Master of Natural Hazard Science and Policy

Build your knowledge of natural hazard risk assessment and learn how policies shape real-world outcomes.

Help prepare New Zealand and the South Pacific for future natural hazards with this specialised postgraduate degree.

Learn the science and drive change

A key feature of this career-oriented degree is its dual focus on understanding the science behind natural hazards and the policies that shape responses. You'll also learn how you can influence change.

The Natural Hazards Policy and Science programme brings together expertise in science, economics, policy, and planning from across the University. Our proximity to government will help you build strong skills in analysis and leadership for the natural hazard sector.

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Build resilience for a changing world

Aotearoa New Zealand sits on the boundary of the Australian and Pacific plates, exposing us to natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, floods, and landslides. Climate change is amplifying the impact of these events.

Assessing and managing these hazards is complex. It requires input from many disciplines and effective use of policy tools.

Our Wellington location puts us close to government and research institutions. We bring together expertise from across a range of fields—equipping you with the skills to assess hazard risk and strengthen resilience through smart policy and planning.

Future careers

You will be well prepared to take on leadership roles in:

• regional and national organisations tasked with geohazards monitoring and natural hazard management
• public- and private-sector agencies conducting hazard assessments across a broad suite of natural hazards
• policy development and planning within local, regional, and national government agencies.

This professional degree will give you a thorough understanding of the natural hazards affecting Aotearoa New Zealand and the South Pacific. You'll learn about the data and methods used to assess both short- and long-term impacts and explore the political and social frameworks involved in natural hazards mitigation. You'll also study the research that supports decision-making in workplace settings and develop an appreciation of how Mātauranga Māori informs the hazardscape.

Close to government

Study in the capital city where natural hazard research, policy, and preparedness takes place.

Financial support

You can get support to stay on top of your finances by downloading our money management resources or by meeting with one of our student finance advisers.

We can show you how to manage your student loan or allowance, and help you sort out your budget. For students facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for support from the Hardship Fund. Depending on your situation, you might also be able to get government or community support. Talk to a student finance adviser Financing your study

Scholarships

You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.

We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.

• Postgraduate and doctoral scholarships
• Search scholarships.

Further research or study

While the Master of Natural Hazard Science and Policy focuses on practical, career-ready skills, it also provides a strong foundation for further academic study—such as a Master’s by thesis degree or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in natural hazard science.

If you're aiming for a career as an academic or specialist consultant, you might consider a PhD—the University’s highest academic qualification. A PhD involves original, in-depth research completed under expert supervision.

Find out what and how you’ll study during your postgraduate qualification in natural hazard science and policy.

Choose your pathway

Whether you are a recent graduate or have been working in the sector for some time, you can choose a study pathway that suits your professional goals from these three options:

• Postgraduate Certificate of Natural Hazard Science and Policy
• Postgraduate Diploma in Natural Hazard Science and Policy
• Master of Natural Hazard Science and Policy.

The Postgraduate Certificate covers active earth processes, concepts of hazard and risk, contrasting perspectives on hazard and risk in New Zealand, and natural hazard policy and planning. You will also learn the importance of Mātauranga Māori for natural hazard research and Tikanga Māori approaches to natural hazard management.

The Postgraduate Diploma builds on this by adding courses in geoscience, economics, law, policy, and planning that address aspects of natural hazard assessment and mitigation through different disciplinary lenses.

Finally, the Master of Natural Hazard Science and Policy takes this knowledge and brings it together with either a research project or a placement at a relevant New Zealand based organisation.

If you're unsure which programme is right for you, start with the Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma as a stepping stone—you can always progress to the full Master’s degree later.

Workload

The workload for each course will be around 10 hours per point, including lectures, seminars, and tutorials. If you study full time, you can complete the Postgraduate Certificate in one trimester, the Postgraduate Diploma in two trimesters, and the Master’s degree in three trimesters (12 months).

If you study part time, you’ll need to do around 20 to 23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are planning to work while studying.

Workload

The workload for each course will be around 10 hours per point, including lectures, seminars, and tutorials. You can complete the Postgraduate Certificate in one trimester, the Postgraduate Diploma in two trimesters, and the Master’s degree in three trimesters (12 months).