Type of qualification
Level of study
Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Master of Emergency Management – MEmergMgt
Emergency management focuses on organising communities to respond to disasters. It also examines how to survive them, rebuild social structures and infrastructure, and sustain and preserve life.
Get in-depth understanding of emergency management issues
With the Master of Emergency Management you’ll gain in-depth knowledge about a range of emergency management issues, as well as practices and policies.
The Master of Emergency Management offers coursework and research pathway options.
This master’s programme will give you skills in:
- critical application of theory and research
- analysis, synthesis and critical evaluations of disaster risk
- crisis leadership and communications
- decision making
- disaster management policy and procedure.
Learn from the leaders
You’ll work closely with academics and researchers at the Joint Centre for Disaster Research; a world leading institution that underpins teaching with rich and contemporary research.
A MEmergMgt is a good fit if you:
- have an undergraduate degree and at least two years of relevant work experience
- have a Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Management
- are interested in research or advanced leadership in emergency management.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Master of Emergency Management you will have:
- been awarded or qualified for an undergraduate degree with a minimum B grade average across the 200/300 level major courses, and
- at least two years relevant industry or professional experience, or
- been awarded or qualified for a Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Management or equivalent, with at least a B grade average.
If you have been awarded or qualified for a Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Management at Massey University as outlined above, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification.
You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit
Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with Distinction or Merit.
- Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
- Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Maximum time limits for completion
There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Master of Emergency Management
The Master of Emergency Management is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
Coursework or research pathway
You will undertake one of two pathways - the Coursework Pathway or the Research Pathway.
Coursework pathway
Progression to Part Two (Coursework Pathway) requires at least a B grade average across the first 60 credits of courses completed in Part One
Research pathway
Progression to Part Two (Research Pathway) requires at least a B+ grade average across the first 60 credits of courses completed in Part One. The research pathway includes a thesis.
Advanced entry
If you have a Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Management you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification.
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
180 credits
Coursework Pathway
- Part One compulsory courses – 60 credits
- Part One electives from the Schedule – 60 credits
- Part Two compulsory courses – 60 credits
Research Pathway
- Part One compulsory courses – 60 credits
- Part One elective from the Schedule – 30 credits
- Part Two thesis course(s) 90 credits
Advanced entry: Those who have already completed specified qualifications in advance of the minimum entry requirements and have been granted credit for it, may be able to complete this degree in 60 - 120 credits.
This is a parts-based qualification. This means there are regulations around your completion of Part One before progressing to Part Two, etc.
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Part One: Coursework Pathway (120 credits) or Research Pathway (90 credits)
Compulsory courses (Choose 60 credits from)
Course code: 130705 Emergency Management 30 credits
An examination of the social, psychological, community and organisational aspects of disaster management in New Zealand. Emphasis is on the development and implementation of an all-hazards, comprehensive and integrated approach to emergency management. Selected readings and case studies will be used to facilitate the development of an effective response to social, psychological, community and organisational issues.
View full course detailsCourse code: 230703 Techniques and Methods in Evaluation Research 30 credits
An in-depth examination of a range of qualitative, quantitative, mixed and innovative methods, skills and techniques as they would be applied to practical, 'real-life' evaluation questions.
View full course detailsElective courses
Course code: 130701 Natural Hazards 30 credits
A study of natural hazards and their effects. Specific attention will be paid to earthquakes, windstorms, flooding, volcanicity, tsunamis and landslips and their impact on people and the environment. Hazards particularly relevant to New Zealand will be emphasised.
View full course detailsCourse code: 130702 Coping with Disasters 30 credits
Study of the human issues and problems involved in preparing for and coping with disasters. Attitudes towards disaster preparation are studied together with the nature of disasters and their effects on human beings. The organisation and control of human behaviour during disasters will be studied together with rehabilitation interventions, particularly for the alleviation of stress for those involved.
View full course detailsCourse code: 130706 Emergency Management in Practice 30 credits
This course studies the practical application of current emergency management theory. The emphasis is on examining a specific topic area, analysing current trends and discussing practices that will enhance reduction, readiness, response and recovery efforts in managing disasters and emergencies.
View full course detailsCourse code: 130707 Professional Inquiry in Emergency Management 30 credits
Analytical inquiry into the impact of a professional practice in an area of emergency management. Provides an opportunity for students to engage in inquiry skills and a critical dialogue to articulate effective and efficient professional practice in their work environment.
View full course detailsCourse code: 132751 Natural Hazards and Resilient Communities 30 credits
A study of natural hazards and the role of planning in building sustainable and disaster resilient communities. Develop and apply planning processes and tools to assess hazard vulnerability, reduce hazard risks, improve disaster readiness, develop effective response capabilities, and facilitate recovery.
View full course detailsPart Two: Coursework Pathway (Choose 60 credits from)
Course code: 130800 Advanced Leadership in Emergency Management 1 30 credits
This course explores the theory and practice of operational and strategic leadership applied in emergencies, including organisational psychology, politics, law, ethics, team leadership, communication and crisis decision making.
View full course detailsCourse code: 130802 Advanced Leadership in Emergency Management 2 30 credits
A further exploration of the theory and practice of operational and strategic leadership applied in emergencies, including a deep examination of key case studies of advanced leadership and critical reflection on leadership practices.
View full course detailsPart Two: Research Pathway (Choose 90 credits from)
Course code: 130881 Thesis 90 Credit Part 1 45 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 130882 Thesis 90 Credit Part 2 45 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 130883 Thesis 90 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsFees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Scholarship and award opportunities
Find more scholarships and awardsFees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
Our graduates normally find positions as mid-to-senior level managers in organisations such as:
- local government
- Central Government
- public safety agencies
- international humanitarian aid organisations.
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Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz