Make a difference in a changing world

Study a Graduate Certificate in Disaster Risk and Resilience and equip yourself with essential skills and knowledge to excel in the dynamic field of disaster risk reduction and management.

Emerge as a practitioner who can navigate the intricacies of disaster risk reduction. Focus on disaster management and pre-disaster preparedness, while upholding the principles outlined by current international frameworks.

This specialised program is certified by CIFAL Newcastle and aligned to United Nations Institute for Training in Research (UNITAR) designed for graduates who wish to specialise in one key learning area only. Our graduates will be prepared to make a difference across a range of industries to shape and inspire future generations.

Why study with us?

  • Receive UN certification – this degree will be certified by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
  • Direct engagement with UNDRR resources - receive training aligned with the Sendai Framework – the United Nation’s global strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction.
  • Flexible study options – our advanced online learning system provides you with the flexibility and support to study anytime, anywhere to balance work, life and study.
  • Ranked 2 in Australia by our postgraduate architecture and building students for student support (Student Experience Survey 2021 and 2022).
World Top 150 ? for Architecture and the Built Environment
90% ? of postgraduate Architecture and Built Environment graduates found full time employment within four months

What you will study

The Graduate Certificate in Disaster Risk and Resilience is a 40-unit postgraduate coursework program completed over 0.5 year full-time.

The program is delivered both at Callaghan campus and online. This program paves the way for a new generation of leaders who can drive positive change and enhance the resilience of communities in the face of disaster.

Core Courses:

  • Disaster Risk and Resilience Principles
  • Community-led Resilience and Leadership
  • Disaster Resilience Economics and Business Resilience
  • Disaster Governance and International Frameworks
2024 Program Handbook

Refer to the program handbook for details of the complete program structure, course requirements and availability.

View program handbook

My Degree Planner

Use our degree planner to see what your study journey through the Graduate Certificate in Disaster Risk and Resilience might look like.

Prospective student planner Current student planner

Career

Career opportunities

The University of Newcastle has entered into a strategic relationship with UNITAR, and now hosts CIFAL Newcastle, an international training centre with a special focus on disaster risk reduction (DRR). As a result of this partnership, University of Newcastle graduates will be well positioned to move into organisations who require experts to specialise in or have knowledge of DRR.

This qualification has wide appeal, and is suitable for those pursuing a career where they are responsible for business continuity and human safety such as a:

  • risk manager
  • compliance officer
  • local government officer
  • WHS coordinator
  • Recovery outreach worker
  • Policy officer
  • Strategic planner
  • Director of emergency management
  • Disaster resilience officer
  • Bureau of Meteorology Hazard Prediction team member

Professional recognition

United Nations Institute for Training and Research

This program is certified by the Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders (CIFAL) Newcastle, in accordance with the requirements of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

Application info

Applying for Graduate Certificate in Disaster Risk and Resilience

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Applications to study are now open. Submit your application now..

Apply to study in Australia

Both students and education agents can submit applications online. This is our preferred way of application. You can save your application after you have started, and come back to it later.

Before you get started

To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:

  1. Review the program that you wish to apply for. Note the admission criteria, admission instructions, requirements & structure and any additional information listed.
  2. Review the program fees and costs.
  3. Check whether your postgraduate program has a Semester or a Trimester closing date. Please view the application closing date.
  4. If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you need to satisfy the University's English language requirements and ensure that you can provide evidence of your English proficiency if required.

You will be considered for entry based on criteria such as your undergraduate studies and/or equivalent prior learning and/or relevant work experience.

Postgraduate application process

Other things to consider

Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:

Admission to the program is open to those who have successfully completed an:

  • AQF 6 (Associate Degree or Advanced Diploma) or higher, or
  • AQF 5 (Diploma) award with at least five years of full time equivalent relevant industry experience.

* Work experience is evidenced by a detailed CV and Statements of Service.

 

You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.

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