Skip to main content
You are viewing this website as a Domestic Student You are viewing this website as an International Student

You are viewing this website as a Domestic Student

You are viewing this website as an International Student

Domestic Student

I am an Australian or New Zealand citizen.

I am an Australian Permanent Resident (including Humanitarian Visa holders).

International Student

I am not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand.

I am not an Australian permanent resident or Humanitarian Visa holders.

Start of main content
Humanitarian, emergency and disaster management
Study with CDU

Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management

Whether you’re changing career or taking the next step, we have a course for you.

Learn about holistic approaches for preparing, preventing and responding to crises in Australia and across the globe. Plus, you’ll be taught by industry experts, examine real-life case studies, and benefit from close connections with government, NGOs and leading aid agencies.

Study online, on-campus, full-time or part-time, so you can fit studies around your career and life.

Postgraduate student at CDU
Available 100% online Australia-wide

Postgraduate Short Courses

In as little as 6 months, you can complete a Graduate Certificate to gain specialist knowledge in your field. Designed for working professionals who already hold an undergraduate degree, these fast and flexible qualifications can be studied 100% online. 

Postgraduate Short Courses

Choose CDU for postgraduate emergency and disaster management courses

  • #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes

    The Good Universities Guide 2024 ranks CDU as a leader for postgraduate employment outcomes

  • Hands-on industry projects and placements

    Graduate with the skills you need to succeed

  • 30 years' experience in distance and online education

    We have what it takes to support flexible study

Need some help finding the right course or career path?

Why study a postgraduate degree in emergency and disaster management?

Humanitarian, emergency and disaster management

In a world facing increasing complexities and escalating crises, the need for skilled professionals in humanitarian assistance, emergency and disaster management has never been greater. Study your postgraduate disaster management degree at CDU, where our focus on the Asia-Pacific region is strengthened by our unique location at Asia's doorstep.

Deepen your understanding of complex issues such as disaster risk reduction, crisis communication, leadership during disaster and community resilience. Learn to implement effective strategies to mitigate risks, respond to emergencies and rebuild communities, all while enhancing your ability to lead teams, manage resources and make critical decisions under pressure. 

Above all, the expertise you gain during a postgraduate disaster management degree can make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable populations affected by disasters and crises. Spend your career alleviating suffering, protecting lives and restoring hope. 

Online postgraduate courses in emergency and disaster management

Disaster management student at computer

We offer a fully online postgraduate program so you can fit your learning around your lifestyle while advancing your career. Some benefits of studying your postgraduate disaster management course online with CDU:

  • Access interactive online platforms, engaging multimedia content and virtual simulations that replicate real-world disaster scenarios
  • Apply your learnings directly to your current work to make a real-time impact in your field
  • Connect with a community of postgraduate disaster management students and faculty from across the globe, enriching your learning experience with diverse perspective and insights
  • Receive dedicated support from experience faculty and academic advisors who are committed to your success whether you study online or on campus 

Learn more about CDU’s online study experience.

Elevate your career with postgraduate courses in emergency and disaster management

Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management

The competitive nature of the disaster management industry strengthens the need for postgraduate study. The skills developed and honed during your postgraduate disaster management course are also highly valued across other industries, particularly project management, problem solving, effective communication and the ability to cope with highly stressful situations. 

Graduates of our postgraduate disaster management programs are highly sought after by organisations worldwide. You’ll have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, from remote communities to bustling cities, making a real difference in the lives of people affected by disasters. 

Graduates go on to become emergency responders, humanitarian aid workers, disaster risk reduction specialists, community development practitioners and more. Long-term career paths include emergency management coordinator, policy advisor, researcher, consultant and educator. 

You’ll be joining a global network of professionals dedicated to addressing pressing humanitarian and environmental challenges.

Launch into your new world of study with confidence

  • Student at the Humanitarian Design Summit

    The Humanitarian Design Summit: Everything I was expecting and more.

    Humanitarian and Community Studies student, Tiana Hokins, attended the Engineers Without Borders Humanitarian Design Summit in India. She describes it as one of the most amazing experiences she has had to date. Here’s her story.

    Read more
  • CDU student Emma Kettle with fellow CDU students

    How Emma's shoring up her industry skills

    As the humanitarian aid and disaster management sector evolves, keeping up with best practice and new ways of responding to crises has never been more important. That’s exactly why Emma Kettle chose to return to uni to take on a postgraduate degree in Humanitarian, Disaster and Emergency Management.

    Read more
  • J. Graham Davis

    Age is no barrier to making an impact in emergencies

    Meet the emergency services veteran who, at 80, went to university to consolidate a lifetime of on-the-job learning and help shape the future direction of emergency management. 

    Read more
Back to top