5 UC/14 MHDM,MSc,BSc(Hons)PGDipSc/2
UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
CUAP Proposal-New Qualification/Subject/Endorsement 2014
Section A
Proposal Description
Purpose of the proposal
1. To introduce a 180-point Master of Hazard and Disaster Management (MHDM) degree.
2. To discontinue the subject of Hazard and Disaster Management in the Postgraduate Diploma in Science
3. To discontinue the subject of Hazard and Disaster Management in the Bachelor of Science with Honours degree.
4. To amend the Master of Science regulations to allow the MSc in Hazard and Disaster Management to be completed
by thesis only.
Justification
The current MSc (Hazard and Disaster Management) is a two-year courses-plus-thesis programme intended to prepare
students for a science-based career in this field, and has been running since 2005. The two semesters of courses alone
constitute the PGDipSc (Hazard and Disaster Management). While the full MSc programme is reasonably popular (about
2 or 3 students per year), there is an increasing trend for students to exit at PGDipSc level for time and expense reasons,
especially since the government now funds only four years of tertiary study. The MSc programme with its full thesis in
science prepares students for science-based careers (but not nearly as well as a PhD), but it is less attractive for those
who wish to pursue a professional career in the hazards industry.
For these reasons we propose to introduce a 180-point Masters in Hazard and Disaster Management, comprising two
semesters of courses plus a four-month dissertation. This will provide better preparation for a professional career than
the two-year MSc, because there can be more emphasis on professional practice in the dissertation than is acceptable in
a science thesis; it will also provide substantially better preparation than the courses-only PGDipSc. The new
programme will also provide better preparation for PhD studies in Hazard and Disaster Management than the present
BSc (Hons), because the dissertation again provides a practical background to the needs of industry, while allowing
training in scientific method for individual students intending to proceed to PhD. We propose to continue the MSc
(Hazard and Disaster Management) as a thesis only for students who wish to continue a research-focused trajectory in
science but cannot commit to the three years required for PhD.
The discipline will be advanced by providing for industry graduates better acquainted with the developments,
constraints and protocols of professional practice, and thus better able to contribute to improving these, than the
present programmes
As with the present programmes, the new programme will
 Challenge: as well as leading students to competence in conventional methods, the course material will challenge
their thinking about conventions and procedures in disaster risk mitigation
 Concentrate: by focussing closely on future-relevant concepts and reducing focus on past-relevant concepts
 Connect: by linking with practitioners and researchers in NZ and worldwide in developing and testing course material
and research concepts, and by pioneering the utilisation of these concepts in practice in disaster management
situations worldwide.
University Strategic Plan 2011-2013: “Improve student recruitment through focused programmes; develop curricula
reflecting societal need and virtual learning; initiating professional and/or one-year taught masters programmes;
implement coordinated…. Strategies with key stakeholder groups…; improve engagement with CRIs, business and other
partners…; work with students and employers ensuring… employment opportunities…”
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5 UC/14 MHDM,MSc,BSc(Hons)PGDipSc/2
Department of Geological Sciences Strategic Plan 2012-2022: “emphasise student-centred and experiential learning;
produce graduates capable of critical analytical thinking; prepare graduates for professional employment in… disaster
risk resilience…”
Professional organisations (MCDEM, EQC, Ecan, GNS Science) involved in disaster mitigation have contributed to and
commented on the proposals via the Hazard and Disaster Management Advisory Committee (HAZMAC); the minutes of
this meeting are available on request. It was agreed that the new programme will substantially better prepare graduates
for careers in this field. The ongoing suitability of the programme will be monitored by the Advisory Committee.
There are no other programmes in this area at UC. Geography presently teach GEOG 305 Environmental Hazards and
Management, while Geology teach GEOL 354 Geodynamics and Geohazards; discussions are proceeding to explore
better coordinating these courses as preparation for postgraduate study in both Geology and Hazard and Disaster
Management. The proposal has been discussed with UCR3 and with representative academics from Massey University,
AUT and Auckland University, who are the other tertiary providers in this topic area. All are agreed that the proposed
programme complements rather than competes with their existing and proposed programmes, and that there will be
mutual representation on Advisory Committees to ensure this continues into the future. These discussions have to date
been face-to-face.
New research will be developed from this proposal by incorporating new course material derived from ongoing
research; this will engender class and industry discussion and feedback that will lead to development and refinement of
concepts for new research. The proposal will lead to better research-profession connections.
We currently have research projects in the Pacific and Pasifica students in HAZM programmes, and this will continue.
Again the cultural aspects are both a challenge and an opportunity.
Qualification
The proposed qualification meets the CUAP definition of a master’s degree.
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 22 January 2014. This involved representatives of Auckland University, Massey University,
MCDEM, EQC and GNS Science. The Department of Geography UC, and UCR3, have also been extensively consulted.
Further extensive consultation both within UC (Departments of Psychology, Law, Social and Political Sciences, Maori and
Indigenous Studies), Liaison Librarian and outside UC (regional councils, Lincoln University, consultants) is ongoing and is
available on request.
Treaty of Waitangi
Certainly, as the practice of hazard and disaster management is socially- and culturally-based and applies differently to
different cultures, and increased incorporation of Māori cultural factors in the programme in the context of
Aotearoa/New Zealand gives a unique opportunity to research the cultural basis of disaster risk resilience. The AVC
(Maori) has been consulted with a view to extending the relevance of this qualification to Maori.
Goals of the programme
The goals of the Master of Hazard and Disaster Management are:
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 mitigation
4. To provide students with the opportunity to apply these learnings to specific disaster-mitigation-related
situations.
Outcome statement
Graduates from the programme will be knowledgeable and skilled in analysing the causes of disasters, and in developing
effective and acceptable strategies for reducing the impacts of future disasters. They will have the appropriate attitudes,
skills and knowledge to be employed professionally in any organisation involved in disaster preparation and reduction;
the most important skills acquired will be the ability to learn independently, and to communicate effectively.
University graduate characteristics and Qualification graduate profile
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5 UC/14 MHDM,MSc,BSc(Hons)PGDipSc/2
A graduate from this programme will
1. Have an attitude of critical enquiry when acting in a professional capacity
2. Be acquainted with research philosophy and methodology
3. Be experienced in acquiring new skills and knowledge and in using them in a professional capacity
4. Be knowledgeable about the characteristics and behaviours of nature and society that give rise to disasters
5. Be experienced in applying this knowledge to analysis of actual disaster situations
6. Be able to draw on a wide range of concepts, knowledge and ideas in synthesising strategies to reduce disaster
impacts on society, communities and individuals
7. Understand the requirements for accurate and comprehensive communication, and for ethical responsibility, on
the part of disaster and risk professionals
8. Be experienced, effective and sensitive in communicating knowledge and concepts about risks and disasters
with a wide range of audiences
9. Be aware and respectful of the cultural backgrounds and world-views of citizens and communities, and of the
requirements and constraints of government, at all levels of society.
Programme overview
The programme comprises eight courses taught over two 12-week semesters plus a dissertation. Four of the courses
are compulsory (HAZM 401 Introduction to Hazard and Disasters, HAZM 403 Hazard and Disaster Projects, HAZM 408
Special Topic (GIS in Hazard Management), HAZM 410 Risk Assessment; all 15 points), with the remaining 60 points
taken from 400-level courses in which the student has specific interests. The dissertation HAZM 691 comprises an
individual investigation in the field of Hazard and Disaster Management carried out by the student under the
supervision of a staff member (with input from industry), and is designed to achieve specific learning objectives. The
coherence of the whole programme for each individual student is assessed by the Programme Director prior to
confirmation.
There is a limitation of entry of 18 to this programmes (this total includes enrolments in the MSc (Hazard and Disaster
Management).
Proposed teaching/delivery methods
Material in the compulsory HAZM courses will be delivered via weekly two-hour seminars, supplemented by tutorials
and field visits when required. Courses in other topics will be taught as currently. The dissertation is a supervised
project.
Prescriptions for courses
The only new course in this degree is:
HAZM 691 Dissertation
0.5000 EFTS
P: Subject to the approval of the Programme Director, Department of Geological Sciences
HAZM 691-15CY(C) 1 November 2015-1March 2016”
Assessment and moderation procedures
Assessment of the compulsory HAZM courses will be by way of assignment reports staged through the semester; there
will be no final examinations in the compulsory HAZM courses. Courses in other topics will be assessed as currently.
Resources
The programme will require no additional resources.
Plans for monitoring programme quality
Graduating Year Review: Advisory Committee (representatives from Auckland, Massey, GNS Science, MCDEM, EQC,
Environment Canterbury); student course surveys; Teaching and Learning Committee.
Review of the programme
The new degree will be added to the University Programme Reviews Schedule.
Statement re Section B
Section B has been prepared and is available on request.
Proposed new regulations and prescriptions (use the Calendar Form at the end of Section A)
For New Qualifications – TEC/NZQA/UNZ Requirements
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EFTS value of qualification: 1.5
NZSCED code: 12 1299
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.
Memorandum of understanding: NA
Duration of the Qualification-NZQF requirement
Minimum number of points to complete the qualification
180
Vacation/recess weeks
6
Work experience/placement hours per week
N/A
Tuition/teaching (full-time equivalent) weeks (including exam and study weeks)
46
Teaching hours per week
20 during first two semesters
40 hrs field work in
term break
Self-directed learning hours per week
30
Calendar Form
New Qualification Regulations
UC Calendar 2014
p. 24 After MSc (Hazard and Disaster Management) insert “Master of Hazard and Disaster Management: 10 January:
18*”
* combined total with MSc(Hazard and Disaster Management)
p. 38 Fee Band 4 (see Part B)
p. 70 Insert “4xx The Degree of Master of Hazard and Disaster Management”
p. 406 Remove “Hazard and Disaster Management” from section 2.
p. 410 Remove “Hazard and Disaster Management” complete section
p. 417 before The Degree of Master of Science (MSc) ADD THIS SECTION:
The Degree of Master of Hazard and Disaster Management (MHDM)
See also General Course and Examination Regulations
1. Qualifications Required to Enrol in the Degree
Every candidate for the degree of Master of Hazard and Disaster Management (MHDM), before applying to enrol in the
degree, shall have:
(a)
i.
qualified for a university degree which is relevant to hazard and disaster management, normally with a
B+ average or higher in the final year; and
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(b)
i.
normally at least 90 points/ 0.75 EFTS from 300-level courses in the schedule to the BSc regulations;
these courses to have been passed with a grade average that meets the approval of the Programme
Director (the normal requirement is at least a B grade average); and
ii. 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 Hazard and Disaster Management 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 HoD approval, up to a
total of 18 students across MHDM and MSc (Hazard and Disaster Management) Part I. If fewer than 18 students meeting
these criteria enrol as of 3 weeks before the start of the semester, students with a B grade average and fulfilling all
prerequisites will be enrolled with HoD approval in the remaining places on a merit basis.
3. Structure of the Degree
To qualify for the Degree of Master of Hazard and Disaster Management a candidate must complete:
(a) Four required courses as listed in Regulation 6(a)
(b) Approved courses totalling 0.5 EFTS
(c ) A dissertation (HAZM 691).
4. Full Time/Part-time Enrolment
A candidate may be enrolled for the degree of Master of Hazard and Disaster Management either on a full-time or parttime basis. A candidate may, because of employment, health, family or other reasons, enrol part-time with the approval
of the Dean of Science.
5. Duration of the Programme
A candidate enrolling full-time shall normally follow a course of study for not less than 12 months of full-time 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 comprise:
i. HAZM 401, HAZM 403, HAZM 408 (unless prior work in GIS is approved by the Director of Studies, in
which case another approved 0.125 EFTS course can be substituted for HAZM 408), and HAZM 410.
ii. Other courses totalling 0.5 EFTS at 400-level, approved by the Director of Studies.
iii. A 0.5 EFTS dissertation (HAZM 691)
(b) Candidates must satisfy the Programme Director that they have the necessary prerequisite knowledge to
undertake the proposed courses from the schedule.
(c) 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.
(d) 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.
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Note: Practical and fieldwork may be required as part of any course.
7. Award of Master with Distinction or Merit
The Master of Hazard and Disaster Management 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 (HAZM 691, 0.5 EFTS)
(a) The dissertation shall embody the results of an investigation in a subject area approved by the Director of
Studies. The requirements of the General Course and Examination Regulations, Part L, shall be met.
(b) If the consensus at the final examination is that the dissertation be awarded a failing grade, the degree of
Master of Hazard and Disaster Management shall not be awarded.
9. Transfer from MHDM to MSc in Hazard and Disaster Management
A candidate who has completed the courses component of MHDM with an average grade of B+ or better may apply to
the Dean of Science for transfer to MSc in Hazard and Disaster Management.
p. 425 Hazard and Disaster Management: Delete all except title
Insert:
The Hazard and Disaster Management programme is MSc Part II only and consists of a thesis totalling 1.0 EFTS (120
points).
p.428 Time limits: Delete Hazard and Disaster Management
p. 441 section 1: Remove “Hazard and Disaster Management”
p. 444 Delete “Hazard and Disaster Management” complete section
p. 659 Hazard and Disaster Management: Delete “HAZM 490 Research Project 0.3500 EFTS” complete section.
Insert: “HAZM 691 Dissertation 0.5000 EFTS
P: Subject to the approval of the Programme Director, Department of Geological Sciences
HAZM 691-15CY(C) 1 November 2105-1March 2016”
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