Campuses and locations
The University of Newcastle is a multi-campus institution offering programs in a number of locations.
I am a prospective
student, looking to study at
Duration2 years full-time or part-time equivalent up to 6 years maximum.2 years full-time.
Mode of deliveryFace to Face, Online
Start datesFirst intake in Trimester 1 2025First intake in Trimester 1 2025First intake in Trimester 1 2025First intake in Trimester 1 2025
FeesFind information about indicative course and program fees.AUD 41,090 (indicative annual fee, 2024)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about feesAUD 41,090 (indicative annual fee, 2024)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about fees
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about feesAUD 41,090 (indicative annual fee, 2024)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about fees
Program Code50010
Help build a more resilient future
The multidisciplinary Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience equips graduates from diverse backgrounds to understand resilience and sustainable development principles, and systematically apply them to avoid disasters, operate through extreme events and emerge better placed to face the future.
Organisations around the world are realising that by championing disaster resilience, they can not only save lives and revenue, but also achieve a competitive advantage and lead the way within their industry. By seeking to become more resilient, disaster risks can be mitigated and reduced.
If your role involves identifying, mitigating and managing business, safety and/or community and environmental risks – or if you aspire to such a position – this program will place you at the forefront of your field.
Why study with us?
- Receive UN co-certification – this program includes courses that are certified by the Centre International de Formation des Autorites et Leaders (CIFAL) Newcastle, in accordance with the requirements of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
- Flexible study options – our advanced online learning system, together with that of UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research) provides you with the flexibility and support to study anytime, anywhere, to balance work, life and study.
- Focus on ‘risk assessment’ – study one of the only programs in Australia that provides a focus on risk assessment strategies that support the development of proactive problem-solving skills.
- Network with likeminded students and guest lecturers – gain local and international industry networks while studying the program.
- Taught by Australia’s #3 ranked Architecture school for postgraduate employment. (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-2022 - Architecture and Built Environment).
11.8% projected growth
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for Policy and Planning Managers from 2023 to 2028
What you will study
This the first and only degree to provide UN co-certification in the use of tools and frameworks central to resilience building and thereby achieving sustainable development.
It contains core elements related to disaster risk reduction and resilience building that are underpinned by a practical grounding and application of the Sendai Framework and UN-SDGs and the development of disaster risk management skills.
Core Courses
- Disaster Risk and Resilience Principles
- Community-led Resilience and Leadership
- Disaster Resilience Economics and Business Resilience
- Disaster Governance and International Frameworks
- Methods for Evidence-Based Decisions in Disasters
- Disaster Risk and Resilience Capstone Project
Directed Courses
Depending on their entry level, students will also complete between one and eight courses from a list of Directed Courses. These include courses in community development, sustainable development, and related areas of project management, law, business management, environmental management, social sciences.
Career
Career opportunities
The Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience is designed to appeal to those in management positions in private and public sector organisations, as well as those in NGOs and civil society, whose work involves resilience-building through the mitigation of impacts arising out of extreme events, which can be as varied as natural hazards, climate change, data breaches, political instability, terror attacks or health epidemics.
With the recent disasters in Australia, and also globally, the need for expanded professional roles to support resilience building has become important and this program prepares graduates for such roles.
Roles include
- Recovery outreach worker
- Policy officer
- Strategic planner
- Emergency management officer
- Disaster resilience officer
- Bureau of Meteorology Hazard Prediction team member
- Climate change adaptation and mitigation worker
Professional Recognition
United Nations Institute for Training and Research
This program includes courses that are certified by the Centre International de Formation des Autorites et Leaders (CIFAL) Newcastle, in accordance with the requirements of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
Study with us
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Application info
Applying for Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience
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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:
- Review the program that you wish to apply for. Note the admission criteria, admission instructions, requirements & structure and any additional information listed.
- Review the program fees and costs.
- Check whether your postgraduate program has a Semester or a Trimester closing date. Please view the application closing date.
- 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.
Other things to consider
Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:
Entry and structural progression within the Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience is outlined below.
Students who have completed an:
- AQF 7 (Bachelors) or have an AQF 6 (Associate degree or Advanced Diploma) award with at least one year of relevant industry experience, will be required to complete 160 units of courses.
- AQF 8 (Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Honours degree) or have an AQF 7 award with at least one year of relevant industry experience, can complete the 120 unit pathway.
- AQF 9 (Masters) or higher award, or have an AQF 8 award with at least one year of relevant industry experience, or have an AQF 7 award with at least five years of relevant industry experience can complete the 80 unit pathway.
Students who have commenced the Graduate Certificate of Disaster Risk and Resilience are eligible to transfer to the Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience upon successful completion of 75% of their Graduate Certificate coursework.
You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.