Elective | SE/E |
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | Specialist or General Elective | SE/E |
| DEM820 Research Proposal (title change 2026) (20cp) | R | DEM821 Research Project (20cp) | R |
RESEARCH PATHWAY
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | SER = Specialist Elective Research | R = Research | CA = Capstone | E = General Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context | CO | DEM512 Interdisciplinary Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO |
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | Specialist or General Elective | SE/E |
| Year 2 | |||
| DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management | CO | DEM514 Cultural, Social and Psychological Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO |
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | Specialist or General Elective | SE/E |
| Year 3 | |||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | Specialist or General Elective | SE/E |
| Specialist or General Elective OR Specialist Elective (Research Methodology) | SE/E/SER | Specialist or General Elective OR Specialist Elective (Research Methodology) | SE/E/SER |
| Year 4 | |||
| DEM820 Research Proposal (title change 2026) (20cp) | R | DEM821 Research Project (20cp) | R |
CAPSTONE PATHWAY
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | SER = Specialist Elective Research | R = Research | CA = Capstone | E = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context | CO | DEM512 Interdisciplinary Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO |
| DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management | CO | DEM514 Cultural, Social and Psychological Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO |
| DEM510 Hazard, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (HVRA) | CO | HAD100 Introduction to Disasters, Humanitarian Aid and Development | CO |
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | DEM500 Community-Based Disaster Risk Management | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | Specialist or General Elective | SE/E |
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | Specialist or General Elective | SE/E |
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | Specialist or General Elective | SE/E |
| Specialist or General Elective OR Specialist Elective (Research Methodology) | SE/E/SER | DEM600 Emergency and Disaster Management Capstone Project | CA |
CAPSTONE PATHWAY
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | SER = Specialist Elective Research | R = Research | CA = Capstone | E = General Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context | CO | DEM512 Interdisciplinary Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO |
| DEM510 Hazard, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (HVRA) | CO | HAD100 Introduction to Disasters, Humanitarian Aid and Development | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management | CO | DEM514 Cultural, Social and Psychological Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO |
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | DEM500 Community-Based Disaster Risk Management | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | Specialist or General Elective | SE/E |
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | Specialist or General Elective OR Specialist Elective (Research Methodology) | SE/E/SER |
| Year 4 | |||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | Specialist or General Elective | SE/E |
| Specialist or General Elective OR Specialist Elective (Research Methodology) | SE/E/SER | DEM600 Emergency and Disaster Management Capstone Project | CA |
| Specialist Elective Availabilities | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Intensive Periods (INT) | Summer Semester |
| Research Methodology EMG505 Research Methodologies in Education IAS521 Principles of Research in Indigenous Contexts PHM526 Research Design PHM552 Epidemiology Other Specialist Electives DEM551 Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management Professional Practice Placement (20cp) (not offered 2026) ENV502 Earth Observation ENV508 Geographic Information Systems ENV513 Environmental Planning and Policy HEA580 Fundamentals of Aeromedical Retrieval IAS513 Advocacy and Social Action IAS533 Indigenous Knowledges and Epistemologies IAS537 Building Relationships in Indigenous Contexts MPP501 Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy MPP507 Evidence and Policy Evaluation PHM523 Health Promotion PHM567 Public Health PHM592 Global Health PRT551 Project Management | Research Methodology EMG505 Research Methodologies in Education IAS522 Indigenous Research Methodologies PHM527 Research, Ethics and Impact PHM553 Biostatistics PHM588 Qualitative Research Other Specialist Electives DEM551 Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management Professional Practice Placement (20cp) (not offered 2026) ENV507 Fire Ecology and Management ENV517 Natural Resources and Indigenous Livelihoods ENV521 Community Engagement for Biosecurity and Natural Resource Management IAS513 Advocacy and Social Action IAS518 Indigenous Philosophies and The West IAS530 Neo-Colonialism, Advocacy and the Critique of Development MPP506 Public Policy Practice SWK556 Trauma Informed Practice | DEM561 Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management Intensive (not offered 2026) ENV506 Environmental Monitoring and Modelling (INT-6) ENV518 Applied Spatial Analysis for Real-World Problems (INT-6) HRM504 Organisational Change and Development (INT-2) MAN500 Strategic Management (INT-4) MAN517 Executive Leadership (INT-3) | DEM551 Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management Professional Practice Placement (20cp) (not offered 2026) IAS517 Media and Professional Writing (no longer available 2026) PRT551 Project Management Risk and Reliability |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to 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, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
RESEARCH PATHWAY
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | SER = Specialist Elective Research | R = Research | CA = Capstone | E = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| DEM512 Interdisciplinary Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO | ||
| DEM514 Cultural, Social and Psychological Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO | ||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | ||
| Specialist or General Elective OR Specialist Elective (Research Methodology) | SE/E/SER | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context | CO | Specialist or General Elective | SE/E |
| DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management | CO | Specialist or General Elective | SE/E |
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | DEM820 Research Proposal (title change 2026) (20cp) | R |
| Specialist or General Elective OR Specialist Elective (Research Methodology) | SE/E/SER | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | ||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | ||
| DEM821 Research Project (20cp) | R | ||
RESEARCH PATHWAY
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | SER = Specialist Elective Research | R = Research | CA = Capstone | E = General Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| DEM512 Interdisciplinary Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO | ||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context | CO | DEM514 Cultural, Social and Psychological Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO |
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | Specialist or General Elective | SE/E |
| Year 3 | |||
| DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management | CO | Specialist or General Elective | SE/E |
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | Specialist or General Elective OR Specialist Elective (Research Methodology) | SE/E/SER |
| Year 4 | |||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | DEM820 Research Proposal (title change 2026) (20cp) | R |
| Specialist or General Elective OR Specialist Elective (Research Methodology) | SE/E/SER | ||
| Year 5 | |||
| DEM821 Research Project (20cp) | R | ||
CAPSTONE PATHWAY
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | SER = Specialist Elective Research | R = Research | CA = Capstone | E = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| DEM512 Interdisciplinary Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO | ||
| DEM514 Cultural, Social and Psychological Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO | ||
| HAD100 Introduction to Disasters, Humanitarian Aid and Development | CO | ||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context | CO | Specialist or General Elective | SE/E |
| DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management | CO | Specialist or General Elective | SE/E |
| DEM510 Hazard, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (HVRA) | CO | DEM500 Community-Based Disaster Risk Management | CO |
| Specialist or General Elective OR Specialist Elective (Research Methodology) | SE/E/SER | Specialist or General Elective OR Specialist Elective (Research Methodology) | SE/E/SER |
| Year 3 | |||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | ||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | ||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | ||
| DEM600 Emergency and Disaster Management Capstone Project | CA | ||
CAPSTONE PATHWAY
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | SER = Specialist Elective Research | R = Research | CA = Capstone | E = General Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| DEM512 Interdisciplinary Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO | ||
| HAD100 Introduction to Disasters, Humanitarian Aid and Development | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context | CO | DEM514 Cultural, Social and Psychological Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO |
| DEM510 Hazard, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (HVRA) | CO | DEM500 Community-Based Disaster Risk Management | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management | CO | Specialist or General Elective | SE/E |
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | Specialist or General Elective | SE/E |
| Year 4 | |||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | Specialist or General Elective | SE/E |
| Specialist or General Elective OR Specialist Elective (Research Methodology) | SE/E/SER | Specialist or General Elective OR Specialist Elective (Research Methodology) | SE/E/SER |
| Year 5 | |||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | ||
| DEM600 Emergency and Disaster Management Capstone Project | CA | ||
| Specialist Elective Availabilities | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Intensive Periods (INT) | Summer Semester |
| Research Methodology EMG505 Research Methodologies in Education IAS521 Principles of Research in Indigenous Contexts PHM526 Research Design PHM552 Epidemiology Other Specialist Electives DEM551 Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management Professional Practice Placement (20cp) (not offered 2026) ENV502 Earth Observation ENV508 Geographic Information Systems ENV513 Environmental Planning and Policy HEA580 Fundamentals of Aeromedical Retrieval IAS513 Advocacy and Social Action IAS533 Indigenous Knowledges and Epistemologies IAS537 Building Relationships in Indigenous Contexts MPP501 Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy MPP507 Evidence and Policy Evaluation PHM523 Health Promotion PHM567 Public Health PHM592 Global Health PRT551 Project Management | Research Methodology EMG505 Research Methodologies in Education IAS522 Indigenous Research Methodologies PHM527 Research, Ethics and Impact PHM553 Biostatistics PHM588 Qualitative Research Other Specialist Electives DEM551 Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management Professional Practice Placement (20cp) (not offered 2026) ENV507 Fire Ecology and Management ENV517 Natural Resources and Indigenous Livelihoods ENV521 Community Engagement for Biosecurity and Natural Resource Management IAS513 Advocacy and Social Action IAS518 Indigenous Philosophies and The West IAS530 Neo-Colonialism, Advocacy and the Critique of Development MPP506 Public Policy Practice SWK556 Trauma Informed Practice | DEM561 Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management Intensive (not offered 2026) ENV506 Environmental Monitoring and Modelling (INT-6) ENV518 Applied Spatial Analysis for Real-World Problems (INT-6) HRM504 Organisational Change and Development (INT-2) MAN500 Strategic Management (INT-4) MAN517 Executive Leadership (INT-3) | DEM551 Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management Professional Practice Placement (20cp) (not offered 2026) IAS517 Media and Professional Writing (no longer available 2026) PRT551 Project Management Risk and Reliability |
____________________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SUMMER SEMESTER (Domestic Students Only)
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to 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, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
RESEARCH PATHWAY
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | SER = Specialist Elective Research | R = Research | CA = Capstone | E = General Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | ||||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context | CO | DEM512 Interdisciplinary Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO | ||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management | CO | DEM514 Cultural, Social and Psychological Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO | ||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | Specialist or General Elective OR Specialist Elective (Research Methodology) | SE/E/SER | Specialist Elective (Research Methodology) | SER |
| Year 4 | |||||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | DEM820 Research Proposal (title change 2026) (20cp) | R | ||
| Specialist or General Elective OR Specialist Elective (Research Methodology) | SE/E/SER | ||||
| Year 5 | |||||
| DEM821 Research Project (20cp) | R | ||||
CAPSTONE PATHWAY
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | SER = Specialist Elective Research | R = Research | CA = Capstone | E = General Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | ||||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context | CO | DEM512 Interdisciplinary Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO | ||
| DEM510 Hazard, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (HVRA) | CO | HAD100 Introduction to Disasters, Humanitarian Aid and Development | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management | CO | DEM514 Cultural, Social and Psychological Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO | ||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | DEM500 Community-Based Disaster Risk Management | CO | ||
| Year 4 | |||||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | ||
| Specialist or General Elective OR Specialist Elective (Research Methodology) | SE/E/SER | Specialist or General Elective OR Specialist Elective (Research Methodology) | SE/E/SER | ||
| Year 5 | |||||
| Specialist or General Elective | SE/E | ||||
| DEM600 Emergency and Disaster Management Capstone Project | CA | ||||
| Specialist Elective Availabilities | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Intensive Periods (INT) | Summer Semester |
| Research Methodology EMG505 Research Methodologies in Education IAS521 Principles of Research in Indigenous Contexts PHM526 Research Design PHM552 Epidemiology Other Specialist Electives DEM551 Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management Professional Practice Placement (20cp) (not offered 2026) ENV502 Earth Observation ENV508 Geographic Information Systems ENV513 Environmental Planning and Policy HEA580 Fundamentals of Aeromedical Retrieval IAS513 Advocacy and Social Action IAS533 Indigenous Knowledges and Epistemologies IAS537 Building Relationships in Indigenous Contexts MPP501 Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy MPP507 Evidence and Policy Evaluation PHM523 Health Promotion PHM567 Public Health PHM592 Global Health PRT551 Project Management | Research Methodology EMG505 Research Methodologies in Education IAS522 Indigenous Research Methodologies PHM527 Research, Ethics and Impact PHM553 Biostatistics PHM588 Qualitative Research Other Specialist Electives DEM551 Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management Professional Practice Placement (20cp) (not offered 2026) ENV507 Fire Ecology and Management ENV517 Natural Resources and Indigenous Livelihoods ENV521 Community Engagement for Biosecurity and Natural Resource Management IAS513 Advocacy and Social Action IAS518 Indigenous Philosophies and The West IAS530 Neo-Colonialism, Advocacy and the Critique of Development MPP506 Public Policy Practice SWK556 Trauma Informed Practice | DEM561 Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management Intensive (not offered 2026) ENV506 Environmental Monitoring and Modelling (INT-6) ENV518 Applied Spatial Analysis for Real-World Problems (INT-6) HRM504 Organisational Change and Development (INT-2) MAN500 Strategic Management (INT-4) MAN517 Executive Leadership (INT-3) | DEM551 Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management Professional Practice Placement (20cp) (not offered 2026) IAS517 Media and Professional Writing (no longer available 2026) PRT551 Project Management Risk and Reliability |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, masters degree or equivalent international qualification.
Applicants who don't meet the entry requirements, are advised to consider applying for the Graduate Certificate of Emergency and Disaster Management or contact the course coordinator in the Faculty of Health by email to foh@cdu.edu.au for further advice.
International entry pathway
Applicants who have completed the CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) or the Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program (ZAMQP2, ZAMQP1) are eligible for entry.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
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. All applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
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.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | 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
No other university in Australia would provide you with the unique skill set and professional growth that CDU offers.
Hasan
CDU student
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
No other university in Australia would provide you with the unique skill set and professional growth that CDU offers.
Hasan
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 9.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
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, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
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