Type of qualification
Level of study
Graduate qualifications normally involve study in a different area to your first undergraduate qualification. Some are stepping stones to postgraduate-level study.
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 Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management – GCertEmergMgt
Emergency management focuses on the organisation of communities following disasters, including how to:
- respond
- survive
- rebuild social structures and infrastructure
- sustain and preserve life.
Massey’s Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management gives you an introduction to emergency management concepts. It also introduces you to incident command systems, leadership and communication.
You can choose from a wide range of elective courses to target your professional development requirements and personal interests.
A GCertEmergMgt is a good fit if you:
- have a university degree or other approved qualification
- want to earn a graduate qualification to create a study pathway to learn emergency management
- are interested 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 Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management qualification you will:
- have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, or another approved qualification
- have completed at least one year of emergency management-related experience.
You will 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.
This qualification is classified as NZQF Level 7 and requires the same English language standard as most undergraduate bachelor degrees, diplomas and certificates.
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.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
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 Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate 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 Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
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
60 credits
- Compulsory courses – 30 credits
- Electives from the Schedule – 30 credits
Ensure overall you have at least 45 credits at 300 level.
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.
Compulsory courses (Choose 30 credits from)
Course code: 130202 Introduction to Emergency Management 15 credits
An introduction to principles, theory and practices of emergency management.
View full course detailsCourse code: 130301 Incident Command Systems 15 credits
This course introduces the systems used to manage emergencies, including the New Zealand Coordinated Incident Management System and other international variations. Consideration will be given to operational management concepts and tactics for effective incident response.
View full course detailsElective courses (Choose 30 credits from)
Course code: 131321 Strategies for Sustainable Development 15 credits
A consideration of concepts, processes, practices, and possible strategies for sustainable development at global, national and community levels. Special attention is paid to examples of strategies that seek more sustainable livelihoods.
View full course detailsCourse code: 152336 Leadership Practice 15 credits
A critical analysis of the theory and practice of leadership relevant to public and private organisations and the development of ethical leadership and citizenship in a variety of socio-cultural contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 152350 Strategic Management and Governance 15 credits
An examination of strategic management concepts, the tools and techniques of strategic analysis, and issues associated with governance including business ethics.
View full course detailsCourse code: 214301 Environmental Health Risk Management for Disasters 15 credits
Advanced theory and practice in environmental health risk management applicable to typical disaster and humanitarian relief scenarios encountered in New Zealand/Pacific Rim.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219303 Organisational Communication 15 credits
This course draws on current research and theory to examine the communication process, and practices in the context of organising.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219305 Public Relations Management 15 credits
This course provides an in-depth examination of public relations theory and shows how it applies to practice. It focuses on strategic engagement with diverse publics, the development of long-lasting and meaningful organisational relationships, and reputation management.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219312 Crisis and Reputation Management 15 credits
This course critically evaluates ways that organisations can manage reputational risk and communicate in response to crisis situations.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219335 Media Law and Ethics 15 credits
Students learn how to publish safely by navigating the legal and ethical challenges of writing and publishing in today’s digital age.
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
Search our 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 roles such as:
- public and private sector civil defence and emergency management staff
- lifeline utility professionals
- fire, ambulance and defence services staff
- health services professionals
- managers or directors in the civil services
- policy analysts.
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Without Specialisation – Postgraduate Certificate in Business
Whether you’re interested in a specific professional development course, or entry to further study, the PGCertBus offers the flexibility to study in the areas you choose.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz