Master of Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development

The University of Newcastle (UoN)

CRICOS Institution Code 00109J

Duration

104 weeks

Delivery

Face to Face, Online

Intakes

—

Course Overview

About This Course

The Master of Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development program is underpinned by the 2030 Development Agenda (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals) which includes global resolutions on climate change, disaster risk reduction and partnerships for development funding. The core of this program focuses on disaster risk reduction and sustainable development whilst acknowledging climate change and sustainable finance for development through its directed course options. Students are exposed to the full range of UN frameworks, tools and metrics necessary to plan and manage the implementation of resilient development strategies.Graduates of specific courses containing UN-related tools and training receive UN certification in addition to their University of Newcastle testamur.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

55 Elizabeth St, Sydney, NSW 2000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Provider's Published Fee

AUD 30,650 per year (indicative, 2026)

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

There are four pathways into the Master of Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development (MDRSD) program:
Direct entry into the MDRSD program (120 units) is available for applicants who have:
a three year bachelor degree and a minimum of one year of work experience in a role that is deemed to be disaster-relevant 2. Direct entry into the MDRSD program (80 units) is available for applicants who have:
a three year bachelor degree and five years work experience in a role that is deemed to be disaster-relevant; or
a four year honours bachelor degree, or a three year bachelor degree plus a relevant graduate certificate or graduate diploma 3. Direct entry into the MDRSD program (80 units) is available for applicants who have:
a three year bachelor degree and five years work experience in a role that is deemed to be disaster-relevant plus the UON Graduate Certificate in Disaster Risk Reduction
a four year honours bachelor degree, or a three year bachelor degree plus the UON Graduate Certificate in Disaster Risk Reduction 4. Direct entry into the MDRSD program (160 units) is available for applicants who have:
an advanced diploma or associate degree and five years work experience in a role that is deemed to be disaster-relevant; or
a three year bachelor degree which is not accompanied by employment in a disaster-relevant role or work experience 5. Indirect entry into the MDRSD program via the Graduate Certificate in Disaster Risk Reduction (GCDRR). Upon completion of the GCDRR, students would be eligible for admission into the MDRSD program (160 units) with 40 units of credit. This entry path is available for applicants who have:
an advanced diploma or associate degree which is not accompanied by employment in a disaster-relevant role or work experience. Relevant work experience will be assessed using the following information:
An applicant statement detailing current role and work experience that is disaster-related
A statement of service relating to disaster-related employment
A comprehensive curriculum vitae

International students

English language proficiency (IELTS Academic or approved equivalent): overall minimum 6.5; no sub-test below 6.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units37 units

ARBE6408

Professional Practice Research Project

ABOR6004

Aboriginal Communities: Advocacy, Development and Partnerships

ARBE6601

Theory and Practice of Disaster Risk Reduction

ENVS6001

Biodiversity, Conservation Science and Management

ARBE6605

Policy and Social Considerations in Disaster Risk Reduction

ENVS6510

Environmental Legislation and Policy

ARBE6606

Disaster Resilience Economics

ENVS6525

Sustainability and Ecosystem Health

ARBE6607

Government Approaches to Disaster Risk Reduction

ENVS6530

Environmental Management

ARBE6608

Private Sector Approaches to Disaster Risk Reduction

ENVS6545

Impact Assessment and Climate Change Policy

ARBE6609

Sustainable Development and the 2030 Development Agenda

GEOG6130

Geographies of Development

ARBE6614

Professional Practice in Disaster Risk Management

GEOS6161

Spatial Science

GEOS6350

Advanced Remote Sensing Data and Applications

GSBS6001

Managing Under Uncertainty

GSBS6007

Managing Human Resources in International Organisations

GSBS6012

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

GSBS6040

Human Resource Management

GSBS6190

Human Resource and Organisational Development

GSBS6484

Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility

INFO6001

Database Management 1

INFO6090

Business Intelligence for the Enterprise

INFT6060

Systems Design for the Digital Economy

INFT6201

Big Data

INFT6304

ICT Project Planning and Management

LAWS6020

Environmental Law

LAWS6038

Law and Economics of Climate Change

PSYC6130

Understanding People in Organisations

SOCA6571

Development and Social Change

SOCA6190

Gender and Social Change

SOCA6240

Project Design and Evaluation

SOCA6590

Environmental Justice

STAT6001

Data Wrangling and Visualisation

STAT6160

Data Analytics for Business Intelligence

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total estimated cost of the Master of Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development?

The estimated total course cost is AU$94,235, which includes tuition fees of AU$93,470 and non-tuition fees of AU$765.

How long does the Master of Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development take to complete?

The course has a duration of 104 weeks, as listed in the CRICOS registry for this program at The University of Newcastle.

Where is the Master of Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development delivered?

The course is delivered at The University of Newcastle's Callaghan campus, located at University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308. The location is owned and operated by the provider.

Is this course eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights?

No. Although the course is a Skills Level 1 qualification (Master's degree) with a duration of more than 92 weeks, it falls under the broad Field of Education 08 - Management and Commerce, which disqualifies it from extended Post-Study Work Rights eligibility under current CRICOS criteria.

What field of education does this master's degree fall under?

The Master of Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development is classified under the broad field of Management and Commerce (08), narrow field of Business and Management (0803), and detailed field of Project Management (080315).

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Typical Salary (AUD)

Entry-level (0-2 years)$65,000 – $85,000/yr

Early Career (2-5 years)$85,000 – $110,000/yr

Mid-Level (5-10 years)$110,000 – $145,000/yr

Career Paths

Disaster Risk Reduction Officer
Emergency Management Coordinator
Resilience and Recovery Project Officer
Disaster Management Officer (Local Government)
Community Resilience Adviser

Key Skills

Disaster risk assessment and hazard identification
Application of the Sendai Framework and UN Sustainable Development Goals
Resilient organisational strategy design and implementation
Climate change adaptation planning
Legislative and policy analysis in emergency management contexts

Full course overview

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