Blended
03 Aug 2026 | Online + Wellington/Online Workshops
Can’t make these dates or want a private course?
Course overview
This micro-credential develops understanding of how natural hazard science is incorporated in planning and policy within a risk-based framework, using examples from land use recovery, climate adaptation, and planned relocation.
Building on the foundational knowledge, students develop the skills to translate hazard science and technical information into robust, defensible land use planning decisions. Emphasis is placed on how uncertainty is accessed and communicated, and how planning practitioners can act effectively despite incomplete, conflicting, or contested information.
This course is one of three micro-credentials that make up the Masters paper GEOS404: Natural Hazards Policy and Planning
First micro-credential: The Risk Management System and Natural Hazard Management
Third micro-credential: Challenges and Opportunities in the Risk Management System
Image attribution - Photo by Casey Horner on Unsplash
What you'll learn
What you’ll learn
1. Explain how science, hazard information, and uncertainty are used in policy and planning decisions, including how confidence and limitations are assessed.
2. Design risk-based land use planning responses that integrate adaptation, recovery, and planned relocation across pre- and post-event contexts.
3. Critique real-world planning and policy practice (including institutional constraints) to identify drivers of outcomes, trade-offs, and equity implications.
4. Apply decision-making tools and frameworks (e.g., DAPP, recovery planning methodologies) to develop defensible planning provisions and implementation pathways.
Couse modules
Week 1: Use of Science in Planning
Week 2: Land Use Recovery
Week 3: Adaptation
Week 4: Planned Relocation
Further Information
Format
This micro-credential is 50 hours of learning over 4 weeks. This includes one 2 hour workshop (online or in person) and one 1 hour tutorial (online) per week, and any online activities of content. It also includes all course readings, assessment preparation, and assessment submission.
Workload and Assessment
This micro-credential involves approximately 50 hours of total learning, including self-paced online modules, live sessions, and application tasks.
Assessment is comprised of:
-
Development of a pre-event land use plan for a natural hazard scenario – 1700 words or equivalent.
All assessment requirements must be completed to pass and earn credit.
What You’ll Receive
This course is a university-approved micro-credential worth 5 NZQA Level 8 credits, assessed to meet academic and industry standards. Upon successful completion, you will receive:
- A digital badge
- A digital certificate
- Academic credit recorded on your official Victoria University of Wellington academic transcript
All credentials include the total CPD/PLD hours completed.
University credits achieved may be used through ‘credit transfer’ to stack towards future qualifications. These digital credentials are portable, verifiable, and designed to support both your current role and long-term career advancement.
What is a micro-credential?
A micro-credential is a formal credential that acknowledges specific skills and knowledge gained through learning programme or activity. These credentials are assessed and meet industry standards, allowing you to demonstrate mastery in particular areas. Our micro-credentials carry University credit at defined level (eg undergraduate or postgraduate) and credit may be used towards further learning. Micro-credentials are designed to be stackable, creating a pathway to further qualifications or career advancement.
Upcoming Courses & Delivery Options
03 Aug 2026 | Online + Wellington/Online Workshops
Duration: 4 weeks
$NZD 995
excl. GST
Can’t make these dates or want a private course?
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