Graduate Certificate in Emergency and Disaster Management

Graduates of this course will learn strategies to manage risk and implement crisis communication plans to ensure emergency and disaster response efforts are coordinated effectively. They will also be vigilant leaders able to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances, who also promote sustainable programs to prevent and mitigate disaster.

Skills and tools in this course:

1. Risk management.
2. Crisis communication planning and decision-making.
3. Agile leadership.
4. Disaster prevention and mitigation.

This postgraduate degree examines the underlying drivers of risk from a healthcare perspective, taking into account the risk factors during, and in the aftermath of, an emergency.

Emergency and disaster management is a vital field within the healthcare industry and has a profound impact on the lives of individuals and communities who find themselves at the frontline of a hazardous event. When an emergency arises, strong leadership, management skills and effective communication are vital. 

You will gain practical skills in crisis communication and planning, and learn to act decisively in unstable and unpredictable situations.

Recommended study pattern

Students must complete all 4 core units below.

Core units:

• Disaster Risk Management in Health and Community Services
• Disaster Planning and Preparedness
• Disaster Response and Recovery
• Leadership in Disaster Management.

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of the Graduate Certificate in Emergency and Disaster Management, students must complete a total of 48 credit points.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $4,800

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.

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6 months full-time:

• A completed recognised bachelor’s degree in any discipline; or
• A completed recognised diploma qualification (or higher award) with at least three full years of full-time equivalent (FTE) professional work experience which includes at least one year in a supervisory or leadership role (e.g. with responsibility for decision-making, team work, quality assurance, and/or policy development; or
• Current registration within the applicant’s field of practice with a nationally recognised professional body with at least three years full-time equivalent (FTE) professional work experience; or
• For applicants working in a field of practice that does not have a nationally recognised professional body, at least seven years full-time equivalent (FTE) professional experience in a supervisory or leadership role (e.g. with responsibility for decision-making, team work, quality assurance, and/or policy development).