Master of Disaster Preparedness and Reconstruction

Disaster Preparedness and Reconstruction requires planning, organising, and management resources to bring about the successful administration of a situation, post disaster.

In recent years, there has been an increase in natural and human created disasters that have adversely impacted people and the Built Environment. The management of situations resulting from disasters requires a diversity of knowledge, skills and attitudes but it will ultimately draw on the field of project management for its practices.

Effective Disaster Preparedness and Reconstruction will help:

• Address a situation from a natural or human created disaster;
• Maximize the use of resources (time, people, money, space etc)
• Bring the situation to a successful resolution meeting the needs of the impacted peoples;
• Monitor and document what was done providing reflection for future reference; and
• Build confidence in a project team and the impacted community.

This program has been assembled by experienced practitioners who have worked in disaster situations.

Disasters occur indiscriminately but one factor is consistent, the long-term restitution of the situation is left to local governments or non-governmental organisations and their staff. This program applies recognised project management practices to the resolution of a disaster situation providing graduates with the unique ability to work in the situation of a disaster with short-term demands requiring long-term solutions. The professional application of project management skills and techniques as a process for resolving a post disaster situation will develop graduates who are a valuable resource for local government bodies, non-governmental organisations involved in disaster relief, and private contracting organisations seeking to be involved in post disaster redevelopment.

A Bachelor's degree (or deemed equivalent)

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to a new program go to http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/credit-transfer/ and click on How to apply for credit.

The Master of Disaster Preparedness and Reconstruction is distinctive in its purpose and content. The Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment will seek endorsement by the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) following successful completion of the program by the first graduates.

International students must comply with the University of Newcastle's English language proficiency requirements. All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/international/student-support/ to find out more about the support services available to international students.

Students who have impaired function in their hands or arms, or a visual impairment may experience difficulty in pursuing this program. It is highly advisable for any prospective student to contact the Program Convenor to discuss the issue.

Students with disabilities who require reasonable adjustments to undertake their program should contact the Disability Support Service before semester commences. Some adjustments need up to 4 weeks to organise, so it is imperative that early contact is made. The Disability Support Service and Faculty staff will work together to ensure adjustments are provided in a timely manner.

NB: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the program and courses they undertake. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/disability/ for more information.

This program will be offered online during 2013 through GradSchool.com.

This program will be offerd both online and on campus at Callaghan from 2014.

As programs are regularly reviewed and updated, some students may experience changes to their program of study during the course of their enrolment, which may require transition arrangements.

Students affected by changes to their program are advised to review any documentation contained in the "Further Information" section (located towards the top of this Handbook page), in the first instance. Any further questions should be directed to the Program Convenor or Student Hub.