Course Curriculum

The Master of Emergency and Disaster Management requires students to complete 15 units (48 credits), comprising 14 core units and one elective. This program provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to disaster risk reduction, resilience building, and sustainable management of emergencies.The core units are designed to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Research for Emergency and Disaster Management (DSMG20003) builds essential research competencies, while Foundations of Emergency and Disaster Management (DSMG28001) introduces the key frameworks and practices of the field. Building Adaptive Capacity with Communities (DSMG29003) emphasizes working with local populations to enhance resilience and recovery. Climate Change: Risk and Assessments (EVST28001) and Applied Demography: Trends and Policies (GEOG28001) address the broader environmental and societal factors influencing disaster management.The course also integrates cross-disciplinary perspectives. Innovation and Sustainable Business Development (MGMT20132) explores business strategies that align with sustainability, while First Nations Perspectives in Sustainability (SCIE29002) introduces culturally responsive approaches to disaster management. Systems Thinking in Public Health (PBHL20002) and Global Public Health (PBHL20005) connect health outcomes to emergency contexts, highlighting the importance of holistic planning. Project Management Concepts (PPMP20007) equips students with the technical and leadership skills to deliver projects effectively, an essential capability in managing disaster-related initiatives.Sustainability-focused units such as Rethinking Waste (SCIE28001), Water Resource Management (SCIE28002), and Sustainability Issues and Solutions (SCIE28003) strengthen students’ understanding of ecological and resource-based dimensions of disaster management.Students then choose one elective, either Community Safety and Education (DSMG29005) or Volunteerism and the Community (DSMG29006). These electives allow for a focus on either developing community awareness and preparedness strategies or managing and engaging volunteers in emergency contexts.Altogether, this course equips graduates with the ability to respond to emergencies, design sustainable disaster management solutions, and engage with communities effectively. It is tailored for professionals seeking leadership roles in disaster preparedness, emergency response, and resilience building across government, non-government, and international sectors.