Duration
Full-time: Varies
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2027 Semester One – 1 March
2027 Semester Two – 19 July
Available locations
City, Grafton, Newmarket
Points
120 or 180
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught options available

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

The programme offers flexible study options through both 120-point and 180-point pathways, allowing students to select the option that best aligns with their academic background and professional goals. The 120-point pathway is intended for students who have already completed the equivalent of one year of postgraduate study in a relevant discipline.

Through a combination of specialised study and
independent research, graduates develop the strategic thinking, analytical
skills, and practical expertise needed to address complex disaster and
emergency management challenges in New Zealand and around the world.

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:

Programme requirements

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 Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelors (honours) degree

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelors degree

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

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

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

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 Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    One year of postgraduate study

  • Study option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    An undergraduate degree

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

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.

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.

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

See all study options
Ma Katrina Raneses

Graduate story: Ma Katrina Raneses

Ma Katrina completed a Master of Disaster Management. She now works as a Transport Sector Analyst in the Philippines.

Read more

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