Master of Arts (Thesis)
The University of Canterbury (UC) in New Zealand is renowned for its academic excellenc...
Master of Science - Disaster Risk and Resilience
Christchurch
INTAKE: Jul & Feb
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Disaster Risk and Resilience program at the University of Canterbury (UC) is a specialized course designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills to understand, manage, and mitigate the impacts of disasters and enhance community resilience.
Curriculum: UC's Master of Science in Disaster Risk and Resilience offers a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of disaster risk assessment, disaster management strategies, community resilience, climate change adaptation, and policy frameworks. Core courses focus on hazard analysis, disaster recovery, emergency planning, and socio-economic impacts of disasters. Students engage in case studies, fieldwork, and simulation exercises to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Research Focus: The program emphasizes a strong research focus, encouraging students to engage in interdisciplinary research related to disaster risk reduction and resilience. Students undertake research projects focusing on hazard modeling, vulnerability assessment, disaster recovery strategies, or community resilience enhancement.
Industry Engagement: UC collaborates with government agencies, NGOs, and disaster management organizations to provide practical experiences and exposure to the industry. Through internships, fieldwork, or collaborative projects, students gain hands-on experience and practical insights into disaster risk and resilience strategies.
Global Perspective: The Master of Science in Disaster Risk and Resilience program at UC integrates a global perspective by examining disaster management practices, policies, and challenges on an international scale. The curriculum includes discussions on global disaster trends, international disaster response mechanisms, and case studies from diverse global contexts.
Location
Christchurch
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
NZD 84400
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs usually need a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. The entry requirement may specify a minimum score of 50% or higher in the previous academic degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 or 7.0, with no band below 6.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 with no individual section below 19.
- PTE: Overall score of 58, with a minimum of 50 in each section.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
The University of Canterbury is dedicated to providing support to international students through various scholarship programs designed to recognize academic excellence, diversity, and specific areas of achievement. These scholarships aim to ease the financial burden and promote educational opportunities for talented individuals from around the world.
UC International First Year Scholarships: Geared towards high-achieving international students beginning their first year of study at UC. These scholarships acknowledge exceptional academic performance and assist students in their initial year of education at the university.
UC Master's Scholarships: For high-achieving international students pursuing Master's degrees at UC. These scholarships provide financial support to assist students in their postgraduate studies and promote research excellence.
UC Doctoral Scholarships: Aimed at international students undertaking Ph.D. studies at UC. These scholarships offer financial assistance and opportunities for research excellence in various fields of study.
Specific Field Scholarships: Additionally, UC offers specialized scholarships catering to students entering specific fields or disciplines. These scholarships encourage innovation and excellence in targeted areas of study.
Graduates from the Master of Science in Disaster Risk and Resilience program at the University of Canterbury (UC) possess specialized skills and expertise, paving the way for diverse and impactful career paths within the field of disaster management and resilience.
Emergency Management Specialist: Alumni often pursue careers as emergency management specialists, working for government agencies, NGOs, or private organizations. They coordinate disaster response efforts, develop emergency plans, and implement strategies for disaster preparedness.
Risk Analyst/Assessor: Graduates may work as risk analysts or assessors, evaluating and analyzing potential risks, vulnerabilities, and hazards within communities, businesses, or infrastructure to mitigate potential disasters.
Community Resilience Coordinator: Many alumni become community resilience coordinators, focusing on strengthening communities' capacities to withstand and recover from disasters. They engage with communities, develop resilience programs, and facilitate community participation in disaster preparedness.
Disaster Recovery Planner: With expertise in disaster risk and resilience, graduates might work as disaster recovery planners, designing and implementing recovery plans following natural or man-made disasters.
Policy Advisor/Advocate: Alumni may choose roles as policy advisors or advocates, influencing policy development, advocating for improved disaster risk reduction strategies, and contributing to legislative changes related to disaster management.
International Development Officer: Some alumni may work as international development officers, collaborating with international organizations, providing technical assistance, and contributing to disaster risk reduction initiatives globally.
