Course details

Summary

Why talk about disaster and risk when many of the challenges facing the modern world are beyond control? While you can't predict the next disruption or tragedy, cities can manage responses to these scenarios by identifying and managing risks in advance. This innovative master's degree addresses this topic and identifies how to build the qualities of resilience and preparedness in citizens and leaders.

At the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in 2015, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction was adopted and consequently, disaster reduction protocols are developing around the world. This is an interdisciplinary field, which requires an understanding of natural science, social science, political science, and economics in disaster reduction professionals.

Qualification structure

The 180-point programme is made up of:

five compulsory courses (75 points)

three optional courses (45 points - selected from an approved list of 400-level (UC) and 600-level (LU) courses in which the student has specific interests)

plus either a 60-point dissertation (DRRE 691 completed over summer) or a third semester of coursework (60 points).

Subjects and courses

Master of Disaster, Risk and Resilience (MDRR) students gain an understanding of:

• disaster causes
• disaster-reduction strategies
• risk communication and risk-reduction strategies
• resilience-building methodologies.

Further study

The MDRR is part of a suite of postgraduate qualifications at UC that deal at the intersection of cutting-edge science and social science, exploring interactions between physical environments and human responses, with a focus on resilience and environment-society dynamics - a growing area of expertise at UC. See also the Master of Urban Resilience and Renewal (led by staff from UC Geography's department). Along with the Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy in Disaster, Risk and Resilience.

Career opportunities

The MDRR programme will produce graduates who will be well-suited to pursue careers in environmental management and consulting, disaster reduction, hazard management, as well as local and regional government.

Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.

Entry criteria

Every candidate for the degree of Master of Disaster, Risk and Resilience (MDRR), shall have:

(a) qualified for a university degree which is relevant to Disaster Risk and Resilience, normally with a B+ average or higher in the final year; and

(b) 15 points from STAT 100-level courses or equivalent. Note: This prerequisite may be waived by the Head of Department if the student can demonstrate a suitably high level of ability in Mathematics and/or Statistics.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 575 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum B+ grade; CAE or CPE score of 176 with a minimum of 169 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 64 and no PTE communicative skills score below 58.