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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

Focusing on the major issues of disaster resilience and risk reduction, the MDisMgt will equip you with applicable skills to confidently solve complex problems in high-pressure environments.

We take a holistic approach to disaster management, and provide the knowledge needed to plan frameworks, create policies, and devise solutions. A compulsory component of this programme is a research project, where you will demonstrate the critical thinking and analytical skills needed to independently approach a real-world issue in a disaster setting.

This programme draws on expertise from across the University. Beyond the Faculty of Engineering and Design’s world-class academic roster, you’ll be able to learn from experts from Science, Architecture and Planning, Development Studies and Environmental Law. Our students come from a broad range of disciplines. Though they vary in experience, they share a common goal to help communities prepare for, and recover from, natural disasters.

Programme Structure

This flexible programme is offered as both a 120-point and 180-point degree. The 120-point programme is designed for students who have already completed the equivalent of a full-time year of postgraduate study.

The programme includes three core courses addressing key topics within the field, including disaster risk management, disaster management and resilience, project management and one 45-point research project (DISMGT 704 A/B) that stretches over two semesters – here, you will address a topic relevant to disaster management. 

A variety of electives to suit your schedule and interests are available from a range of disciplines, including Engineering, Population Health, Development Studies and Law.

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

Recent disasters have spurred many professionals to gain expert and specialist knowledge, making this a highly relevant programme. Disaster management is an inherently people-focused discipline, and our graduates have found work in the humanitarian field, as well as in governmental agencies.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Disaster risk reduction specialist
  • Civil defence manager
  • Humanitarian field worker
  • Government policy adviser
  • Disaster resilience specialist
  • Emergency preparedness specialist
  • Hazards analyst

Further Study Options

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.


University of Auckland minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place. 

Taught (120 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average 

Bachelors (honours) degree

Taught (180 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Bachelors degree

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Other Pathways to Study

Taught 120 points 

You must have completed a bachelors (honours) degree from this University in any discipline. You will need a GPA of 5.0 in 60 points above Stage III.

Taught 180 points

You must have completed a bachelors degree from this University in any discipline. You will need a GPA of 5.0 in 60 points above Stage II.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes. 

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours), or Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), or Bachelor of Engineering, or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), or Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours), or Bachelor of Laws, or Bachelor of Laws (Honours), or Bachelor of Planning, or Bachelor of Science (Honours) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours), or Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), or Bachelor of Engineering, or Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), or Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours), or Bachelor of Laws, or Bachelor of Laws (Honours), or Bachelor of Planning, or Bachelor of Science (Honours) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage III.

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 180 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts, or Bachelor of Commerce, or Bachelor of Health Sciences, or Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts, or Bachelor of Commerce, or Bachelor of Health Sciences, or Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

3 Equivalence in Regulation 1 and 2 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

4 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the Associate Dean Postgraduate Research or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a Bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the Associate Dean Postgraduate Research or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Note: This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Engineering.

Duration and Total Points Value

5 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 4a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 4b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

Structure and Content

7 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Disaster Management Schedule.

8 A student who has previously passed any course the same as, or similar to, the courses required for this degree must substitute an alternative course as approved by the Programme Director or nominee.

9 A student must achieve a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in the first 45 points of taught courses taken for this degree. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Disaster Management cannot continue.

10 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Research Component

11 a The research project is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Academic Head.

b The research project topic must be approved by the Programme Director or nominee prior to enrolment.

c The research project is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

12 A student who has not met the requirement in Regulation 9 may apply to reassign courses passed for this degree to the Postgraduate Certificate in Disaster Management.

Distinction

13 This degree may be awarded with Honours as specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

14 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

15 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 to 180 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 1 item from 120 points Requirements, or
  • 1 item from 180 points Requirements, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

120 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

180 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

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Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

Programme Learning OutcomesPeople and PlaceSustainabilityKnowledge and PracticeCritical ThinkingSolution-SeekingCommunicationCollaborationEthics and Professionalism