Master of Disaster, Design and Development
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
About
The Master of Disaster, Design & Development (MoDDD) has been designed for you to develop specialised theoretical knowledge and practical skills in disaster, design process and development to work effectively and lead best practice in the disaster and development sector for the successful rebuilding of communities.
The program is delivered fully online, but you will also have the opportunity to attend intensive seminars in the Melbourne region.
The program also offers international field trips you may choose to undertake.The program duration is 1.5 years which is accelarated to one year full time or two years part time.You will engage with disaster simulations and projects to research and develop design informed strategies necessary for successful implementation in real world scenarios.
These projects may include developing a reconstruction master plan and proposing how smaller scale design interventions for a recovery project can be linked to the long-term development of vulnerable communities.
While acquiring practical skills to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, you can also expect to collaborate with industry leaders such as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and UNHabitat.
Through this industry experience, you will develop strategic spatial solutions for natural disaster, complex emergencies and development projects.You will undertake an integrated industry project, where you will apply strategic and conceptual thinking and problem solving skills relative to your work in the disaster and development sector.
This capstone experience is based on an individual or team based negotiated professional research project and will enable you to synthesise and integrate your knowledge, connect theory and practice, as well as demonstrate your holistic achievement of the program learning outcomes.On completion of the program, you will be able to work in the disaster and development sector with specialised knowledge of design processes, interpret issues, confidently lead others and provide informed insights into future developments of the sector.
You will be experienced in multi-disciplinary team-work, researching new developments and applying expert judgement to complex problems.
In your preparation for professional and leadership roles, you will be able to work independently as well as in a multi-disciplinary team.
You will also gain insight into your own creativity and problem solving capabilities as well as develop efficient life long learning practices to allow you to plan, research and participate in disaster and development projects and confidently contribute to an industry that is always evolving.
Structure
Year One of Program:
Complete the following Five (5) Courses:
| Course Title | Credit Points | Course Code | Campus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disaster, Design, and Development | 12 | ARCH1442 | City Campus |
| Industry Project (Research) | 12 | ARCH1454 | City Campus |
| Building Urban Resilience | 12 | ARCH1440 | City Campus |
| Shelter and Settlements in Disasters and Development | 12 | ARCH1431 | City Campus |
| Industry Project (Implementation) (24cp) | 24 | ARCH1493 | City Campus |
Select and Complete Six (6) of the following Courses: You may choose all Six Courses from the Options list or you may choose Five Courses from the Options list and One Course from the University Electives list.
| Course Title | Credit Points | Course Code | Campus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate Change, Design and Disasters | 12 | ARCH1441 | City Campus |
| Disaster Resilient Landscapes | 12 | ARCH1452 | City Campus |
| Understanding Design | 12 | ARCH1455 | City Campus |
| Designing for Dynamic Landscapes | 12 | ARCH1443 | City Campus |
| Humanitarian Architecture | 12 | ARCH1451 | City Campus |
| Humanitarian Design Thinking | 12 | ARCH1453 | City Campus |
| Industry Engagement for Disaster Design and Development | 12 | ARCH1480 | City Campus |
| Introduction to Spatial Information Systems for disaster Resilience and Humanitarian Relief | 12 | ARCH1494 | City Campus |
| Communication for Social Change | 12 | COMM2083 | City Campus |
| International Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Assistance | 12 | SOCU2234 | City Campus |
| Global Conflict and Humanitarian Intervention | 12 | SOCU2238 | City Campus |
| Urbanisation Issues in the Asia-Pacific Region | 12 | ARCH1265 | City Campus |
| Post Disaster Project Management | 12 | BUIL1268 | City Campus |
| International Regeneration Workshop | 12 | EXTL1533 | City Campus |
| Culture Sensitivity for Humanitarian Action | 12 | EXTL1531 | City Campus |
| Humanitarian Action and Urban Crisis | 12 | EXTL1532 | City Campus |
| Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management | 12 | EXTL1535 | City Campus |
| Inter-Cultural Practices | 12 | HUSO2378 | City Campus |
| International Law for Development | 12 | HUSO2320 | City Campus |
Entry requirements
An Australian bachelor degree, or equivalent, in the discipline of Design, Built Environment, Project Management, Engineering, Social Sciences, Communication or Health.
Applicants with (5) five years or more of experience or professional practice in a relevant discipline may also be considered.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this program.
English language requirements
A minimum IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0; or equivalent. For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English equivalents web page http://www.rmit.edu.au/international/english-equivalent
Learning outcomes
As a graduate of this program you will be able to:
- Master a body of knowledge and specific technical skills to progress your professional career within the contemporary disaster management, design and development arena
- Formulate and evaluate collaborative design informed strategies before and after disaster, while working within the constraints of industry needs in the post-disaster and development sectors
- Determine and apply specialist knowledge and technical skills required to creatively solve problems, demonstrating expert judgment and ethical responsibility relating to your professional practice in disaster, design and development
- Critically analyse, synthesize and reflect on complex theories and recent developments globally to extend and challenge knowledge and practice in design and development for disaster risk reduction and management
- Professionally communicate propositions, processes and outcomes to address specialist and non-specialist audiences
- Provide leadership within your discipline as well as collaborate with others in multi-disciplinary contexts across the disaster and development sector
- Use appropriate research methods to develop and implement complex projects, evaluate the outcomes and theorise about the contribution of your learning to the disaster management, design and development professions and knowledge areas
Institution
