Master of Emergency Management

Upon completion of this course, graduates will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the broad body of knowledge in emergency management, decision making and operational command, including recent developments in theory and practice.
2. Demonstrate mastery of the key theoretical underpinnings in the emergency management environment, be able to reflect critically on these, and on their impact on professional practice.
3. Demonstrate mastery in the skills needed to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories.
4. Demonstrate the ability to apply established theories to novel bodies of knowledge or practice in emergency management, multi-agency operational command and leadership and to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level.
5. Demonstrate mastery of the communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist emergency management audiences.
6. Utilise technical and communication skills to theorise, analyse, evaluate, design and implement relating to developments that contribute to professional practice or scholarship in emergency management.

Comprehensive program

You'll investigate and analyse contemporary emergency management practices in work environments and undertake assessments relevant to your workplace or industry. You'll perform critical analyses of emergency management practice, undertake literature reviews, and gather and analyse data.

Convenient online study

Online delivery of our emergency management course gives you the freedom to choose when and where you complete your degree. Subject to university approval, you can also fast-track or slow down your study program to fit in with your other commitments.

Industry relevance

To ensure you gain the latest knowledge and skills, Charles Sturt develops and reviews course content in collaboration with emergency management agencies, regulators, universities, research bodies, private industry and emergency services providers throughout Australia.

Global standing

Established in 1993, our Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security (AGSPS) is an international leader in emergency management, law enforcement and security education. Academics bring a wealth of practical, operational, policy and strategic experience to their teaching roles.

Recommended study pattern

Due to the flexible nature of the program, and intake across all three academic sessions, there is no prescribed enrolment pattern whilst working through the course structures of the articulated set. Students may choose the order in which they study the subjects, taking into account subject availability across the year.

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

Indicative total fee $33,720

The amounts shown here are 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.

Charles Sturt University is Australia’s most experienced online uni, and has the country’s highest graduate employment rate. From agriculture, arts, healthcare and IT, to business, law, social work and teaching—you’ll get the latest skills in your field, and learn from academics who are connected to industry. Add in 24/7 IT support, scholarships and a vibrant student community, and you can take your next, or first, career step with confidence.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

34

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

37

Applicants who wish to be considered for admission to the course will have to satisfy all of the following criteria, which will be considered the equivalent of a four-year degree: the successful completion of a three-year degree in emergency management, risk management or an allied discipline area; at least five years' experience in an industry related to this field of study; evidence of continuing professional education and development; evidence of emergency management role and responsibilities within their industry, organisation or community.

Applicants who wish to be considered for admission to the course will have to satisfy all of the following criteria, which will be considered the equivalent of a four-year degree: the successful completion of a three-year degree in emergency management, risk management or an allied discipline area; at least five years' experience in an industry related to this field of study; evidence of continuing professional education and development; evidence of emergency management role and responsibilities within their industry, organisation or community.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit for current competencies will be granted to eligible applicants.