Postgraduate Coursework
Master of Emergency and Disaster Management
2020
The Master of Emergency and Disaster Management gives you the skills and knowledge to work as an emergency and disaster management professional.
This in-depth, highly unique program is delivered both online and on campus from Darwin, which is Australia's gateway to Indonesia and Southeast Asia. The course draws on research, insights and learnings from a geographic region that is unarguably the most prone to, and affected by, various types of disasters. The course also carries a strong focus on informed practice and research, as well as multi-sectoral approaches.
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 range of specialised electives
- Acquire the technical, managerial and leadership skills to progress your current career or take a new professional direction
- Be able to report on your professional experience in the academic sphere of this rapidly evolving sector
The Master of Emergency and Disaster Management is supported by nationally and internationally respected leading industry partners.
The Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate in Emergency and Disaster Management are also nested within the Master’s degree course as entry and exit pathways to this program.
Career opportunities
The Master of Emergency and Disaster Management complements your resume by broadening your skill set and it prepares you for management and leadership roles.
Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities that focus on emergency and disaster management from prevention to recovery. Your qualifications could land you a role in health, environment, social wellbeing, humanitarian assistance and management.
Credit transfers & 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
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
International applications
English Language Requirements for International Students
For detail on English Language Entry Requirements please read the entry requirements provided for International students.
How to Apply
International applicants apply directly to CDU and should refer to the information provided for International future students Apply.
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This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
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Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
Course structure
This 160 credit point course requires: 8 core coursework units (100cp) comprising 6 theory units and a 40cp research project and 6 specialist electives (60cp) comprising 2 research methodology and 4 specialist units selected from disciplines such as health, engineering, management, environment or Indigenous knowledges. Specialist units can also be taken externally if approved by the Course Coordinator.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
Unit type |
Credit Points |
Specific requirements |
Core Units (8 units) |
100cp |
Compulsory Core units totalling 100 credit points as detailed below. ATI504 Indigenous Knowledges and Epistemologies (recoded from ATI440 2016) (recoded to IAS533 2020) |
Specialist Electives (6 units) |
60cp |
Specialist elective units totalling 60 credit points: students are required to complete two of the Research Methodology units plus four specialist elective units from the available units. Select two of the below list: Research Methodology PLUS four from the below specialisations Health Engineering Management Environment Indigenous Knowledges |
160 |
Total Credit Points |
Students who commenced in or after 2013
The grade of "PC" cannot be counted towards a Masters Degree by Coursework AQF Level 9 course award.
Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information.
COURSE CHANGES - 2019
ECO501 has been replaced by ECO504 and is equivalent. Students who have completed ECO501 should not complete ECO504.
COURSE CHANGES - 2018
ENV508 Applied Geographic Information Systems is now Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Thinking.
ENV512 has been replaced by ENV519 and is equivalent. Students who have completed ENV512 should not complete ENV519.
MAN504 has been replaced by HRM503 and is equivalent. Students who have completed MAN504 should not complete HRM503.
ECO502 has been replaced by BUS501 and is equivalent. Students who have completed ECO502 should not complete BUS501.
Course Changes and Transitional Arrangements for 2016
Students who have not completed PRT502 should complete PRT551.
Students who have not completed PMO401 should complete PRT503.
Unit Code Changes 2016
Previous Unit Code | New Unit Code (2016) | Unit Title |
ATI410 | ATI501 | Neocolonialism, Advocacy and the Critique of Development |
ATI420 | ATI502 | Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics |
ATI430 | ATI503 | Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation |
ATI440 | ATI504 | Indigenous Knowledges and Epistemologies |
DEM515 | DEM516 | Reflective Case Study |
DEM521 | DEM820 | Research Project |
ENV401 | ENV521 | Community Engagement for Bio-security and Natural Resource Management |
ENV402 | ENV517 | Natural Resources and Indigenous Livelihoods |
ENV504 | ENV516 | Ecosystem Function: Field Studies in North Australia |
PRBE001 | ECO501 | Economics for Managers |
PRBE002 | ECO502 | Decision Making |
PRBM009 | IBM501 | International Business |
PRBM016 | MAN501 | Cross Cultural Management |
PRBM021 | MAN504 | Human Resource Management |
PRBM022 | MAN506 | Organisation Behaviour |
PRBM030 | MAN508 | Organisational Strategy and Leadership |
PRBM034 | MAN515 | Operations Management |
PRT502 | PRT551 | Project Management Risk and Reliability |
SWK454 | SWK401 | Building Safe Communities |
SWK457 | SWK404 | Dynamics of Loss and Grief |
Discontinued Units from 2016:
Unit Code | Unit Title |
PMO401 | Engineering in Emergencies |
PRT502 | Project Management Tools and Techniques |
Study plan
Students commencing in Semester 1
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 | SER = Specialist Elective Research | R = Research Core |
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
Year 1 | |||
DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context | CO | DEM512 Interdisciplinary Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO |
ATI504 Indigenous Knowledges and Epistemologies | CO | DEM514 Cultural, Social and Psychological Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO |
Specialist elective - Research (available EMG505 or PHM552) |
SER | Specialist elective - Research (available PHM588 or PHM553) |
SER |
Specialist elective | SE | DEM615 Reflective Case Study (2 day intensive) | CO |
Year 2 | |||
Specialist elective | SE | DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management | CO |
Specialist elective | SE | Specialist elective | SE |
DEM820 Research Project (20cp) | R | DEM820 Research Project (20cp) | R |
Specialist electives availability per semester:
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Health | |
PHM592 Global Health SWK317 Dynamics of Loss and Grief (replaces SWK404 from 2019) |
PHM593 Tropical Child Health |
Engineering | |
ENG462 Water Resources Engineering PMO401 Engineering in Emergencies (last offered 2015) PRT502 Project Management Tools and Techniques (last offered 2015) |
ENG473 Communication Systems |
Management | |
ECO502 Decision Making (recoded from PRBE002 2016) (recoded to BUS501 from 2018) MAN504 Human Resource Management (recoded from PRBM021 2016) (recoded to HRM503 from 2018) MAN508 Organisational Strategy and Leadership |
ECO504 Business Economics (replaces ECO501) IBM501 International Business (not offered in 2019) MAN501 Cross Cultural Management (not offered in 2019) MAN506 Organisational Behaviour MAN515 Operations Management |
Environment | |
ENV502 Remote Sensing ENV508 Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Thinking (new title 2018) ENV511 Statistical Methods for Impact Analysis ENV513 Environmental Planning and Policy ENV514 Carbon Economies (last offered in 2014) ENV520 Wildlife Management Study Period 2 |
ENV507 Fire Ecology and Management Semester 3 |
Indigenous Knowledges | |
ATI502 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics MRA501 Mawul Rom Studies #10 (Mawul Rom Workshop - Cross Cultural Leaders) (not offered 2018) (no longer available)
|
ATI501 Neocolonialism, Advocacy and the Critique of Development ATI503 Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation MRA401 Mediation (not offered 2018) (no longer available) MRA501 Mawul Rom Studies #10 (Mawul Rom Workshop - Cross Cultural Leaders) (not offered 2018) (no longer available) |
Students commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 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 | SER = Specialist Elective Research | R = Research Core |
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
Year 1 | |||
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 elective | SE | ||
Year 2 | |||
DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context | CO | DEM615 Reflective Case Study (2 day intensive) | CO |
Specialist elective - Research (available EMG505 or PHM552) |
SER | DEM820 Research Project (20cp) | R |
Specialist elective | SE | Specialist elective - Research (available PHM588 or PHM553) |
SER |
Specialist elective | SE | ||
Year 3 | |||
ATI504 Indigenous Knowledges and Epistemologies | CO | ||
DEM820 Research Project (20cp) | R | ||
Specialist elective | SE |
Specialist electives availability per semester:
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Health | |
PHM592 Global Health SWK317 Dynamics of Loss and Grief (replaces SWK404 from 2019)
|
PHM593 Tropical Child Health |
Engineering | |
ENG462 Water Resources Engineering PMO401 Engineering in Emergencies (last offered 2015) PRT502 Project Management Tools and Techniques (last offered 2015) |
ENG473 Communication Systems |
Management | |
ECO502 Decision Making (recoded from PRBE002 2016) (recoded to BUS501 from 2018) MAN504 Human Resource Management (recoded from PRBM021 2016) (recoded to HRM503 from 2018) MAN508 Organisational Strategy and Leadership |
ECO504 Business Economics (replaces ECO501) IBM501 International Business (not offered in 2019) MAN501 Cross Cultural Management (not offered in 2019) MAN506 Organisational Behaviour MAN515 Operations Management |
Environment | |
ENV502 Remote Sensing ENV508 Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Thinking (new title 2018) ENV511 Statistical Methods for Impact Analysis ENV513 Environmental Planning and Policy ENV514 Carbon Economies (last offered in 2014) ENV520 Wildlife Management Study Period 2 |
ENV507 Fire Ecology and Management Semester 3 |
Indigenous Knowledges | |
ATI502 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics
|
ATI501 Neocolonialism, Advocacy and the Critique of Development ATI503 Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation MRA401 Mediation (not offered 2018) (no longer available) MRA501 Mawul Rom Studies #10 (Mawul Rom Workshop - Cross Cultural Leaders) (not offered 2018) (no longer available) |
Course fees
Both Commonwealth supported (CS) and full fee (FF) places are available for this course. If you would like to apply for a CS place use the SATAC code 1CM037 or UAC code 823060. If you would like to apply for a FF place you will need to use the SATAC code 1CM537 or UAC code 873060.
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) Australian Citizenship; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident visa holder who will be resident within Australia for the duration of the unit.
2021: 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.
2021: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual course tuition fee for full time study of 80 credit points for commencing students in 2020 is AUD $31,000.00.
These fees are subject to annual increases each year of your study, 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.