MSc in International Disaster Management

All countries face a wide range of hazards, both natural and human-made, that have the potential to result in catastrophic societal impacts.

Despite actions taken by local emergency management professionals, international trends show that the economic and social impact of disasters is increasing around the world.

This is especially true in the developing world, where large-scale disasters can result in enormous loss of life as well as considerable economic damage.

The MSc in International Disaster Management is aimed at students interested in critically analysing key concepts in disaster management theory, research, policy and application, including vulnerability, governance, disaster risk reduction, and enhancing resilience to disasters through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery efforts.

Students undertake interdisciplinary study at HCRI, focusing on the critical analysis of current trends in academic research and policies, particularly those related to international disaster risk reduction, sustainable development, and humanitarian action tools commonly used by disaster risk reduction professionals.

Students engage with a core curriculum that brings together the spheres of disaster risk reduction, sustainable development and humanitarian action.

HCRI's interdisciplinary team of researchers support the critical exploration of disaster resilience, prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery, equipping students to work professionally in disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.

The MSc in International Disaster Management is unique as it incorporates units and lecturers from a wide variety of disciplines, including business and management, systems thinking, geography, history, politics, development studies, the arts and medicine.

This course is suitable for developing initial capacity in disaster risk reduction and/or supporting continuing education for disaster risk reduction professionals.

Special features

Study at HCRI

The Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute (HCRI) at the University of Manchester is inspired by the need to conduct rigorous research and to support both undergraduate and postgraduate training on the impact and outcomes of contemporary and historical crises.

Established in 2008 by Dr Rony Brauman, Professor Bertrand Taithe and Professor Tony Redmond, HCRI is recognised as a leading international research institute focusing on the study of humanitarianism, conflict response and peacebuilding.

Our work is driven by a desire to inform and support policy- and decision-makers, to optimise joint working between partner organisations and to foster increased understanding and debate within the field.

Bringing together the disciplines of medicine and the humanities, including International Relations and Political Science, to achieve these goals, HCRI facilitates improvement in crisis response on a global scale while providing a centre of excellence for the study of emergency, conflict and peace.

We embrace this opportunity to develop a scholarly and professional agenda for humanitarians and peacebuilders around the world.

Teaching and learning

Students learn through face-to-face teaching at The University of Manchester. This will be supported by lectures, discussion boards and other eLearning elements, in line with government and university COVID guidance.

Coursework and assessment

Graduation requires the completion of 180 credits. A total of 120 credits of unit coursework are required for students to progress to the dissertation project.

A passing dissertation results in the final 60 credits needed for MSc completion.

The MSc in International Disaster Management first and foremost provides students with a grounding in critical disaster studies a skill set for which humanitarian organisations express an ongoing need. There is a secondary focus on applied skill development, such as contingency plan development, geographic information systems (GIS) and research. Disaster simulation activities are provided as interest and capacity allow.

Knowledge and critical thinking skills gained on the course have prepared graduates for national and international careers in emergency management and planning, programme management, consultancy, data migration, defence primary healthcare, and research.

Organisations our graduates have worked for include:

• a variety of NGOs including German Red Cross, International Committee of the Red Cross (IFRC), Refugee Council, Shelter, Oxfam, and Age UK Manchester;
• Security and Defence/Intelligence Fusion;
• the National Health Service;
• Local and Central Government/Civil service.