Program Overview

---

Master of Disaster Management

The Master of Disaster Management is a postgraduate program designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge of resilience and risk reduction, preparing them for leadership roles in disaster management or the humanitarian field.

Programme Overview

The program focuses on major issues of disaster resilience and risk reduction, providing students with applicable skills to confidently solve complex problems in high-pressure environments. It takes a holistic approach to disaster management, offering the knowledge needed to plan frameworks, create policies, and devise solutions. A compulsory component of this program is a research project, where students demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills to independently approach a real-world issue in a disaster setting.

Programme Structure

The program is offered as both a 120-point and 180-point degree. The 120-point program is designed for students who have already completed the equivalent of a full-time year of postgraduate study. The program includes three core courses addressing key topics within the field, including disaster risk management, disaster management and resilience, and project management. Students also undertake a 45-point research project that stretches over two semesters.

Core Courses

• DISMGT 701: Disaster Risk Management
• DISMGT 703: Disaster Management and Resilience
• DISMGT 704A/B: Research Project
• ENGGEN 742: Project Management (compulsory for 180-point program only)

Electives

Students in the 120-point program choose between:

• ENGGEN 731: Agile and Lean Project Management
• ENGGEN 742: Project Management

A variety of electives are available from a range of disciplines, including Engineering, Population Health, Development Studies, and Law.

Entry Requirements

Minimum Programme Requirements

• For the 120-point program: A bachelor's (honours) degree in any discipline with a GPA of 5.0 in 60 points above Stage III.
• For the 180-point program: A bachelor's degree in any discipline with a GPA of 5.0 in 60 points above Stage II.

Further Programme Requirements

• Select your study option: Taught 120 points or Taught 180 points.
• English language requirements: IELTS Academic with a score of 6.5 and no bands less than 6.0.

Fees and Scholarships

2026 Fees

• Domestic students: NZ$21,843.60*
• International students: NZ$55,864*

Fees are inclusive of 15% GST but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs.

Financial Support Information

• Scholarships and awards
• Student loans and allowances
• Cost of living

Key Dates

Application Closing Dates

• Semester One 2026: 8 December 2025
• Semester Two 2026: 8 June 2026

Start Dates

• Semester One 2026: 2 March 2026
• Semester Two 2026: 20 July 2026

Career Opportunities

Recent disasters have spurred many professionals to gain expert and specialist knowledge, making this a highly relevant program. Disaster management is an inherently people-focused discipline, and graduates have found work in the humanitarian field, as well as in governmental agencies.

Jobs Related to This Programme

• Disaster risk reduction specialist
• Civil defence manager
• Humanitarian field worker
• Government policy adviser
• Disaster resilience specialist
• Emergency preparedness specialist
• Hazards analyst

Further Study Options

• Doctor of Philosophy

Graduate Story

Ma Katrina Raneses completed a Master of Disaster Management and now works as a Transport Sector Analyst in the Philippines.

Student Career Planning Service

Once a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.