Master of Applied Science Disaster Risk and Resilience
Master of Applied Science Disaster Risk and Resilience
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Qualification
Research Master's
Taught and Research Master's
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Duration
2 years full-time
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Credits
240
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Location
Lincoln University Campus
Note: The Master of Applied Science - Disaster Risk and Resilience has been closed to enrolments since 2022.
Lincoln University’s focus and reputation for research opens the way for you to study programmes that connect different topics across a range of fascinating areas with real relevance to the future of our planet and natural resources.
With this research-based Master’s, you will blend study and application across areas like agriculture, industry, transport, communications, recreation and tourism. Then you'll relate these to vitally important subjects like international rural development and the management and conservation of our biosphere and natural resources.
The Disaster Risk and Resilience specialisation in the Master of Applied Science cultivates an holistic, integrated and comprehensive understanding of disaster management and risk reduction.
Canterbury’s post-quake environment offer unique opportunities, and this specialisation is taught by staff from both Lincoln and the University of Canterbury.
The University of Canterbury has strong credentials in hazard processes, risk assessment, management and reduction, whilst Lincoln has recognised strengths in environment planning, socio-economic impacts, community engagement, policy and resilience. You’ll be able to access the expertise and complementary knowledge of both universities, as well as expand the scope of your research topics.
Programme information
- For a 240 credit Master’s (thesis plus exam) you need a relevant New Zealand level 7 bachelor’s degree or recognised equivalent with a B average or better in the 300 level and final year (full-time equivalent) courses.
- For the 120 credit Master’s (thesis only) a relevant postgraduate honours degree with Second Class Honours, Division One equivalent or higher.
- If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about the English language requirements.
Summary of Regulations
- Students are required to complete 240 credits: normally 120 credits of taught courses from the schedules to the regulations for the relevant master's degree and a thesis worth 120 credits. Note that the first year provides preliminary research preparation.
- Students enrolling in thesis only masters are required to complete a minimum of 120 credits.
What's it going to cost?
Learn more by using the Domestic Fees Calculator or viewing the International Fees.
You can start studying in:
- Semester 1 (late February)
- Other intakes may be possible for the 120-credit thesis-only Master’s. This will depend on Supervisor availability.
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Entry requirements
- For a 240 credit Master’s (thesis plus exam) you need a relevant New Zealand level 7 bachelor’s degree or recognised equivalent with a B average or better in the 300 level and final year (full-time equivalent) courses.
- For the 120 credit Master’s (thesis only) a relevant postgraduate honours degree with Second Class Honours, Division One equivalent or higher.
- If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about the English language requirements.
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Regulations and fees
Summary of Regulations
- Students are required to complete 240 credits: normally 120 credits of taught courses from the schedules to the regulations for the relevant master's degree and a thesis worth 120 credits. Note that the first year provides preliminary research preparation.
- Students enrolling in thesis only masters are required to complete a minimum of 120 credits.
What's it going to cost?
Learn more by using the Domestic Fees Calculator or viewing the International Fees.
-
Intake semesters
You can start studying in:
- Semester 1 (late February)
- Other intakes may be possible for the 120-credit thesis-only Master’s. This will depend on Supervisor availability.
Programme Structure
You’re required to complete 240 credits. This is normally made up of 120 credits of taught courses (from the regulation schedules for the relevant Master’s degree) and a thesis worth 120 credits. Students enrolling in a thesis-only Master’s only need complete a minimum of 120 credits.
The first year’s study provides preliminary research preparation.
Compulsory courses
Choose a minimum of two (35 credits) of the following courses:
- Compulsory courses
- Elective courses
This programme is co-taught with the University of Canterbury. There are three compulsory courses that are taught at UC and one elective that can be chosen.
- DRRE 401: Introduction to Disaster Risk and Resilience (compulsory)
- HAZM 403: Hazard and Disaster Investigation (compulsory)
- DRRE 402: Natural Hazard Risk Assessment (compulsory)
- DRRE 408: GIS for Disaster Risk and Resilience (elective - strongly recommended for students without significant prior experience in GIS)
Programme contacts

Need more info?
Email us on grow@lincoln.ac.nz
Or call us on 0800 10 60 10
If you're overseas, please call +64 3 423 0000
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