Graduate Certificate in Disaster Risk and Resilience
Postgraduate
UON-DRR-GCE 2025Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Directly engage with UN resources
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 and Resilience
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 and management, accommodating the precepts of the United Nations Frameworks including the UN Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
- Analysed legislative, policy and procedural influences upon disaster risk reduction actions in the context of public, private and not-for-profit sector organisations, accommodating the precepts of the United Nations Frameworks.
- Developed resilient organisational strategies in the context of disaster risk reduction and management, accommodating the precepts of the United Nations Frameworks. Critically reviewed the level of participation of Indigenous peoples, how Indigenous-led initiatives have contributed, and what more needs to be done.
- Critically analysed the level of engagement with Indigenous peoples and cultures, in accordance with Australian standards, legislative requirements, and best practices.
Study a Graduate Certificate in Disaster Risk and Resilience at the University of Newcastle and equip yourself with essential skills and knowledge to excel in the dynamic field of disaster risk reduction and management.
Emerge as a practitioner who can navigate the intricacies of disaster risk reduction. Focus on disaster management and pre-disaster preparedness, while upholding the principles outlined by current international frameworks.
This specialised program is certified by CIFAL Newcastle and aligned to United Nations Institute for Training in Research (UNITAR) designed for graduates who wish to specialise in one key learning area only. Graduates will be prepared to make a difference across a range of industries to shape and inspire future generations.
Recommended study pattern
Students will complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of the program.
Core Courses:
- Disaster Risk and Resilience Principles
- Community-led Resilience and Leadership
- Disaster Resilience Economics and Business Resilience
- Disaster Governance and International Frameworks.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $17,445
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 Ranking 2024:
- 13
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 13
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
Admission to the program is open to those who have successfully completed an:
- AQF 6 (Associate Degree or Advanced Diploma) or higher, or
- AQF 5 (Diploma) award with at least five years of full time equivalent relevant industry experience.
*Work experience is evidenced by a detailed CV and Statements of Service.
All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement:
- IELTS overall minimum - 6.5
- IELTS section minimum - 6.0.
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
- Recovery outreach worker
- Policy officer
- Strategic planner
- Director of emergency management
- Disaster resilience officer
- Bureau of Meteorology Hazard Prediction team member.
Professional recognition
This program will be 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).
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% |
^ There is no data available