SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Disaster Risk Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99718  Postgraduate Diploma in Disaster Risk Management 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Public Administration 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  144  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to equip graduates with the necessary knowledge and competences to function as effective Disaster Risk Managers well able to contribute not only to a more resilient and sustainable South African society, but also globally. The qualification will also teach learners analytical and field research skills that may position graduates favourably in terms of labour market demandsin the public sector or to work independently in a sector of choice. The graduate will also be competent and eligible to enrol for study at Master's Level in a cognate field.

Rationale:
History has shown that societies sustain both human and financial losses annually due to the impact of natural and anthropogenic hazards. In many instances the losses are of such a magnitude that the event can be labelled "a disaster". The impact disasters have is not evenly distributed around the world; developing countries mostly bear the brunt in terms of suffering and devastation. In order to address this challenge, the United Nations established a ten-year programme to reduce the risk of disaster in 2005 and launched the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015.

A growing number of governments and international organizations acknowledge the necessity of increasing their efforts in disaster risk management and climate change adaptation in order to develop safe and sustainable societies. Although funding has become increasingly available, there is still a severe shortage of qualified human resources in the field of risk management. There is a critical need for educated individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to grasp the complexity of risk reduction and adaptation and addressing related trans-disciplinary challenges to enhance safety and sustainability, as well as to facilitate the capacity development of others to do so.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Disaster Risk Management (with an additional focus on climate change adaptation) will contribute to alleviating the scarcity of qualified and professional human resources. This qualification is focused on providing learners with comprehensive knowledge as well as pragmatic skills and abilities in disaster risk management, climate change adaptation and capacity development, in order for them to be able to contribute to a more resilient and sustainable society.

This qualification will provide employees for a wide range of employment opportunities within the private and public sectors. The Postgraduate Diploma in Disaster Risk Management will meet the needs of workersin the United Nations system, national governments, non-governmental organisations, national and international emergency agencies, relief organisations, and private companies. There is a growing market for consultancy services within this field. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Eligibility for RPL at the university is outlined in the institutional RPL policy document. The following stipulations in the RPL document are relevant to this qualification:
  • Candidates who have exited formal education at a time in their education careers but have since accumulated experience through short courses or other training opportunities may seek recognition for some modules or for admission.
  • The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in a formal setting. An RPL candidate seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge must comply with all the requirements as stated in learning modules and learning programmes and qualifications. The difference is the route to the assessment. RPL assessment takes a holistic view of the process of assessment where the context of the learning as well as the context of the person who is being assessed is taken into account.

    Entry Requirements:
    A candidate is eligible to apply for admission to the PGDip (Disaster Risk Management) when:
  • He/she has completed a relevant first Bachelor's Degree at Level 7 or a qualification deemed as equivalent. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Disaster Risk Management consists of compulsory modules of 16 Credits each at Level 8 totalling 144 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Disaster Risk Studies and Climate Change Adaptation.
  • Research Project.
  • Hazards.
  • Disaster Risk Assessment.
  • Research Methodology.
  • Urban Disaster Risk.
  • Preparedness and Response.
  • Planning and Project Management.
  • Exposure, Vulnerability and Resilience. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge and critical understanding of, as well as engagement with, different theories and principles applicable in the field of disaster risk management and climate change adaptation, and apply such knowledge and understanding to critically analyse and evaluate global and local studies in this area.
    2. Critically interrogate multiple sources of knowledge, especially published journal articles on studies within the field of disaster risk management and climate change adaptation, and critically review and evaluate the methods of research as well as the results and recommendations produced by such research.
    3. A range of different but appropriate disaster risk management skills and scientific methods of enquiry to investigate, reflect on and address complex or abstract problems regarding, amongst others, exposure, vulnerability, hazards and resilience, are selected, evaluated and applied, thereby contributing to positive change within practice.
    4. Engage with and address ethical issues pertaining to the academic environment, disaster risk management practice and society to effect change in conduct and adaptation where necessary.
    5. An accurate, coherent, appropriate and creative presentation and communication of innovative and new professional ideas, methods and research findings to policymakers, practitioners, other role players and academics within the field of disaster risk management and climate change adaptation with understanding of and respect for intellectual property conventions, copyright and rules on plagiarism is produced.
    6. Work effectively as part of a team to solve discipline-related problems and to take responsibility for task-specific outcomes and appropriate use of relevant resources.
    7. Apply, in a self-critical manner, appropriate learning strategies to effectively address professional and lifelong learning. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of different theories and principles of disaster risk management and climate change adaptation.
  • Engage in discussions and present selected theories and practices to others.
  • Critique presentations made by others according to a set of criteria.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Adequately conduct independent literature research by utilising electronic and non-electronic means to identify, assess and obtain the necessary and correct sources
    Assess various academic sources through:
    > Applying critical reading.
    > Identifying relevant material.
    > Reviewing sources to determine their applicability to disaster risk management and climate change.
    > Utilising sources to compile written assignments.
    > Conducting literature reviews, showing logical reasoning and deduction.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate appropriate disaster risk management skills in order to identify various hazards, assess vulnerability and determine exposure levels.
  • Apply various qualitative and quantitative scientific methods of enquiry to identified problems.
  • Effect change in communities at risk by correctly identifying problems and suggesting corrective disaster risk management and climate change adaptation courses of actions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Explain ethical and unethical behaviour within the academic setting.
  • Assess and explain own research proposal in terms of ethical issues and ethical research conduct.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of ethical conduct when working in communities and at-risk groups for disaster risk management and climate change adaptation purposes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate in formal and non-formal settings (such as colloquia, seminars, the classroom, and field excursions).
  • Compile various types of communication materials (such as research reports, presentations, policy briefs, and marketing material) to communicate specific disaster risk and climate change issues to various audiences.
  • Demonstrate the ability ethically to utilise academic sources and other material under intellectual property rights protection.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Work effectively as a team by engaging in group work (within and outside the classroom setting).
  • Conduct peer assessments of fellow learners to determine and demonstrate their ability to work in groups.
  • Plan and execute a disaster risk management and climate change adaptation project.
  • Assess own progress in project implementation by measuring it against predetermined performance indicators.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Demonstrate the ability to judge own learning critically by keeping learning journals and periodically reflecting on these.
  • Identify areas in which more knowledge for effective strategy development and problem solving are needed.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Opportunities for both continuous formative and summative assessments are imbedded in the learning design of the Postgraduate Diploma in Disaster Risk Management throughout the year of study, in the form of written and practical assignments, portfolios and practical assessments and written and practical examinations. Students are assessed on the application of learned skills in order to assure that theory evolves into effective practice. A number of outcomes are assessed in an integrated manner by means of a research project in the second semester of the qualification, wherein not only the student's evidence of the mastering of discipline-specific knowledge and skills are assessed, but also his/her writing and communication skills, computer literacy and ability to critically analyze and effectively evaluate a work-place related problem. Report-writing is an important aspect of such an assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Centre for Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies, Federal University of Technology, Minna (CDRM&DS) offers the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in Disaster Risk Management and Development. The 36 months full time qualification is meant to train middle level manpower in disaster risk management. The qualification focuses on the following:
  • Basic concepts and methodologies of Disaster Management.
  • Hazards, risks and vulnerability assessment.
  • Strategic Disaster Management.
  • Disaster communication.
  • Community based Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
  • Climate change and environmental impact assessment.

    The University of Newcastle in Australia and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) worked together in order to develop the Graduate Certificate in Disaster Risk Reduction. The qualification is aimed at providing graduates with the knowledge to manage the DRR process across all sectors of society. Learners of the qualification engage fundamental disaster risk concepts, and receive training in the use of the most globally adopted DRR tools and protocols, some of these through direct engagement with UNITAR resources.

    Graduates will be capable of conducting disaster risk evaluations, and guiding the subsequent development of disaster risk mitigation and management strategies for the organisation in which they work.

    Heriot-Watt University in the United Kingdom offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Safety, Risk and Reliability Engineering. The PgDip can be completed in a minimum of 2 years. This qualification aims to provide learners with advanced knowledge of risk assessment techniques, the public and individual perception of risk, and how decisions are made in competitive business markets. The qualification focuses on practical applications of safety methodologies, ergonomics and human factors, and safety and risk management techniques. It develops learners' skills to undertake safety studies and manage safety and risk to the best national and international standards.

    Conclusion:
    The Postgraduate diploma in Disaster Risk Management compares with the cited international qualifications in terms of their focus and content. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification does not offer specific articulation opportunities with qualifications offered by the North West University, however it offers systemic articulation with the following qualifications offered by other institutions, provided the learner meets the minimum entry requirements:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Risk Management at Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy in Disaster Risk Science and Development at Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. North West University 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.