07 UC /15 MDRR
CUAP Proposal-New Qualification/Subject/Endorsement 2015
Section A
Proposal Description
Purpose of the proposal
To introduce a Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience be offered and awarded jointly by University of Canterbury and
Lincoln University and to signal the discontinuation of the Master of Hazard and Disaster Management from
31/12/2016.
Justification
Future professionals engaged in disaster reduction will require, to be effective, a broad and well-founded understanding
of the fundamental causes of disasters and of the conditions of both natural systems and human systems that allow
disasters to occur. This will require appreciation of the ways in which natural systems can behave, and in particular of
the unusual behaviour that occurs rarely at time-scales of interest to society; of the systems that society has developed
for regulating human behaviour while developing resources and regulating environmental degradation; and of the
behaviour of individuals and groups in response to unexpected shocks and stresses. There is thus a need for natural
science, for social science, and for political and economic science, in the education of disaster reduction professionals.
The present proposal accompanies a parallel proposal from Lincoln University, both of which envisage that students in
both programmes can access courses from both Universities, thus increasing the breadth of staff expertise and topics
available.
Both Lincoln and Canterbury Universities have recently experienced the occurrence and after-effects of, and are
currently experiencing the recovery from, an unexpected and major earthquake sequence; both have gained invaluable
experience from this disaster, and both are highly motivated to utilise this experience in future education and research.
While sited in close proximity (25 km), each institution has a different spectrum of disciplinary foci. Lincoln is ruralfocussed, with specialisations in land-based resources and primary production, resource and environmental
management, recreation and tourism, and community resilience; while Canterbury is more focussed on the basic
sciences and engineering that underpin both urban and rural communities, in particular the natural hazard sciences,
including hydrology, geomorphology, volcanology, seismology and glaciology, and extending into paleoclimatology and
environmental science in general. It also has excellent resources in geography, law, political science, economics and
engineering. In the context of disaster reduction these two sets of specialisations are highly complementary: University
of Canterbury has for many years specialised in engineering, geological hazards assessment, psychology and hazard and
disaster management, while Lincoln has a well-deserved reputation in planning, community engagement and
environmental management.
A joint masters’ degree taught, administered, and awarded by members at both universities and covering all 4Rs
(Response, Recovery, Reduction and Readiness) therefore provides students with a holistic, comprehensive and
integrated understanding of disaster management and risk reduction. This represents an extremely innovative
disciplinary advancement in tertiary education in New Zealand.
The present proposal accompanies a separate proposal for a 240 credit Master of Applied Science in Disaster Risk &
Resilience, offered at Lincoln University but taking advantage of teaching and research resources at both Lincoln
University and University of Canterbury thus increasing the breadth of staff expertise and topics available.
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07 UC /15 MDRR
It also accompanies separate proposals submitted by UC to rename and revise the existing 120-point thesis-only Master
of Science (Hazard and Disaster Management) as a Master of Science (Disaster Risk and Resilience) and to offer DRRE as
a subject in the PhD. Proposals will also be submitted by Lincoln University to offer a 240 credit Master of Applied
Science in Disaster Risk & Resilience, as well as a 120 credit Postgraduate Diploma in Disaster Risk & Resilience.
The current 12-month 180-point Masters in Hazard and Disaster Management (MHDM) (UC) was approved by CUAP in
2014 and is running for the first time in 2015. The programme title “Hazard and Disaster Management” was
appropriate when the UC suite of postgraduate programmes was introduced in 2005 and subsequently, as reflected by
the consistent demand for these programmes. However this title is now becoming increasingly dated in the context of
the presently rapidly-evolving field of disaster reduction research and practice. In particular, the term “hazard
management” implies that it is feasible to reliably and sustainably alter the behaviour of natural processes that trigger
disasters, and this is in general not the case. The underlying intent of all practical and research work in this area is to
reduce the impacts on society of future disasters, and in many cases this objective is currently approached via risk
management; however, an alternative approach is needed in situations where risk cannot be reliably quantified, and
here the topic of resilience (conceptualised as a set of attributes of societal behaviour that reduce vulnerability to the
next disaster that will affect a community) complements risk management. Thus the title Disaster Risk and Resilience is
proposed.
Linked LU/UC Disaster Risk & Resilience programmes “at a glance” figure
The opportunity for Lincoln and Canterbury to develop an exceptionally strong joint programme of education and
research in this area is extremely timely. This is because:
1. Globally, disaster reduction protocols are being developed under the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction that was adopted at the 3rd World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction at Sendai, Japan in March
2015. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) appears to be the way the world is looking forward in this area, and jointly
UC and LU are in a strong position to address this topic at Postgraduate level.
2. Currently UC (Geology and Geography) has strong expertise in hazard processes, risk assessment risk
management and risk reduction, while Lincoln has strengths in environment, planning, socio-economic factors,
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3.
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community engagement, policy and resilience. A joint programme would allow students the opportunity for a
much more comprehensive education in the broad field of disaster reduction than is presently offered in the
MHDM.
The National Science Challenge ‘Resilience to Nature’s Challenge’ (RNC) research programme is planned to be
implemented in mid-2015 will be strongly interdisciplinary and focussed on useful societal outcomes around
resilience to disasters. LU and UC researchers have closely collaborated through the development of RNC will
continue to do so once the programme is initiative in mid-2015.
The Canterbury region is a focus of intense disaster recovery at present, and in a unique position to understand
how it can become more disaster-resilient in the future by learning from recent events.
Christchurch is one of the Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities.
The success of the Waterways programme demonstrates that joint LU-UC ventures are feasible. This is a
substantial advantage to this joint programme proposal.
Such a collaboration would increase the efficiency of resource use and the effectiveness of postgraduate
education and research, to the benefit of NZ Inc. Opportunities may exist for wider collaborations, and these are
currently being explored.
Most of the wide range of disciplinary education programmes at both Universities would benefit from
availability of courses on the fundamental concepts of risk and resilience. Such programmes would be unique in
New Zealand and very attractive to a wide range of students in engineering, primary production, biosecurity,
commerce, finance, health, environmental management and many others.
Offering a 180 credit taught masters degree provides an alternative to the 240 credit research MAppSc(DRR) to
be offered at Lincoln University and the 120 credit (thesis-only) Master of Science (Disaster Risk and Resilience)
to be offered by University of Canterbury, enabling students to choose the degree most suited to their career
interests.
Potential organisational and logistical difficulties associated with running joint programmes between the two
Universities have been highlighted and resolved during the establishment of the Master of Water Resources
Management that has been offered jointly by Lincoln and Canterbury since 2013. Again, this is a substantial
advantage to this joint programme proposal.
Finally, the Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience will be part of a suite of 180 point Master’s programmes which draw
upon cutting edge science and social science to explore interactions between physical environments and human
responses, with an overt focus on resilience. These programmes include the (i) the Master of Disaster Risk and
Resilience (led by staff from UC Geological Sciences and Lincoln University) and (ii) Master of Urban Resilience and
Renewal (led by staff from UC Geography). While each of these programmes has separate foci and constituent courses,
they share a thematic engagement with environment-society dynamics and with the issue of resilience. The
programmes will also share a common course, HAZM4031, which will be co-taught by academic staff from the
Departments of Geography and Geological Sciences, along with experts in Māori perspectives, media and
communication, and community engagement. Taken together, these new Masters programmes will enable staff at the
University of Canterbury and Lincoln University to make a significant contribution to student (and thus practitioner)
knowledge and understanding of the way in which environment-society dynamics connect to issues of risk and
resilience. The programmes will together make a strong contribution to the knowledge base of graduates who we
anticipate will go onto careers in environmental management, disaster reduction, hazard management, environmental
consulting, local and regional government, and so on. Annual meetings of relevant staff will take place to plan and
review the programme offerings.
Qualification
This qualification meets the CUAP definition of a Master’s degree. 60 points (0.5 EFTS) will be at level 9. A minimum B
grade is required for entry to the programme.
Acceptability of the programme and consultation
The proposals outlined herein were discussed in detail and agreed at the Hazard and Disaster Management Advisory
Committee meeting on 28 January 2015. This Committee includes representatives of The University of Auckland,
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The course is subject to a proposed change in course title and description
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Massey University, MCDEM, EQC and GNS Science. Consultation with professional planning representatives from the
Ashburton District Council, Waimakariri District Council, Christchurch City Council, Canterbury Branch of the NZ Planning
Institute, Lincoln University planning students, and private consultants (PLANZ and Planning Matters) took place through
LU’s Planning Advisory Board (LUPAB) on 26 January 2015. The Department of Geography (UC) has also been extensively
consulted. Consultation both within UC (Departments and Centres) and outside UC has been undertaken. External
organisations invited to review and comment on the proposal include: Massey University Joint Centre for Disaster
Reduction; The University of Auckland - Environment and Civil Engineering, School of Environment, GNS Science; NIWA;
Natural Hazard Research Platform, National Science Challenge 10 – Resilience to Nature’s Challenge; Department of
Prime Minister and Cabinet (National Security); MCDEM; EQC; ECan; Canterbury CDEM Group; Local Government NZ;
Christchurch City Council CDEM Office; Southland Emergency Management Group and Auckland Civil Defence and
Emergency Management.
General feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly with the focus on Disaster Risk and Resilience and the
collaboration between UC and LU. This was particularly strong from practitioner community.
Key revisions and modifications as a result of consultation:
 Addition of two goals: a) “To provide students with the opportunity to analyse, critique and practise strategies
on communicating risk, risk reduction resilience concepts to a wide audience” and b) “To provide students with
the opportunity to study and understand methodologies to build resilience” based on practitioner feedback.
 Revision of the graduate characteristics to with respect to multi-cultural capability and confidence, based on
feedback from Liz Brown (Kaiārahi Māori, Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora, Te Rāngai Pūtaiao)
 Development of clear linkage and complementarity with the proposed UC Geography Master of Urban
Resilience and Renewal, based on extensive consultation with UC Geography
All written feedback is available on request.
Treaty of Waitangi
The practice of disaster risk and resilience engagement is socially- and culturally-based and applies differently to
different cultures. Increased incorporation of Māori cultural factors in the programme through the Lincoln University
planning courses gives a rare opportunity to research the cultural bases of disasters and understand how policies and
strategies intended to reduce disaster risk and enhance resilience may have different implications for different cultures.
Students will also be encouraged to enrol in MAST 603, Māori Resource Management (LU) which includes components
focused specifically on Indigenous Disaster Risk Reduction, or MAOR 420, Matauranga Maori (UC).
The stated programme outcomes are consistent with the Treaty Principles of Participation, Partnership and Protection.
Excellent discussions have taken place with Liz Brown, Kaiārahi Māori for the College of Science and the Office of the
AVC (Māori).
Māori, specifically Ngāi Tahu, are key in the disaster recovery of Christchurch (as evidenced by their role as key
signatories of all the Recovery Plans and the Mahaanui Iwi Management Plan (IMP) 2013). Through the core course
HAZM4032 Nigel Harris of UC’s Office of the AVC Māori, and is also on Te Ope Matapopore, the Ngāi Tūāhuriri
earthquake recovery steering group, will provide expertise to the course including presenting on Ngāi Tahu’s
perspectives on disaster risk and resilience in workshops. By doing this the MDRR will “provide leadership in developing
research which is collaborative with Māori” and “will develop learning objectives which support cultural confidence and
competence in graduates”; two areas of development identified in UC’s Rautaki Whakawhanake Kaupapa Māori 2012
Strategy for Māori Development.
Goals of the programme
1. To provide students with the opportunity to understand the natural and societal causes of disasters
2. To provide students with the opportunity to gain experience in analysing the causes of specific disasters
3. To provide students with the opportunity to analyse and critique strategies for disaster reduction
4. To provide students with the opportunity to apply these learnings to specific disaster-reduction-related
situations
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The course is subject to a proposed change in course title and description
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5. To provide students with the opportunity to analyse, critique and practise strategies on communicating risk, risk
reduction resilience concepts to a wide audience.
6. To provide students with the opportunity to study and understand methodologies to build resilience.
Outcome statement
Graduates from the programme will be knowledgeable and skilled in analysing the geophysical and socio-political causes
of both slow onset and sudden disasters, and in developing effective and acceptable strategies for reducing the impacts
of future disasters. They will have the appropriate values, skills and knowledge to be employed professionally in any
organisation involved in disaster reduction; the most important skills acquired will be the ability to learn independently,
and to communicate effectively. Graduates of this programme will be prepared for entry-level professional positions in
the Disaster Risk & Resilience field.
University graduate characteristics and qualification graduate profile
A graduate from this programme will be Employable, Innovative and Enterprising in the field of Disaster Risk and
Resilience, by:
1. Developing an attitude of critical enquiry when acting in a professional capacity
2. Becoming experienced in acquiring new skills and knowledge and in using them in a professional capacity
Core discipline knowledge, skills and attitudes will be developed by
3. Becoming knowledgeable about the characteristics and behaviours of nature and society that give rise to
disasters
4. Being experienced in applying this knowledge to analysis of actual disaster situations
Community engagement will be demonstrated by
5. Being able to draw on a wide range of concepts, knowledge and ideas in synthesising strategies to reduce
disaster impacts on society, communities and individuals
6. Understanding the requirements for accurate and comprehensive communication, and for ethical
responsibility, on the part of disaster and risk professionals. Being experienced, effective and sensitive in
communicating knowledge and concepts about risks and disasters with a wide range of audience
The requirement to be Globally Aware will be developed by
7. Becoming aware and respectful of the world-views of citizens and communities, and of the requirements and
constraints of government, at all levels of society
8. Multicultural capability and confidence will be developed by taking part in case studies and exercises that
involve Māori, Pakeha and other cultural and locational (e.g. traditional and environmental) values and
sensitivities will enable students to demonstrate cultural competence and confidence to live and work in a
bicultural Aotearoa (Māori and non-Māori) and a multicultural world.
Programme overview
The proposed MDRR degree is a 180 credit qualification. It comprises full-time coursework taught over two 12-week
semesters (totalling 120 credits) plus either a 60-credit dissertation (DRRE 691; completed in the summer trimester
immediately following the completion of coursework), or a third semester of coursework totalling an additional 60
credits.
In the first two semesters, students complete five or six (depending on prior experience) compulsory courses covering
essential knowledge and content. These compulsory courses are offered at the 400 (UC) and 600 (LU) levels and are
worth a total of 85 credits. The remaining credits in the first year are from approved 400 (UC) and 600 (LU) level courses
in which the student has specific interests. These courses cover methods and research skills and also extend students’
knowledge in particular areas.
In year two, students seeking the MDRR by way of dissertation enrol in DRRE691 (UC) in the summer trimester. The
dissertation is an individual investigation in the field of Disaster Risk and Resilience carried out by the student under the
supervision of a staff member (often with input from relevant professionals in public and private sectors), and will be
programmed to achieve specific learning objectives. Students seeking the MDRR by way of additional coursework enrol
in approved courses totalling 60 credits at the 400 (UC) and 600 (LU) credits during the third semester of their degree
programme. These courses are required to be approved by the Director of Postgraduate Studies in Disaster Risk and
Resilience.
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The coherence of the whole programme is assessed by the Director of Postgraduate Studies in Disaster Risk and
Resilience prior to confirmation.
Brief description of the core courses:
DRRE401 Introduction to disaster risk and resilience: Analysis of the nature of natural hazard risk, disaster risk
reduction and disaster resilience
DRRE402 Natural hazard risk assessment: introduction to risk and resilience concepts; risk assessment; risk
evaluation and management; risk communication; poorly-quantified risks.
HAZM403 Disaster risk and resilience project – group project focused on a contemporary disaster risk and resilience
topic
ERST 604 Advanced urban, regional and resource planning: urban, regional and resource planning theory, practice
and politics.
ERST 609 Advanced risk and resilience: a critical evaluation of advanced theory, policy and planning practice
associated with risk and resilience.
DRRE691 Dissertation: professional project in disaster risk and resilience.
Schedule of courses for MDRR: 53 compulsory courses + approved courses (if additional points required to make up 120)
+ dissertation (or an additional 60 points of coursework)
Course
Compulsory Core (85 points)
DRRE 401
DRRE 402
HAZM 403
ERST 604
ERST 609
Approved courses
DRRE 4083
SOCI 641
MAST 603
SOCI 602
ERST 624
Dissertation
DRRE 691
Credits Offered by
Introduction to disaster risk and resilience
Natural hazard risk assessment
Disaster risk and resilience project
Advanced urban, regional and resource planning
Advanced risk and resilience
15
15
15
20
20
UC
UC
UC
LU
LU
GIS in disaster risk and resilience
Advanced society and environment
Mana Kaitiaki (Maori resource management)
Social science research methods (qualitative)
Advanced professional planning methods and practice
15
20
20
20
20
UC
LU
LU
LU
LU
Disaster risk and resilience dissertation
60
UC
A table setting out the knowledge, skills and values that students acquire in the various core and optional courses
comprising the MDRR is available on request:
Proposed teaching/delivery methods
Material in the core courses will be delivered via weekly or bi-weekly two- to three-hour seminars, supplemented by
laboratories, tutorials and field visits/trips when required. Courses in other topics will be taught as previously.
The programme will continue to use and develop learning strategies centred on using authentic experiences to develop
vocationally appropriate skills, competencies and confidence which graduates can readily transfer into the workplace.
Project-based learning, scenario-based role plays, core technical skills (i.e. quantitative and qualitative risk assessment,
risk and disaster communication strategies and applications, geospatial analysis, disaster ethics, etc.) are extensively
used, and are supported by evidence methods and evaluation (including support from current Ako Aotearoa funding
grant; PI’s: Brogt/Wilson). A professional disaster risk and resilience culture is promoted through all course and
dissertation work, with particular emphasis on extensive use of leading DRR professional/practitioner guest lecturers
from relevant fields.
The dissertation (DRRE691 Dissertation: Professional project in disaster risk and resilience) is an individual supervised
project. Candidates will submit dissertation proposals after 1.5 taught semesters of study (i.e. 6 weeks into second
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DRRE 408 is also compulsory for students with inadequate prior experience in GIS
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semester of classes) – on a template very similar to the current Dept. of Geological Sciences Master of Science’s Thesis
Proposal form. These will be assessed by programme staff for review. If accepted, dissertation can proceed. If declined,
programme staff will actively work with student to develop an acceptable dissertation proposal. It is an anticipated that
programme staff will actively work with programme cohort in preparation of dissertation proposals regardless.
Prescriptions for courses
 DRRE 401 Introduction to hazards and disasters – Semester 1 – 0.125 EFTS
This course provides an introduction to disaster risk and resilience situations, theory and practices. The course
allows students to undertake natural hazard risk assessments and explore resilience strategies for real life
communities in high risk environments and utilises a number of guest lectures from leading thinkers in this field.
 DRRE 402 Natural Hazard Risk Assessment – Semester 1 – 0.125 EFTS
This course provides an introduction to natural hazard risk assessment and management theory and practices..
The course explores risk concepts, with a strong focus on risk communication.
 DRRE 408 GIS in disaster risk and resilience – semester 2 – 0.125 EFTS. Background concepts for utilizing
Geographic Information Systems in hazard and disaster management situations and practices.

DRRE 691 Dissertation – Semester 2 – 0.5 EFTS. Professional project in disaster risk and resilience
Assessment and moderation procedures
Assessment of the DRRE courses will be by way of assignment reports staged through the semester; there will be no
final examinations in the DRRE courses. Courses in other topics will be assessed as previously and for courses offered at
LU they may involve a mixture of internal assessment and examination.
Where required, University of Canterbury Human Ethics Committee policies and procedures will be used and followed
for the programme.
Resources
The programme will require no additional resources. Indeed by combining core courses for the two programmes
significant staff resource will be freed up for other work.
Plans for monitoring programme quality
All Lincoln University courses must be approved by Courses Committee and Academic Board before being introduced. All
courses must have an Evaluation at least every second year. The degree group (comprised of course co-ordinator,
course advisors and course examiners) meet or confer bi-annually to monitor the degree’s performance and quality
against the graduate profile and in terms of pass rates, retention, student satisfaction and so on.
A Graduating Year Review will be required within three years of the graduation of the first cohort of students. Joint
(UC/LU) Board of Studies in Disaster Risk and Resilience to be established, to meet twice annually to consider student
results. Annual meeting of stakeholder advisory group (proposed as an expanded committee of the existing Hazard and
Disaster Management Advisory Committee HAZMAC).
Review of the programme
The degree will be added to the University Programme Review Schedule
Statement re Section B
Section B has been prepared and is available on request
For New Qualifications – TEC/NZQA/UNZ Requirements
EFTS value of qualification
1.5 (MDRR)
NZSCED code
12 (Mixed field programmes)
1299 (Mixed field programmes not elsewhere classified)
NZQA exit level of qualification to go on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework: level 9
Statement regarding funding:
The proposed programme meets the criteria to be fully funded at postgraduate
level.
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Memorandum of understanding:
Required with Lincoln University to formalise arrangements for course delivery; a parallel arrangement between the two
organisations exists with the Master of Water Resources Management.
Calendar Form
New Qualification Regulations
University of Canterbury Calendar 2015
p8: add “Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience”
P11 under Faculty of Science: add “Disaster Risk and Resilience”
P24 under Faculty of Science: add “Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience MDRR”
P36 add “Disaster Risk and Resilience 4”
P38 add “Disaster Risk and Resilience 4”
P70 under Faculty of Science add “the Degree of Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience”
P 420 after Master of Audiology add “Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience (MDRR)”
See also General Course and Examination Regulations.
1. Qualifications Required to Enrol in the Degree
Every candidate for the degree of Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience (MDRR), before applying to enrol in the degree,
shall have:
(a) qualified for a university degree which is relevant to Disaster Risk and Resilience, normally with a B+ average or
higher in the final year; and
(b) 15 points/0.125 EFTS from STAT 100-level courses or equivalent. Note: This prerequisite may be waived by the Head
of Department if the student can demonstrate an existing suitably high level of ability in Mathematics and/or Statistics.
2. Admission to the Degree
Students planning to complete a Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience must apply for admission to the degree
programme. Applications for admission must be received by the Department of Geological Sciences on the prescribed
form no later than 30 January in the year of desired entry. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that an up-todate official academic record is sent to the Department of Geological Sciences as soon it is available. Students must also
Apply to Enrol.
Notes: Students with a B+ grade average and fulfilling all prerequisites will be enrolled first with Head of Department
approval, up to a total of 18 students in the dissertation course DRRE 691
Part I. If fewer than 18 students meeting these criteria enrol in DRRE 691 as of three weeks before the start of the
semester, students with a B grade average and fulfilling all prerequisites will be enrolled with Head of Department
approval in the remaining places on a merit basis.
3. Structure of the Degree
To qualify for the Degree of Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience a candidate must normally complete:
(a) Required courses as listed in Regulation 6(a); and
(b) Approved courses to bring the total to at least 180 points.
4. Full-time/Part-time Enrolment
A candidate may be enrolled for the degree of Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience either on a fulltime or part-time
basis. A candidate may, because of employment, health, family or other reasons, enrol part-time with the approval of
the Dean of Science.
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5. Duration of the Programme
A candidate enrolling full-time shall normally follow a course of study for not less than 12 months of fulltime study. A
candidate enrolling part-time must normally complete the degree within 24 months of first enrolment.
(a) The time limits for the dissertation will normally be no less than four months of full-time and no more than eight
months of part-time study.
6. Requirements for Courses
(a) The coursework shall normally comprise:
(i) DRRE 401, DRRE 402, ERST 604 (Lincoln University), ERST 609 (Lincoln University), HAZM 403
(ii) DRRE 408 (unless prior work in GIS is approved by the Director of Studies)
(iii) other courses at 400-level (University of Canterbury) or 600-level (Lincoln University), approved by the Director of
Studies, to bring the total points to at least 180; or other courses at 400-level (University of Canterbury) or 600-level
(Lincoln University), approved by the Director of Studies, to bring the total points to at least 120 and a 0.5 EFTS
dissertation (DRRE 691). Any variation to the coursework requirements requires approval by the Programme Director.
(b) Candidates must satisfy the Programme Director that they have the necessary prerequisite knowledge to undertake
the proposed courses from the above list.
(c) A candidate who fails one course (but not DRRE 691) with a grade of D or higher may be permitted to pass the
programme as a whole if their overall grade point average (including the dissertation) is B or higher.
(d) Re-enrolment to repeat any failed course or offer any other course in its place will only be permitted in exceptional
circumstances and requires a recommendation from the Programme Director and the permission of the Dean of
Science.
(e) A candidate who fails any course and is not successful under Regulation 6(c) will be awarded a Certificate of
Proficiency for each course passed.
Note: Practical and fieldwork may be required as part of any course.
7. Award of Master with Distinction or Merit
The Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience may be awarded with Distinction or Merit.
Note: The award of Distinction indicates a grade point average of 7.0 or greater; the award of merit indicates a grade
point average of 6.0-6.9.
8. Requirements for the Dissertation (DRRE 691, 0.5 EFTS)
The dissertation shall embody the results of an investigation or professional project in a subject area approved by the
Director of Studies. If the consensus at the final examination is that the dissertation be awarded a failing grade, the
degree of Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience shall not be awarded
9. Transfer from MDRR to MSc (Disaster Risk and Resilience)
A candidate who has completed the courses component of MDRR with an average grade of B+ or better may apply to
the Dean of Science for transfer to MSc in Disaster Risk and Resilience.
Page 422 Add Under The Degree of Hazard and Disaster Management.
Not open to new enrolments in 2016
The Master of Hazard and Disaster Management will be discontinued as of 31/12/2016.
Page 434 Schedule B to the MSC Regulations: Time Limits and weighting of parts I and II.
Delete: line 5 Hazard and Disaster Management 16
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LINCOLN UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS
1.
(1)
Every candidate for the degree of Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience shall, before entry
upon a course of study for the degree, fulfil one of the following conditions:
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(a) qualify for the award of a degree with a B average or better from an accredited higher education
institution in New Zealand approved for the purpose by the Academic Board; provided that the
Academic Board may, at its discretion, require any such person to complete to its satisfaction a course
of study prescribed for the purpose, either as a prerequisite to, or concurrently with, the course of study
for the degree of Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience or
(b) be admitted with equivalent status (ad eundem statum) as entitled to proceed to the degree of
Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience.
(2)
Every candidate for the degree shall have been approved as a candidate by the Academic Board.
Note: Relevance and standard of undergraduate studies will be the criteria for approval.
2.
The course of study of every candidate for the degree of Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience shall be
approved by the Academic Board. If, at any time during a candidate’s enrolment for the degree, the Academic
Board finds the candidate’s progress to be unsatisfactory, then the Board may, at its discretion, cancel the
candidate’s enrolment or allow the candidate to continue with provisional enrolment subject to such conditions
as may be specified in the relevant House Rules, including the requirements to meet grade averages for courses
taken by examination.
3.
A candidate for the degree of Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience by coursework shall:
4.
(1)
enrol in and pursue a course of full-time study normally for three sequential semesters, except that the
Academic Board may, in special circumstances, vary this period;
(2)
pass an examination in the courses as determined by the Academic Board
(3)
The minimum period of enrolment set out in (1) above shall include any period of provisional enrolment
required under Regulation 2 of these regulations.
A candidate for the degree of Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience by coursework and dissertation shall:
(1)
enrol in and pursue a course of full-time study normally for two sequential semesters plus a summer
trimester, except that the Academic Board may, in special circumstances, vary this period;
(2)
pass an examination in the courses as determined by the Academic Board
(3)
present a dissertation and satisfy the examiners therewith, and, if so required, present for an oral
examination on the subject of the dissertation and related courses; In recommending the award of the
degree, the Academic Board may take into consideration the combined results of the dissertation and of
the courses and of the oral examination, if any.
(4)
The minimum period of enrolment set out in (1) above shall include any period of provisional enrolment
required under Regulation 2 of these regulations.
5.
The Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience may be awarded with honours in accordance with the Master’s
Degree General Regulation 3.
7.
These regulations came into force from 1 January 2016
Schedules of Courses
A candidate for the degree of Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience as prescribed under Regulations 3 and 4 shall pass
the courses listed in the accompanying schedule:
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07 UC /15 MDRR
Insert on page 96, after the schedule for ‘Master of Design’ the following schedule:
Disaster Risk and Resilience
Compulsory Courses (85 credits)
DRRE 401
Introduction to disaster risk and resilience
DRRE 402
Natural hazard risk assessment
HAZM 403
Disaster risk and resilience project
ERST 604
Advanced urban, regional and resource planning
ERST 609
Advanced risk and resilience
Plus at least two courses (at least 35 credits) from:
DRRE 408
GIS in disaster risk and resilience
SOCI 641
Advanced society and environment
ERST 624
Advanced professional planning methods and practice
MAST 603
Mana Kaitiaki (Māori resource management)
SOCI 602
Social science research methods (qualitative)
Note: DRRE 408 is strongly recommended for students without significant prior experience in GIS.
Note: Students may substitute 400-level Research Methods or GIS courses from the University of Canterbury
Calendar or 600-level Research Methods or GIS courses from the Lincoln University Calendar with approval
from the Director of Postgraduate Studies in Disaster Risk and Resilience.
Plus: Either
(i) HAZM 691 60 credit dissertation
Or
(ii) Additional courses at the 400 (UC) or 600 (LU) level to attain a minimum of 180 credits in total, approved by
the Director of Postgraduate Studies in Disaster Risk and Resilience.
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