Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
80Course code
Overview
Based in the capital of Australia's Northern Territory, at the centre of the 'Top End' and Australia's gateway to Indonesia and Southeast Asia, this highly unique postgraduate program focuses on a geographic region that is unarguably the most prone to, and affected by various types of disasters. The Graduate Diploma of Emergency and Disaster Management will equip you with the skills and ability to apply your knowledge and experience appropriately, collaboratively and productively in this vulnerable region and other parts of the world. You will graduate with essential knowledge and skills to lead and manage all phases of the disaster management cycle, as well as the confidence to apply your academic studies to practical responses and report on your professional experience into the academic sphere of this rapidly evolving sector. This in-depth course promotes its uniqueness in three areas: its focus on Asia-Pacific Region; its informed practice and research; its multi-sectoral approach.
This course is a pathway for further studies (for example, into a Master of Emergency and Disaster Management) and is supported by nationally and internationally respected industry partners. The Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate in Emergency and Disaster Management are entry and exit pathways for the Master's degree.
Career opportunities
The Graduate Diploma of Emergency and Disaster Management complements your current professional resume, broadening your skill set and preparing you for management and leadership roles.
Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities that focus on emergency and disaster management from prevention to recovery. Your qualifications could land you a role in health, environment, social wellbeing, humanitarian assistance and management.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Both Commonwealth supported (CS) and full fee (FF) places are available for this course. If you would like to apply for a CS place use the SATAC code 1GD022. If you would like to apply for a FF place you will need to use the SATAC code 1GD522.
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2025 is AUD $33,168.00. This equates to $ $4,146.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.
- #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Why study humanitarian, emergency and disaster management at CDU?
There is growing demand for skilled humanitarian and development aid professionals in today's world. Study humanitarian, emergency and disaster management at CDU to learn how to help those affected by natural disasters, man-made conflicts, social injustice and poverty.
- Gain hands-on experience with intensives and placements
- Learn from academics and industry professionals
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?
Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.
- #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Top 100 university globally for quality education
- Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Why study humanitarian, emergency and disaster management at CDU?
There is growing demand for skilled humanitarian and development aid professionals in today's world. Study humanitarian, emergency and disaster management at CDU to learn how to help those affected by natural disasters, man-made conflicts, social injustice and poverty.
- Gain hands-on experience with intensives and placements
- Learn from academics and industry professionals
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
The Graduate Diploma of Emergency and Disaster Management is an introduction to core and specialist knowledge in emergency and disaster management in the Asia-Pacific region. You may choose from a range of specialist elective subjects in research methods, health, engineering, environment, management, and Indigenous knowledges. Graduates of the course may continue on a pathway to the Master of Emergency and Disaster Management.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (4 units) | 40cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 40 credit points as detailed below. DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context |
| Specialist Elective (3-4 units) | 40cp | Specialist elective units totalling 40 credit points. Select 20 credit points from the list below: Select 20 credit points from one or more of the specialisation groups listed below: Humanitarian Aid and Development Indigenous Knowledges Health Engineering and Information Technology Management Environment Public Policy Social Work |
| 80cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2025
IAS501 Research Methods 1 (20cp) removed from this course as a specialist elective.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2022
From 2022, the course structure has changed as follows:
- Two additional specialisations, Public Policy and Social Work, have been added to Specialist Electives
- Addition of more specialist elective choices
Unit Changes:
The following units are no longer available for enrolment as part of this course. Students who completed these units prior to 2022 may continue to count the units towards Specialist Electives.
| Unit Code | Title | |
| ENG462 | Water Resources Engineering | |
| ENV511 | Real-World Statistics and Data Reasoning | |
| IBM501 | International Business | |
| HRM503 | International Human Resource Management | |
| MAN501 | Cross Cultural Management | |
ENG473 Communication Systems has been replaced by ENG573 Communication Systems. Students that have completed ENG473 should not complete ENG573.
ECO504 Business Economics has been replaced by ECO505 Economics of Sustainability. Students that have completed ECO504 should not complete ECO505.
BUS501 Decision Making has been replaced by BUS508 Business Analytics. Students that have completed BUS501 should not complete BUS508.
MAN506 Organisational Behaviour has been replaced by BUS506 Global Megatrends. Students that have completed MAN506 should not complete BUS506.
MAN508 Organisational Strategy and Leadership has been replaced by BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise. Students that have completed MAN508 should not complete BUS504.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2019
Management Sequence
ECO501 has been replaced by ECO504 and is equivalent. Students who have completed ECO501 should not complete ECO504.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2018
MAN504 has been replaced by HRM503 and is equivalent. Students who have completed MAN504 should not complete HRM503.
ECO502 has been replaced by BUS501 and is equivalent. Students who have completed ECO502 should not complete BUS501.
ENV508 Applied Geographic Information Systems is now Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Thinking.
ENV518 Advanced Spatial Science is now Analysing and Synthesising Spatial Data.
PHM552 Introduction to Epidemiology is now Epidemiology.
PHM553 Introduction to Biostatistics is now Biostatistics.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2016
| Previous Unit Code | New Unit Code (2016) | Unit Title |
| ATI410 | ATI501 | Neocolonialism, Advocacy and the Critique of Development |
| ATI420 | ATI502 | Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics |
| ATI430 | ATI503 | Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation |
| ATI440 | ATI504 | Indigenous Knowledges and Epistemologies |
| ENV401 | ENV521 | Community Engagement for Biosecurity and Natural Resource Management |
| ENV504 | ENV516 | Ecosystem Function: Field Studies in North Australia |
| PRBE001 | ECO501 | Economics for Managers |
| PRBE002 | ECO502 | Decision Making |
| PRBM009 | IBM501 | International Business |
| PRBM016 | MAN501 | Cross Cultural Management |
| PRBM021 | MAN504 | Human Resource Management |
| PRBM022 | MAN506 | Organisation Behaviour |
| PRBM030 | MAN508 | Organisational Strategy and Leadership |
| PRBM034 | MAN515 | Operations Management |
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context | CO | DEM512 Interdisciplinary Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO |
| Specialist elective | SE | DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management | CO |
| Specialist elective | SE | DEM514 Cultural, Social and Psychological Aspects of Emergency Disaster Management | CO |
| Specialist elective - Research Methods unit | SE | Specialist elective - Research Methods unit | SE |
| Specialist Elective Availabilities | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Intensive Periods (INT) | Summer Semester |
| Research Methodology EMG505 Research Methodologies in Education IAS521 Principles of Research in Indigenous Contexts MPP503 Realist Research and Evaluation PHM526 Research Design PHM552 Epidemiology Other Specialist Electives BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise BUS506 Global Megatrends ECO505 Economics of Sustainability ENG519 Sustainability ENV501 Tropical Invaders and Biosecurity ENV502 Earth Observation ENV508 Geographic Information Systems ENV513 Environmental Planning and Policy ENV520 Wildlife Management IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics IAS533 Indigenous Knowledges and Epistemologies IAS547 Indigenous Knowledges and Wellbeing MAN514 Management for the Executive MPP501 Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy in Northern Contexts PHM523 Health Promotion PHM536 Health Systems, Planning and Evaluation PHM554 Public Health Economics and Decision making PHM567 Public Health PHM592 Global Health PRT551 Project Management PRT571 Asset Security and Risk Management SWK521 Analysing Social Work Foundations (Compulsory intensive) SWK523 Social Work Theory and Advanced Professional Practice (compulsory intensive) SWK524 Communities, Social Change and Development (no longer available from 2025) SWK525 Loss, Grief and Mental Health SWK526 Leadership in Social Policy | Research Methodology EMG505 Research Methodologies in Education IAS522 Indigenous Research Methodologies PHM527 Research, Ethics and Impact PHM553 Biostatistics PHM588 Qualitative Research Other Specialist Electives BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise BUS508 Business Analytics ECO505 Economics of Sustainability ENG573 Communications Systems ENV507 Fire Ecology and Management ENV521 Community Engagement for Biosecurity and Natural Resource Management HGE501 Topics in Human Geography: A 'Remote' Perspective IAS530 Neo-colonialism, Advocacy and the Critique of Development IAS532 Indigenous, Property Rights and Economic Participation IAS534 Partnerships and Engagement in Indigenous Land and Sea Management IAS548 Healthy Country, Healthy People MAN516 Resilience Management and Leadership MPP505 Ethnography and Policy PHM570 Epidemiology and Control of Communicable Diseases PHM593 Tropical Child and Adolescent Health | BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise (INT-2) BUS506 Global Megatrends (INT-5) BUS508 Business Analytics (INT-6) ENT501 Sustainable Entrepreneurship (INT-6) ENV506 Environmental Monitoring and Modelling (INT-6) ENV516 Exploring Ecosystem Dynamics: Field Studies in Northern Australia (INT-4) ENV518 Applied Spatial Analysis for Real-World Problems (INT-6) IAS539 Intercultural Mediation (INT-4, INT-6) (not offered 2025) MAN514 Management for the Executive (INT-1) MPP501 Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy in Northern Contexts (INT-3) | ECO505 Economics of Sustainability ENG519 Sustainability PRT551 Project Management Risk and Reliability |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| DEM512 Interdisciplinary Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management | CO | ||
| DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management | CO | ||
| DEM514 Cultural, Social and Psychological Aspects of Emergency Disaster Management | CO | ||
| Specialist elective - Research Methods unit | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context | CO | ||
| Specialist elective | SE | ||
| Specialist elective | SE | ||
| Specialist elective - Research Methods unit | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective Availabilities | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Intensive Periods (INT) | Summer Semester |
| Research Methodology EMG505 Research Methodologies in Education IAS521 Principles of Research in Indigenous Contexts MPP503 Realist Research and Evaluation PHM526 Research Design PHM552 Epidemiology Other Specialist Electives BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise BUS506 Global Megatrends ECO505 Economics of Sustainability ENG519 Sustainability ENV501 Tropical Invaders and Biosecurity ENV502 Earth Observation ENV508 Geographic Information Systems ENV513 Environmental Planning and Policy ENV520 Wildlife Management IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics IAS533 Indigenous Knowledges and Epistemologies IAS547 Indigenous Knowledges and Wellbeing MAN514 Management for the Executive MPP501 Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy in Northern Contexts PHM523 Health Promotion PHM536 Health Systems, Planning and Evaluation PHM554 Public Health Economics and Decision making PHM567 Public Health PHM592 Global Health PRT551 Project Management PRT571 Asset Security and Risk Management SWK521 Analysing Social Work Foundations (Compulsory intensive) SWK523 Social Work Theory and Advanced Professional Practice (compulsory intensive) SWK524 Communities, Social Change and Development (no longer available from 2025) SWK525 Loss, Grief and Mental Health SWK526 Leadership in Social Policy | Research Methodology EMG505 Research Methodologies in Education IAS522 Indigenous Research Methodologies PHM527 Research, Ethics and Impact PHM553 Biostatistics PHM588 Qualitative Research Other Specialist Electives BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise BUS508 Business Analytics ECO505 Economics of Sustainability ENG573 Communications Systems ENV507 Fire Ecology and Management ENV521 Community Engagement for Biosecurity and Natural Resource Management HGE501 Topics in Human Geography: A 'Remote' Perspective IAS530 Neo-colonialism, Advocacy and the Critique of Development IAS532 Indigenous, Property Rights and Economic Participation IAS534 Partnerships and Engagement in Indigenous Land and Sea Management IAS548 Healthy Country, Healthy People MAN516 Resilience Management and Leadership MPP505 Ethnography and Policy PHM570 Epidemiology and Control of Communicable Diseases PHM593 Tropical Child and Adolescent Health | BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise (INT-2) BUS506 Global Megatrends (INT-5) BUS508 Business Analytics (INT-6) ENT501 Sustainable Entrepreneurship (INT-6) ENV506 Environmental Monitoring and Modelling (INT-6) ENV516 Exploring Ecosystem Dynamics: Field Studies in Northern Australia (INT-4) ENV518 Applied Spatial Analysis for Real-World Problems (INT-6) IAS539 Intercultural Mediation (INT-4, INT-6) (not offered 2025) MAN514 Management for the Executive (INT-1) MPP501 Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy in Northern Contexts (INT-3) | ECO505 Economics of Sustainability ENG519 Sustainability PRT551 Project Management Risk and Reliability |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, masters degree or equivalent international qualification.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 all applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
My dream is to be of service to others, especially to the vulnerable people in the community. I'm studying humanitarian aid to broaden my knowledge so that I will be able to be of service and encourage other people as well to serve humanity.
Lloyd
CDU student
No other university in Australia would provide you with the unique skill set and professional growth that CDU offers.
Hasan
CDU student
My dream is to be of service to others, especially to the vulnerable people in the community. I'm studying humanitarian aid to broaden my knowledge so that I will be able to be of service and encourage other people as well to serve humanity.
Lloyd
CDU student
No other university in Australia would provide you with the unique skill set and professional growth that CDU offers.
Hasan
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
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