Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or above in a relevant discipline (or overseas equivalent), or 5 years of relevant work experience, or a UNE Graduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership in Risk and Emergency Management.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or above in a relevant discipline (or overseas equivalent), or 5 years of relevant work experience, or a UNE Graduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership in Risk and Emergency Management. English language requirements must also be met.
- 0.5 or 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2026 | Trimester 2 – June 2026 | Trimester 3 – October 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
Expand your leadership capabilities and deepen your expertise in managing complex risk and crises with UNE's Graduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership in Risk and Emergency Management. This postgraduate course equips you with the comprehensive skills needed for strategic leadership in risk and emergency management across diverse sectors, including risk management, public safety, intelligence and emergency services.
Developed in partnership with Risk-e Business Consultants, a leading advisory firm in risk and emergency management, this course reflects real-world industry demands. With flexible online delivery, this program fits seamlessly into your schedule, guiding you towards leadership excellence and providing a clear pathway to our upcoming Master of Strategic Leadership in Risk and Emergency Management.
Why study the Graduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership in Risk and Emergency Management with UNE?
With insights from David Owens APM, former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner and Managing Director of Risk-e Business, and Dave Donohue APM, National Risk Consultant and former NSW Police Commander, the curriculum is designed to provide practical, leadership-focused education. Guiding this course is Dr. Glenn Porter, an Associate Professor at UNE and an experienced forensic scientist, whose background in forensic imaging and crime scene investigation provides an evidence-based approach to leadership and risk management.
Designed for professionals like you navigating the complexities of modern risk and emergency management, this program adapts to your life with flexible study options. The Graduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership in Risk and Emergency Management will take your leadership journey to the next level at your own pace, in your own time.
UNE is a leader in online and distance education, consistently earning 5-star ratings for Student Support and Overall Experience in The Good Universities Guide. With this proven excellence, we ensure that your learning experience is both enriching and flexible, helping you build professional skills while managing your career and personal commitments seamlessly.
What makes our course different?
Our course is shaped by industry leaders and academic experts, with an emphasis on applied learning with practical relevance to ensure you're future fit for rapidly changing workplaces. Forward-focused, we integrate emerging challenges like cybersecurity, terrorism investigations, ethical leadership and global security into our curriculum.
- Flexible online learning tailored for busy professionals, offering accessible study options and study load to ensure your course fits around your life, not the other way around.
- Real-world relevance, developed in consultation with Risk-e Business Consultants to address emerging challenges such as cybersecurity, ethical decision-making, crisis management and global security threats.
- Career-focused outcomes, preparing you for leadership roles in risk, public safety, intelligence, military, emergency services and beyond.
- A clear pathway to future growth, allowing a seamless transition to the Master of Strategic Leadership in Risk and Emergency Management with advanced standing for your Graduate Diploma studies.
- Networking opportunities, connecting you with industry experts, like-minded peers and UNE's global alumni network for ongoing support.
Risk-e Business Consultants
UNE has partnered with Risk-e Business Consultants, a leading industry advisory firm, to ensure this course reflects the latest in risk and emergency management. The expertise of David Owens APM, Managing Director of Risk-e Business and former Deputy Commissioner of NSW Police, along with Dave Donohue APM, National Risk Consultant and former NSW Police Commander, has been instrumental in shaping the curriculum. Their extensive experience in crisis leadership, emergency response, and organisational risk ensures that the course delivers real-world insights and prepares graduates for leadership in high-pressure environments .
Additionally, the course is led by Dr. Glenn Porter, an Associate Professor at UNE and a forensic scientist with extensive experience in forensic imaging, crime scene investigation, and law enforcement leadership. Dr. Porter’s academic and industry expertise further enhances the program’s depth, ensuring a rigorous and practical learning experience.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
This course is not currently available for this mode of study.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
Non-Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
This course is offered under three admission rules, each with its own Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification or above (AQF Level 7, 8 or 9 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have a minimum of five years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule C: You have completed the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership in Risk and Emergency Management.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C. Please see the Rule C Course Structure (Program of Study).
* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Criminology
- Disaster management
- Emergency management
- Law
- Policing
† Relevant professional experience refers to a position of responsibility in any organisational and industry context.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
Non-Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
- If the basis of your application includes relevant professional experience, you must also provide a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.
If you are admitted under Rule C, you will be granted 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing. You cannot apply for further Advanced Standing.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
Please note: If you are admitted under Rule A, you can apply for a maximum of 24 credit points of Advanced Standing.
This course is offered under three admission rules, each with its own Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification or above (AQF Level 7, 8 or 9 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.*
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have a minimum of five years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience.†
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule C: You have completed the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership in Risk and Emergency Management.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C. Please see the Rule C Course Structure (Program of Study).
* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Criminology
- Disaster management
- Emergency management
- Law
- Policing
† Relevant professional experience refers to a position of responsibility in any organisational and industry context.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Non-Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
- If the basis of your application includes relevant professional experience, you must also provide a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.
If you are admitted under Rule C, you will be granted 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing. You cannot apply for further Advanced Standing.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
Please note: If you are admitted under Rule A, you can apply for a maximum of 24 credit points of Advanced Standing.
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 48 credit points at 500-level.
48 credit points
- Indigenous Culture and Public Policy (IDIG530) – 12 credit points
- Fundamentals in Civil and Community Leadership (SLEM500) – 12 credit points
- Contemporary Issues in Risk, Emergency Management and Crisis Management (SLEM501) – 12 credit points
- Driving Strategic Outcomes in Security and Terrorism Investigations (SLEM502) – 12 credit points
- Cybersecurity Prevention Strategies and Investigations (SLEM503) – 12 credit points
- Ethics and Professional Practice in Changing Environments (SLEM504) – 12 credit points
- Global Challenges in National Security (SLEM505) – 12 credit points
- Fundamentals in Risk and Emergency Management Environments (SLEM506) – 12 credit points
48 credit points
24 credit points
Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership in Risk and Emergency Management will be granted 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing based on the units completed:24 credit points
Complete 24 credit points from the following:- Indigenous Culture and Public Policy (IDIG530) – 12 credit points
- Fundamentals in Civil and Community Leadership (SLEM500) – 12 credit points
- Contemporary Issues in Risk, Emergency Management and Crisis Management (SLEM501) – 12 credit points
- Driving Strategic Outcomes in Security and Terrorism Investigations (SLEM502) – 12 credit points
- Cybersecurity Prevention Strategies and Investigations (SLEM503) – 12 credit points
- Ethics and Professional Practice in Changing Environments (SLEM504) – 12 credit points
- Global Challenges in National Security (SLEM505) – 12 credit points
- Fundamentals in Risk and Emergency Management Environments (SLEM506) – 12 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
Understanding Your Course Fees
Your total course fees are based on the number of units you complete, not the length of time you study. This gives you flexibility to tailor your study journey to suit your circumstances.
Here's how it works:
- Unit-based pricing - Each unit has its own fee. Visit our Fees and Costs section for detailed unit pricing information
- Advanced standing - If you're eligible for credit for previous study, you'll complete fewer units and pay less overall
- Study pace - Choose part-time or full-time study to fit your schedule without affecting unit costs
- Trimester 3 option - Students who choose to accelerate their progress by studying during Trimester 3 can do so without increasing overall costs
The table below shows estimated fees for a typical full-time year of study (48 credit points which typically equates to 8 units)
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Full Fee (no government subsidy) | $22,944* |
| International | $34,176* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $17,376* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $373 |
* Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2025. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
The knowledge and skills developed from studying the Graduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership in Risk and Emergency Management degree is transferable and add value across a wide range of workplaces and industries. Depending on the units selected by the student, career paths could include roles in areas such as:
- management and business
- Government strategic leadership, policy development and advisors
- private and public security
- intelligence operatives
- emergency services operations
- federal and state policing
- private and public investigations
- border security operations
- military personnel and leadership
- public relations
- media communication
- local, state and federal government
- research
- education
The career opportunities gained through this course will be specific to the student education and career goals. Building upon prior knowledge and life experiences, the course will help students to prepare for successful further study in their chosen career field and/or diversify their skillsets to create more career choices. This course also provides students with greater career resilience by offering insights into global and local trends regarding crisis management which is a critical skill in many private and government sectors.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate an advanced and broad knowledge of strategic leadership with an emphasis placed on leading systems, integrated capability, and organisations;
- demonstrate at a high level the ability to analyse critically, reflect on and synthesise complex problems, concepts and theories in risk and emergency management environments;
- demonstrate specialised skills in practice-based research relating to risk and emergency management; and
- utilise the application of knowledge and skills in a socially responsible way with full responsibility and accountability for personal outputs.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will possess an advanced level of knowledge of their discipline, enabling them to apply key concepts and principles in practical contexts.
- Communication Skills
Graduates will practice advanced communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Problem Solving
Graduates will be able to apply specialised cognitive skills to demonstrate solid theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory and professional practice.
- Information Literacy
Graduates will be able to apply advanced technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse and theorise about developments that contribute to professional practice and strategic leadership.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Graduates will have a comprehensive understanding of academic integrity and will practice ethical behaviour to support lifelong learning and professional work including personal autonomy, accountability and strategic leadership.
- Lifelong Learning
Graduates will have advanced cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level. Graduates can adapt with creativity and initiative to new situations in professional practice and/or for lifelong learning.
- Independence and Collaboration
Graduates will have a sophisticated level of skills in independent study as well as the ability to work collaboratively with peers and under the guidance of professional mentors with extensive industry experience.
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026 Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026 Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate) Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025 Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?
The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.
Why study with us?
UNE provides an excellent learning experience, and a wide range of social and student services. It is a perfect place to experience diverse culture, seasons and lifestyle!
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 24 February 2026 | 23 February 2026 |
| Trimester 2 | 23 June 2026 | 22 June 2026 |
| Trimester 3 | 9 October 2026 | 19 October 2026 |
