Postgraduate Diploma in Disaster Risk Management 

Qualification code: 2GC D01          Curriculum code: N501P
Solving complex real-world problems and building societal resilience requires many disciplines

Climate change and disasters are significantly affecting the way in which we live, develop, plan and interact. Research suggests that the current development trajectory of Earth will greatly be determined by the adaptive capacities of humans. Moreover, issues of climate change and disaster risks impact on development gains and influences almost all disciplines and professional constituencies. This prestigious postgraduate diploma (NQF Level 8) aims to address issues of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation through a multi- and transdisciplinary perspective. The aim of this qualification is to provide adult learners with specialised skills which will enable them to apply disaster risk reduction within their specific discipline or area of speciality. This transdisciplinary diploma was developed by the African Centre for Disaster Studies drawing on over a decade of active involvement in practice and research. It is our belief that this qualification will enable learners from various disciplines to enter (or more effectively continue in) the international employment market. Learners will gain valuable knowledge and skills which will prepare them for a career in international humanitarian and development organisations (such as the Red Cross, CARE, World Vision, Oxfam and Save the Children to name but a few), enter the international public management domain (e.g. various UN agencies such as UNDP, UNEP, UNISDR, UNWOMEN, UNESCO, OCHA etc.) or more effectively apply disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation within their own discipline or professional working environment.

Programme outcomes:

In this programme the student will experience that the discipline of Disaster Risk Studies equips students with knowledge and professional management skills to make significant contributions to a fast changing world. It also offers students analytical and research skills that may put him/her in demand in the labour market or in a position to work autonomously. This course can be done in 1 year full time or 2 years part time. Access to internet and computers is compulsory.

Admission requirements:

• A B-degree, Advanced Diploma, or its equivalent (NQF Level 7 qualification).
• Candidates that do not comply with this minimum requirement may apply to the Director of the African Centre for Disaster Studies for an interview by an admissions panel. The panel is compiled by the Director of the African Centre for Disaster Studies and may consider admission in light of the interview and other relevant considerations.
• A limited number of candidates will be admitted to the programme annually, depending upon the availability of the personnel capacity of the African Centre for Disaster Studies. All applications will be strictly judged according to academic merit. All admitted candidates must attend an introductory and orientation meeting at the Potchefstroom Campus on a date determined by the Director of the African Centre for Disaster Studies.

Articulation:

This diploma will give students access to enroll for an M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences with Disaster Risk Science (N801P).

Applications:

To apply, visit the NWU website. Applications will only take place online at http://studies.nwu.ac.za/honours-studies/honours-studies-and-postgraduate-diplomas

Applications for the diploma usually opens around middle April and closes around the end of October for commencement in the following year. 

Modules:

First semester 

• Disaster Risk Studies and Climate Change Adaptation (DRRS511) – 16 credits (fundamental)
• Socio-Ecological Resilience (DRRS512) – 16 credits (fundamental)
• Hazards (DRRS513) – 16 credits (fundamental)
• Disaster Risk Assessment (DRRS514) – 16 credits (core)
• Research Methodology (DRRS515) – 16 credits (fundamental)

Second semester

• Urban Disaster Risks (DRRS521) – 16 credits (core)
• Preparedness and Response (DRRS522) – 16 Credits (core)
• Planning and Project Management (DRRS523) – 16 credits (core)
• Research Project (DRRS524) – 16 credits (fundamental)

For more information on the Postgraduate Diploma, contact the Programme Manager, Ms. Suna Meyer, at +27 (18) 299 1620 or suna.meyer@nwu.ac.za

Master of Science in Environmental Science with Disaster Risk Science

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENVRIONMENTAL SCIENCES WITH DISASTER RISK SCIENCE
Qualification code: 2CT N07          Curriculum code: N801P

What this course offers:

The MSc in Environmental Sciences with Disaster Risk Science is a researched based masters qualification achieved with the successful completion a full dissertation. This qualification emphasises the multi-sector and multi-disciplinary nature of disaster risk reduction. Individuals with an interest in addressing issues of disaster risk through a developmental focus should apply.

Admission requirements:

• Any honours degree or National Higher Technicon Diploma on an NQF level 8 and appropriate work experience. 
• A limited number of candidates will be admitted to the programme annually, depending upon the availability of the personnel capacity of the African Centre for Disaster Studies. 
• All applications will be strictly judged according to academic merit with an average of 65%
• Access to the internet and email is compulsory 

Duration and Structure:

The course duration is two – three years (Full-time or Part-time). Students register for one module – DRRS 871 with 180 credits. Titles of dissertations must be registered within six months after registration. 

Applications:

To apply, visit the NWU website. Applications will only take place online at http://studies.nwu.ac.za/postgraduate-studies/higher-degree-admissions 

Academic Enquiries:

Please contact 21150079@nwu.ac.za or Ms. Maria Raubenheimer on +27 18 299 4249

Financial Enquiries:

For financial enquiries you can email PUK-studyfees@nwu.ac.za or find more information here: http://studies.nwu.ac.za/financial-support-services/nwu-postgraduate-bursary-scheme 

Doctor of Philosophy in Science with Disaster Risk Science

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN SCIENCE WITH DISASTER RISK SCIENCE

Qualification code: 2CC R14          Curriculum code: N901P

What this course offers:

The PhD in Disaster risk Science is a research based PhD composed of a full thesis.

Admission requirements:

• Any Masters of Science degree and appropriate work experience on an NQF level 9.
• A limited number of candidates will be admitted to the programme annually, depending upon the availability of the personnel capacity of the African Centre for Disaster Studies.
• The programme committee will evaluate all applications on academic merit. 
• Access to the internet and email is compulsory. 

Duration and Structure:

The course duration is three – four years (Full-time or Part-time). Students register for one module – DRRS 971 with 360 credits. Titles of dissertations must be registered within six months after registration. 

Applications:

To apply, visit the NWU website. Applications will only take place online at http://studies.nwu.ac.za/postgraduate-studies/higher-degree-admissions 

Academic Enquiries:

Prof. Dewald van Niekerk on +27 18 299 1620 or dewald.vanniekerk@nwu.ac.za 

Financial Enquiries:

For financial enquiries you can email PUK-studyfees@nwu.ac.za or find more information here: http://studies.nwu.ac.za/financial-support-services/nwu-postgraduate-bursary-scheme  

Short Courses 

The African Centre for Disaster Studies offers short courses ranging from three to five days in duration in Disaster Risk Reduction, Disaster Risk Assessment and Planning and Incident Command Systems. 

Information on these short courses can be found here: http://learn.nwu.ac.za/natural-sciences/environmental-management 

For inquiries or quotations please contact the Unit for Continuing Education at Uce-info@nwushortcourses.info or +27 87 183 1798