Graduate Certificate in Disaster Risk Reduction
Postgraduate
UON-DRR-GCE 2023Course information for 2023 intake View information for 2025 course intake
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A unique DRR course co-developed and certified by the United Nations. You’ll study fundamental disaster risk concepts, with a focus on sustainable development. Learn how to conduct disaster risk evaluations. Get to know current DRR tools and protocols.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 4
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Graduate Certificate in Disaster Risk Reduction
About this degree
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.
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
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $16,935
The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
The University of Newcastle is dedicated to outstanding education and research. Their degrees are shaped around global learning, work placements and entrepreneurial opportunities. The university is known as a champion of innovative approaches, striving for a dynamic teaching culture that delivers world-class outcomes. Welcoming students from diverse backgrounds, they focus on equity and developing the next generation of socially-oriented leaders.
Learn more about Newcastle University.
Explore Newcastle University courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 17
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 18
How to apply
University of Newcastle manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to University of Newcastle who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
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).
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.
Career opportunities
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).
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
---|---|---|
Environmental Managers | Over $120K | N/A^ |
Policy Analysts | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |
Policy and Planning Managers | Over $120K | Up 53.8% |