Program Overview

Master of Emergency and Disaster Management

The Master of Emergency and Disaster Management qualifies students with the skills and knowledge to work as emergency and disaster management professionals in various 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, a region prone to disasters.

Overview

During the course, students will:

• Gain essential knowledge and skills required to lead and manage all phases of the disaster management cycle
• Learn how to confidently apply academic studies to practical responses
• Apply 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 the course by choosing from a broad range of specialized electives and drawing on relevant study opportunities both at CDU and elsewhere
• Acquire technical, managerial, and leadership skills to progress their current career or take a new professional direction

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, specialized fields, international aid, policy, and the private sector. Alumni secure roles like Emergency Managers, Humanitarian Work, and Business Continuity Managers, finding fulfilling careers across government, NGOs, international organizations, research, and the private sector.

Practical Experience

Students will have the option to complete 240 hours of placement with a community-based organization that deals in emergency and disaster management in Australia or overseas through DEM551 Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management Professional Practice Placement (20cp).

Credit Transfers and Advanced Standing

• 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

• Commonwealth Supported Places: Available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements: be an Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent visa holder, or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
• 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, which equates to $4,560.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL). These fees are subject to increases annually.

Course Structure

To complete the Master of Emergency and Disaster Management, students must complete 160 credit points, made up of:

• 40 credit points of Core coursework units
• 40 credit points of Research or Capstone project
• 10-20 credit points of research methodology study
• 40 credit points of Specialist Electives
• 20-30 credit points of General Electives

Core Units

• DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context
• DEM512 Interdisciplinary Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management
• DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management
• DEM514 Cultural, Social and Psychological Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management

Specialist Electives

Students may choose from a range of disciplines, including but not limited to:

• Humanitarian Practice
• Global Challenges and Social Action
• Indigenous-informed Practises
• Trauma and Mental Health
• Health Emergencies and Response
• Environmental Hazards and Management
• Advanced Hazard Analysis
• Organisational Leadership and Strategic Management
• Project and Risk Management
• Public Policy and Evaluation

Entry Requirements

• Successful completion of a recognized bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master's 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 for further advice.

English Language Requirements

• DOMESTIC STUDENTS: Must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
• INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: Must meet the minimum English language requirement for this course by undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the approved English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed.

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 recognized in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.

Additional Information

• Can offers be deferred? Yes
• Award: Master of Emergency and Disaster Management
• Faculty/College: Faculty of Health
• Sector: HE
• Area of study: Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management, Health