MSc International Disaster Management / Course details

All countries face a wide range of hazards, both natural and man-made, that have the potential to result in catastrophic damage and negative impacts on societies.

Despite actions taken by local emergency management professionals, international trends show that the economic and social impact of disaster has increased 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 those who are interested in critically analysing key concepts in disaster management theory, research, policy and practice, including vulnerability, governance, disaster risk reduction, and enhancing resilience to disasters through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery efforts.

You will undertake multidisciplinary study at the 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.

You will study a core curriculum that brings together the realms of disaster risk reduction, sustainable development and humanitarian action.

Our interdisciplinary team of researchers will also support the critical exploration of disaster resilience, prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery, helping to equip you 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.

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

On completion of the course, you should be able to show a critical understanding of the following.

1. Key issues and debates related to the theory and practices of disaster risk reduction. Students will show familiarity with different theoretical approaches, practical problems and an appreciation of the diversity of polices at international and national levels, including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Sustainable Development Goals.
2. The range of environmental, health and social science topics which influence disaster risk reduction and management (including geographical, political, historical, anthropological understandings). Students will become familiar with the methodological and normative underpinnings of these disciplines.
3. The analytical and policy literature concerning the related issues of disaster risk reduction including environmental/geological studies, emergency management structures and institutions, the role and perspectives of the state, multilateral and bilateral agencies, international and domestic NGOs and other civil institutions.
4. An understanding of common approaches to disaster risk reduction, including an awareness of the problems and critiques associated with disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery in both industrialised and developing countries.
5. The development of a range of academic and professional/transferable skills through both independent and group-based work.
6. A detailed understanding of a specific conceptual and/or policy-related area of disaster risk reduction along with implications and limitations of research findings on this subject, and of how to produce an original piece of academic research. Delivered via a dissertation.

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 widely recognised as being 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 aims to facilitate improvements in crisis response on a global scale while providing a centre of excellence for all concerned with emergencies, conflicts and peace.

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

Find out more about HCRI on our website .

You will learn through face-to-face teaching at The University of Manchester. This will be supported by lectures, discussion boards and other e-learning elements.

Graduation requirements will be the completion of 180 credits. A total of 120 credits of unit coursework will be required for students to move on to dissertation writing.

A passing dissertation will lead to the final 60 credits needed for MSc completion.

This course has been developed in close co-operation with the Faculty's e-learning team, which will offer ongoing support.

You will benefit from a range of cultural assets and study facilities on campus and beyond, including one of the largest university libraries in the country.

Find out more on the Facilities page.