Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
120Course code
Overview
Our Master in Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (HEPR) course provides health professionals with the unique opportunity to explore and develop knowledge of the health aspects of preparedness and response to health emergencies including natural disasters, human made disasters and communicable diseases. Providing a unique focus on the health response element of emergency management including the fundamentals of health preparedness, health coordination and health response from an operational and clinical perspective across the three health emergency pillars.
The course is developed and delivered by experts from the health emergency workforce within Australia in partnership with Charles Darwin University and the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC) - the home of Australia's health emergency response capability. This course draws on the experience and knowledge developed over many years at the NCCTRC and provides the required advanced level of knowledge for health professionals to lead within their organisation in the field of preparing and responding to the next health emergency event locally, nationally, and internationally. The course is delivered online with one residential week in each of two core units - HEPR - Human made Disasters unit and HEPR - Communicable Diseases unit.
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
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 is AUD $29,520.00. This equates to $3,690.00 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.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.

Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to upskill in the field of healthcare. Advance your career with CDU's wide range of postgraduate health courses to develop specialist skills and knowledge that help you transition into leadership roles.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance

Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance

Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to upskill in the field of healthcare. Advance your career with CDU's wide range of postgraduate health courses to develop specialist skills and knowledge that help you transition into leadership roles.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance

Why study a health course at CDU?
As an increasingly in-demand industry, there's never been a better time to find a career in healthcare. Become a qualified health professional with CDU's wide range of courses and gain the skills and knowledge to make an impact on the wellbeing of your community.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2023)
- Placements and research opportunities in the NT, across Australia, and around the world
- Uniquely positioned to explore Indigenous and Asia-Pacific health, tropical medicine and other issues of international importance
What will I study?
This 120 credit point course consists of core units building on the foundation of specialist knowledge and skills, evidence-based practice, cultural safety and research appraisal. Units in this program are also offered in other courses across the College. This maximizes opportunities and enables students to diversify between courses if they so wish.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 120 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
Core (6 units) | 60cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 60 credit points selected from the units listed below: HEA585 Fundamentals of Health Emergency Preparedness and Response |
Specialist Electives (4 - 6 units) | 60cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 60 credit points selected from the units listed below: HEA583 Domestic and International Logistics |
120cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Course Changes from 2023
• HEA572 and HEA573 moved from Core units to Specialist Elective units.
• Due to HEA572 and HEA573 moving from Core to Specialist Elective units; Core unit requirements have decreased from 100 credit points to 60 credit points and Specialist Elective units have increased from 20 credit points to 60 credit points.
• DEM514, PHM570 and PHM593 added as Specialist Elective units from Semester 2.
Study plan
Full-Time Study Plan
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 each year and enrolling in a standard full time load. Students enrolling in a reduced or part time load should use the table as a guide for planning and individual program of study.
Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
Year 1 | |||
HEA585 Fundamentals of Health Emergency Preparedness and Response | CO | HEA587 Health Emergency Preparedness and Response to Human Made Disasters | CO |
HEA586 Health Emergency Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters | CO | DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management | CO |
DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context | CO | HEA588 Health Emergency Preparedness and Response to Communicable Disease Outbreaks | CO |
Specialist Elective 1 (10cp) | SE | Specialist Elective 2 (10cp) | SE |
Year 2 | |||
Specialist Elective 3 (10cp) | SE | ||
Specialist Elective 4 (10cp) | SE | ||
Specialist Elective 5 (10cp) | SE | ||
Specialist Elective 6 (10cp) | SE |
Part-Time Study Plan
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 each year and enrolling in a part-time study load.
Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
Year 1 | |||
HEA585 Fundamentals of Health Emergency Preparedness and Response | CO | HEA587 Health Emergency Preparedness and Response to Human Made Disasters | CO |
HEA586 Health Emergency Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters | CO | HEA588 Health Emergency Preparedness and Response to Communicable Disease Outbreaks | CO |
Year 2 | |||
DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context | CO | DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management | CO |
Specialist Elective 1 (10cp) | SE | Specialist Elective 2 (10cp) | SE |
Year 3 | |||
Specialist Elective 3 (10cp) | SE | Specialist Elective 4 (10cp) | SE |
Specialist Elective 5 (10cp) | SE | Specialist Elective 6 (10cp) | SE |
Specialist Elective (SE) units may be selected from the following:
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
HEA583 Domestic and International Logistics | 10cp | HEA584 Human System Extremes | 10cp |
PHM516 Indigenous Health | 10cp | DEM514 Cultural, Social and Psychological Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | 10cp |
PHM592 Global Health | 10cp | PHM570 Epidemiology and Control of Communicable Disease | 10cp |
PHM567 Public Health | 10cp | PHM593 Tropical Child and Adolescent Health | 10cp |
HEA572 Applied Health Project A | 20cp | HEA573 Applied Health Project B | 20cp |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master's degree, or equivalent international qualification in a suitable area of study, ie. health, medicine, nursing or paramedicine, environmental health, logistic or health emergency.
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.
CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
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.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student

My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.
Nishat
CDU student

The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student

My advice for anyone who is considering studying a health or science degree at CDU is if you are thinking about it, just do it.
Nishat
CDU student

Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
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 or TAS.
UAC
UAC is the application channel for residents of NSW.
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