Southern Cross University:
Community Development - Emergency Management Online

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this program for you?
If you are an Emergency Services practitioner, working or hoping to work in Humanitarian work, work for Non Government Organisations, work for Government Agencies that respond to disaster situations, then this course is for you. If you have been unable to undertake any relevant traditional education in Emergency Management because of the location or type of work you do, then this is the course for you.

How long is the program?
The Master of Community Development is a 12 unit program. The Graduate Diploma (eight units) and the Graduate Certificate (four units). It is possible to begin in the Graduate Certificate the articulate into the Grad Dip or Master, alternatively you can exit the Master with a Grad Dip or Grad Certificate provided you have sucessfully complete the required units.

What is the structure of the course?
Following the completion of the prescribed 8 coursework units, 4 Independent Study Units are undertaken. You are able to choose what you want to synthesise your coursework learning with your professional expertise and also what you want to achieve professionally in this field of study. You are able to choose from the following possible scenarios:
1-4 individual units of study around a negotiated theme that are related to the previous learning in this course and specific learning objectives;
1 or 2 double weighted units around a negotiated specific that allows you to explore a topic of interest to you the synthesises the materials that you have studied to date;
1 individual unit + a 3 unit project.
A 4 unit project that allows you to explore a topic of interest to you that synthesises the materials you have studied to date.

What are the entry requirements?
A relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent experience in the Emergency Services area/humanitarian work, or a combination of both. Selection is treated on an individual basis and each applicant's prior experience and/or education is considered on its merits.

What is the study load and format?
This will depend on the student's choice of study load. A full time study load is three or four units per trimester, but as few as one unit per trimester may be undertaken, if preferred. It is possible to complete the Master degree in 3 trimesters however this would require entry into the program in Trimester A.

How do I apply?
Download the SCU Direct Application form via www.scu.edu.au How to Apply page.
Fill out Application form then return to:

Student Services
Southern Cross University
PO Box 157
Lismore NSW 2480
AUSTRALIA

What is the cost ?
Australian Citizens
$1530 per unit, which is deferrable.
Fee deferment - FEE-HELP information, go to: www.goingtouni.gov.au

For International Students
AUD$1700 (Upfront payment as you enrol in each unit).

How do I pay for the course?
On approval of your application, an offer of a place in the course will be made. Once units are submitted for enrolment you will be invoiced.
Payment can be made by the following methods:

Take invoice to Australia Post (Office)

On Internet via Post Bill Pay(www.postbillpay.com.au)

Send a cheque or money order payable to the University.

Telegraphic transfer of funds may be available through your bank.

By credit card - telephone 1300 300 744
International +61 1300 300 744

Language testing for speakers of English as a second language
At present we have no facility for language testing. This course is run entirely online in the English language and it is expected that students will have a sound knowledge of this language sufficient to master the academic requirements of the program (including comprehension, discussions and written assessments).

Application tests and/or interviews
There are no application tests or interviews as such, selection is treated on an individual basis and each applicant's prior experience and/or education is considered on its merits.

How much time per week is required?
This would depend on the number of units that were being undertaken. We normally indicate nominally 10 hours per unit. This of course also depends on the enthusiasm of the student to interact with the online.

Is travel to Coffs Harbour required for exams etc?
This program is offered externally online and as such there is no necessity to be on campus at all. There are no exams in any unit. Assessment is by assignments (essays and presentations).

Is the EM course geared towards disaster/emergency work/humanitarian aid?
This course is geared for all emergency situations. Having said that, the community development focus is particularly relevant for humanitarian disasters in which Non Government Organisations (NGO's) have a major role with communities in the long term as well as at the time of a disaster. We emphasise the planning with communities prior to the event, during the development of disasters, in order to mitigate the inevitable effects. We are very keen to have students from all over the world interacting about their individual situations in order for all to grow and learn about other's experiences in the field.

http://www.scu.edu.au/schools/sass/emonline/faqs.html
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