Graduate Certificate in Emergency and Disaster Management

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Duration
1 year part-time
Location
Online
Next start term
Term 1, 2026
Study mode
Online
Course code
CC27
First-year fee
$5,750 (2026 Indicative) (CSP)
$15,078 (2026 Indicative) (FFP)
This course offers Commonwealth Supported Places, meaning you may be eligible for significant fee savings.
OverviewStructure & AvailabilityRequirementsFees & ScholarshipsHow to Apply
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Emergency Disaster Management students using maps and a walkie talkie

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Emergency and Disaster Management is designed for people working in emergency service agencies and professionals working in private, government and non-government community-based organisations who play a role in emergency and disaster management. You will explore current and emerging trends and national and international approaches, and expand your knowledge and skills to apply to the various phases of managing emergencies and disasters. 

The Graduate Certificate in Emergency and Disaster Management recognises the changing nature of emergency and disaster management in Australia and the important role research and evidence-based practice plays in underpinning contemporary perspectives and approaches.

During this course, you will draw on the interdisciplinary nature of emergency and disaster management to explore current and emerging trends and national and international approaches, as well as the key concepts and perspectives that underpin contemporary practice. You will be introduced to the fundamental concepts and frameworks that underpin the effective management of emergencies and disasters while developing your skills in analysing research to play a role in the contemporary practice of emergency and disaster management. The course also covers topics in crisis communication and disaster risk reduction.

This course is designed for people working in emergency service agencies, professionals working in private, government, non-government and community-based organisations who play a role in emergency and disaster management, and those with a personal or professional interest in the field.

Study Experience

Discover more about our flexible online course, taught by an experienced teaching team and offering seamless pathways to help advance your knowledge. Click 'Explore Study Experience' for more information.

  • Authentic Learning Experiences
  • Commonwealth Supported
  • Experienced Teaching Team
  • Flexible Online Study
  • Part-time Study
  • Seamless Pathways

Career Opportunities

In the Graduate Certificate in Emergency and Disaster Management, you will study a suite of four core subjects and then have the opportunity to tailor the context of your assessment to the workplace context of interest to your career. This will see you enhancing your career advancement opportunities as a specialist in your chosen area being highly employable in the emergency services in Queensland and all Australian states and territories.

Structure & Availability

The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below.

Available Locations

Your Course

You must complete four units (24 credits):

  1. 1
    The core structure (4 units)

Unit Details

The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.

Course Planner

To help you plan your studies and see which unit comes first, if one unit should be completed before another and the term you will study each unit, check out our course planners.

Browse course planners

Additional Information

If you have completed prior study relevant to units within this course, you may be eligible for credit for your past studies. 

Learn more about credit and recognition of prior learning.

Requirements

To Be Eligible

For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements. 

During Your Study

While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies. 

Fees & Scholarships

Indicative First-Year Fee

The Indicative First-Year Fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in this course for one academic year depending on the type of place you are offered, for example, a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) or Full Fee Paying (FFP) Place. For a graduate certificate, this is usually four units studied full-time over one term or part-time over two terms. The indicative fee should be used as a guide only. Your actual fees may vary depending on the units you select to study and your study load. Check the Cost per Unit spreadsheet available on our Understanding Course Fees webpage. 

Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Fee estimates for the following year are expected to be available in September each year.

Commonwealth Supported Places

With Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for this course in 2025, you may be eligible for significant fee savings, provided you meet CSP eligibility requirements. CSPs are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees.

If you are not eligible for a CSP or if CSPs are full, you will be required to pay full fees.

HECS-HELP

You may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan if you are offered a CSP. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees. 

Learn more about paying for university.

Part of your course costs will include Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). SSAF is charged in addition to your student contribution or tuition fees and is used to help enhance your study experience. There may also be other costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. 

Explore other study costs.

How to Apply

How to Apply

Check what you need to do to apply to study this course. 

Your Application Options

Extra Admission Information

Learn about the assessment of applications and everything you need to know about receiving and accepting an offer to study with CQU.

Start Your Application

Use the Apply button below to access our Apply Online portal and start your application.

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