Degree Structure

The program comprises four core courses, a research topic and a set of selective courses. Two of the core courses emphasize the scientific aspects of natural hazards and the other two the social and cultural impacts.  The research project can be carried out in either the Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies or the Research School of Earth Sciences.

The Master of Natural Hazards program allows students to take courses from across the ANU, to draw from the ANU's breadth and strength in the earth sciences, climate and social sciences, as well as to specialize in a particular hazard or a particular country in the region. The flexibility of course requirements for both the core and the specialization component of the degree allows programs to be structured to meet individual interests. Specialisations also develop students' analytical and communication skills through independent research for a major essay or sub-thesis. Given the flexibility of the degree, each student is required to discuss their proposed program with the program advisers.

The Pass Degree

Students in this program can be expected to:

• gain a broad knowledge about the most important natural hazards in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as an in depth knowledge of the latest scientific understanding of their causes and frequency of occurrence.
• study the latest social science ideas about how the severity of these natural events are influenced by social, economic and political forces in Asia-Pacific countries;
• have the opportunity to study a particular hazard or a particular country in the region, as part of the case study project;
• develop independent learning, analytical and research, teamwork, and oral and written communication skills;
• have better developed networks relevant to their academic and professional interests by mixing with other students from within Australia and the Asia-Pacific region;
• consequently, be better placed to respond to the challenges of natural hazards in their chosen careers as scientists, administrators or teachers.

The information published on the Study at ANU 2009 website applies to the 2009 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2008 website.