MSc in Hazard and Disaster Management

Institute:        University of Canterbury
Qualification:        Master of Science in Hazard and Disaster Management
Length of Programme:    2 years (four semesters)
Commencement:    July 2014

The MSc degree in Hazard & Disaster Management has a similar format to that described for MSc in Geology. Normally all postgraduate students must have15 points from 100 level STAT courses and 90 points from 300 level courses available in the BSc schedule or an equivalent Science degree or approval from the Programme Leader. For entry into MSc Part I, students should have achieved a minimum of a B grade average. The programme of study for Part 1 includes four compulsory courses HAZM 401 (Introduction to Hazards and Disasters), HAZM 403 (Hazard and Disaster Investigation), HAZM408 (Special Topics) and HAZM 410 (Special Topics: Geological Risk Management) and four optional but related courses.

To proceed to MSc Part II (thesis) a B+ grade average is required in MSc Part I courses, an appropriate lecturer or research associate must agree to be supervisor, and a research proposal must have been written in conjunction with the supervisor and approved within the Dept.

Part 2 consists of a thesis on an individual investigation presented not more than 16 months after
enrolment for Part 2 of the degree if Honours are to be awarded. This time limit is extended to 24
months for students qualifying for the award of the MSc degree without Honours. Parts 1 and 2 are
weighted 1:2 in the final assessment of the degree though it is also a requirement that each of Parts 1 & 2 must be passed. MSc students must also present a seminar in the Department.

http://www.geol.canterbury.ac.nz/hdm.shtml