Graduate Certificate in Disaster Risk Reduction

On successful completion of the program students will have:

• Applied a range of analytical and problem-solving skills to deal with issues in the practice of disaster risk reduction
• Analysed legislative policy and procedural influences upon disaster risk reduction actions in the context of public, private and not-for-profit sector organisations.
• Developed resilient organisational strategies in the context of disaster risk reduction.

The University of Newcastle hosts CIFAL Newcastle, an international training centre with a special focus on disaster risk reduction (DRR). As a result, 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

Professional recognition

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) and The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR).

Higher education

Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma, Bachelor Degree, Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate.

Note: Organisations of all types within civil society have the potential to be negatively impacted by disasters. The appropriateness of this program to potential students is therefore in large part determined by their role within those organisations (i.e. the extent to which they are, or are intended to become, responsible for its disaster risk reduction activities) rather than the nature or level of their prior qualifications (which will be assumed to be vocationally relevant to the organisation for which they work, and therefore be used to determine their educational eligibility for admission).

English Proficiency Requirements

All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.

If you work in a role that relates to risk assessment and management and business continuity, or if you are considering this as a career path, then the Graduate Certificate in Disaster Risk Reduction is relevant to you. All industries are impacted by disasters and must implement strategies to manage risk, speed up recovery and improve resilience. Even if you are experienced in this field, this program can increase your professional capacity in relation to the latest Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) practices.

Recommended Study Pattern

This program consists of four core courses, none of which have any pre-requisites. They can therefore be taken in any order without detriment to progress.

Core Courses:

• Theory and Practice of Disaster Risk Reduction
• Government Approaches to Disaster Risk Reduction
• Private Sector Approaches to Disaster Risk Reduction
• Professional Practice in Disaster Risk Management