Program Overview
The Master of Emergency Management (MEmergMgt) at Massey University is a 18-month program that equips students with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage emergencies at both operational and strategic levels. The program emphasizes leadership, crisis communication, decision-making, and disaster management policy and procedure. It is offered as either a full-time (1.5 years) or part-time (up to 5 years) option and is delivered through a combination of distance learning and online modules. Graduates are well-prepared to take on leadership roles in emergency management and related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Objective:
The Master of Emergency Management (MEmergMgt) program equips students with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage emergencies at both operational and strategic levels. The program emphasizes leadership, crisis communication, decision-making, and disaster management policy and procedure.
Description:
The MEmergMgt is a 18-month program offered as either a full-time (1.5 years) or part-time (up to 5 years) option. The program is delivered through a combination of distance learning and online modules, providing flexibility for students with busy schedules.
Key Features:
- Focus on in-depth understanding of emergency management issues, practices, and policies.
- Offers two pathways: Coursework and Research.
- Provides opportunities to develop critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving skills.
- Develops leadership and communication skills for effective crisis management.
- Strong industry connections and opportunities for practical experience.
Outline:
Program Structure:
The MEmergMgt is a parts-based qualification, with two parts:
- Part One: Consists of 60 credits of compulsory courses and 60 credits of elective courses.
- Part Two: Consists of 60 credits of coursework or 90 credits of research.
Coursework Pathway:
- Students must achieve a B grade average across the first 60 credits of Part One to progress to Part Two.
- Part Two offers a selection of courses focusing on advanced leadership in emergency management.
Research Pathway:
- Students must achieve a B+ grade average across the first 60 credits of Part One to progress to Part Two.
- Part Two involves a 90-credit thesis focusing on a specific topic in emergency management.
Elective Courses:
- Students can choose from a range of elective courses covering various aspects of emergency management, such as natural hazards, disaster recovery, and humanitarian aid.
Schedule:
- The program is offered in a flexible online format, allowing students to study at their own pace.
- Students can choose to complete the program full-time (1.5 years) or part-time (up to 5 years).
Modules:
- Part One Compulsory Courses:
- Emergency Management
- Techniques and Methods in Evaluation Research
- Part One Elective Courses:
- Natural Hazards
- Coping with Disasters
- Emergency Management in Practice
- Professional Inquiry in Emergency Management
- Natural Hazards and Resilient Communities
- Part Two Coursework Pathway:
- Advanced Leadership in Emergency Management 1
- Advanced Leadership in Emergency Management 2
- Part Two Research Pathway:
- Thesis 90 Credit Part 1
- Thesis 90 Credit Part 2
- Thesis
Assessment:
Assessment methods:
- Coursework: Assignments, exams, presentations, and group projects.
- Research: Thesis, research proposal, and oral examination.
Assessment criteria:
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Communication and presentation skills
- Research and writing skills
- Knowledge and understanding of emergency management principles and practices
Teaching:
Teaching methods:
- Online lectures and tutorials
- Interactive learning activities
- Guest lectures from industry professionals
- Collaborative group work
- Independent research
Faculty:
The MEmergMgt program is taught by experienced and qualified faculty with expertise in emergency management, disaster preparedness, and crisis leadership.
Unique approaches:
- The program emphasizes practical application of knowledge through case studies, simulations, and real-world scenarios.
- The program adopts a multi-disciplinary approach, drawing on expertise from various fields such as public health, social work, and engineering.
Careers:
Career paths:
- Emergency Management Officer
- Disaster Preparedness Coordinator
- Crisis Communications Specialist
- Humanitarian Aid Worker
- Policy Analyst
- Research Officer
Job opportunities:
- Government agencies
- Local authorities
- Non-profit organizations
- International aid agencies
- Private sector companies
Outcomes:
Graduates of the MEmergMgt program are well-prepared to take on leadership roles in emergency management and related fields. They possess the knowledge, skills, and experience to make a significant contribution to building resilient communities and mitigating the impact of disasters.
Other:
- The program is offered in partnership with the Joint Centre for Disaster Research, a world-leading institution in disaster research and education.
- Graduates are eligible to apply for professional membership with the New Zealand Emergency Management Association (NZEMA).
- The program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and encourages applications from those with prior experience in emergency management or related fields.
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