Master of Disaster ManagementMDisMgt
Source: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/find-a-study-option/master-of-disaster-management-mdismgt.html Parent: https://response.auckland.ac.nz/EngineeringPGQuiz-v2
Engineering and Design
Master of Disaster Management MDisMgt
Prepare for a leadership role in disaster management or the humanitarian field with in-depth knowledge of resilience and risk reduction.
Duration : Full-time: Varies : Part-time: Varies
Next start date : 2026 Semester Two – 20 July : 2027 Semester One – 1 March
Available locations : City, Grafton, Newmarket
Points : 120 or 180
Programme type : Postgraduate : Taught options available
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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 704A/B) that stretches over two semesters – here, you will address a topic relevant to disaster management.
*Core courses:*DISMGT 701: Disaster Risk Management\ DISMGT 703: Disaster Management and Resilience\ DISMGT 704A/B: Research Project\ (180-point programme will enrol in last two semesters of study)\ ENGGEN 742: Project Management (compulsory for 180-point programme only)
*Students in 120-point programme choose:*ENGGEN 731: Agile and Lean Project Management\ or\ ENGGEN 742: Project Management (available on campus in Semester One and online in Semester Two)
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. Please refer to the 'Electives' tab for the full selection.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.
2026 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
University of Auckland
Another tertiary institution
Programme requirements
Programme requirements
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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.
- Study option
Taught 120 points
Grade required
GPA 5.0
Bachelors (honours) degree - Study option
Taught 180 points
Grade required
GPA 5.0
Bachelors degree
Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)
Further programme requirements
Further programme requirements
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Select your study option:
Taught 120 points
Taught 180 points
You must have completed a bachelors (honours) degree in any discipline. You will need a GPA of 5.0 in 60 points above Stage III.
You must have completed a bachelors degree in any discipline. You will need a GPA of 5.0 in 60 points above Stage II.
Other pathways to study
Other pathways to study
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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.
Programme requirements
Programme requirements
Show details Hide details
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.
- Study option
Taught 120 points
Grade required
GPE 5.0
One year of postgraduate study - Study option
Taught 180 points
Grade required
GPE 5.0
An undergraduate degree - Qualification
IELTS Academic
Score required
6.5
No bands less than 6.0
See alternative English language requirements
Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)
Further programme requirements
Further programme requirements
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Select your study option:
Taught 120 points
Taught 180 points
You must have completed one year of postgraduate study, following an undergraduate degree, in any discipline. Your study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution) and you will need a GPE of 5.0.
You must have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline at a recognised university (or similar institution) with a GPE of 5.0.
For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.
How much does a Master of Disaster Management cost per year?
2026 fees
Domestic students : NZ$21,843.60*
International students : NZ$55,864*
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. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.44 per point, estimated at $1,132.80 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
See course fees for each faculty
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
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
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.
Key dates
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.
Application closing dates
Semester One 2026 : 8 December 2025
Semester Two 2026 : 8 June 2026
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
2026
| Semester One | Starts – 2 March |
| Ends – 29 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 20 July |
| Ends – 16 November |
2027
| Semester One | Starts – 1 March |
| Ends – 28 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 19 July |
| Ends – 15 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.
If you're pursuing a 120-point programme, you will be required to undertake two of the following courses alongside your compulsory courses in order to complete the MDisMgt.
For the 180-point programme, you will have to undertake six of the following courses alongside your compulsory courses to complete your programme.
*Semester One*[CIVIL 707: Construction Supply Chain Management](https://study.auckland.ac.nz/ords/r/uoa/catalogue/course?p6_code=CIVIL%20707)[CIVIL 765: Infrastructure Asset Management](https://study.auckland.ac.nz/ords/r/uoa/catalogue/course?p6_code=CIVIL%20765)DEVELOP 709: Theories of International Development\ [LAWPUBL 736: Human Rights Litigation](https://study.auckland.ac.nz/ords/r/uoa/catalogue/course?p6_code=LAWPUBL%20736)[POPLHLTH 715: Global Public Health](https://study.auckland.ac.nz/ords/r/uoa/catalogue/course?p6_code=POPLHLTH%20715)POPLHLTH 760: Principles of Public Health (also available in Semester Two)\ SOCCLEAD 706: Innovation, Design, Evaluation
Semester Two\ DEVELOP 701: Development Praxis\ DEVELOP 710 Development Policies and Institutions\ EARTHSCI 705: Geohazards\ [ENVENG 752: Sustainability and Life Cycle Assessment](https://study.auckland.ac.nz/ords/r/uoa/catalogue/course?p6_code=ENVENG%20752) POPLHLTH 752: Case Studies in Global Health\ POPLHLTH 760: Principles of Public Health (also available in Semester One)\ [PROFCOUN 707: Specialist Counselling Skills and Approaches](https://study.auckland.ac.nz/ords/r/uoa/catalogue/course?p6_code=PROFCOUN%20707)SOCHLTH 732: Working with Grief and Loss
For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.
Where could this programme take you?
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
Graduate story: Ma Katrina Raneses
Ma Katrina completed a Master of Disaster Management. She now works as a Transport Sector Analyst in the Phillipines.
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