BSc International Disaster Management & Humanitarian Response

This course explores the multiple histories of humanitarianism and their resonances with today. It will introduce students to the complex past of humanitarian action in its Western and non-Western forms, from charities to international non-governmental organisations. Its first part examines the origins of the Western humanitarian system (the Red Cross and the laws of war, slavery and antislavery, and colonialism). The second part focuses on the principle of neutrality through case-study based sessions, for instance the Red Cross during the Holocaust, Save the Children during decolonial struggles, or MSF during the genocide in Rwanda. The last part intends to go beyond Eurocentric understandings by looking at South and East Asian approaches to humanitarianism. Throughout the semester, students will reflect on the usefulness of history for the current humanitarian sector and discuss how historians and practitioners can learn from each other. 

• Explore different meanings of humanitarianism
• Apply historical, legal and political perspectives in order to understand the origins, institutions and basic concepts of the contemporary international humanitarian system
• Deepen critical reasoning and intellectual curiosity
• Strengthen written and oral communication skills
• Engage critically with a wide range of academic literature

• Understand key concepts around the history of humanitarian aid;
• Develop a critical understanding of the diverse origins of humanitarian relief work
• Understand the long-term impact of this history in current humanitarian discourses and practices
• Address how academic historical writings can challenge how practitioners understand humanitarianism and its history 

• Critically engage with  the literature related to the history of humanitarianism
• Develop an understanding of the methodological challenges of history writing and their relevance beyond the discipline.
• Further develop awareness of current humanitarian affairs and their longer histories

• Demonstrate analytical and debating skills with peers and tutor
• Demonstrate efficiency and creativity in writing
• Show effective use of library resources and search engine to gather information

• Develop communication skills for a variety of audiences
• Develop, plan and achieve individual research outcomes
• Develop analytical skills and the ability to articulate ideas verbally and in writing
• Develop confidence articulating ideas and opinions during group discussions

Barnett, Michael. Empire of Humanity: A History of Humanitarianism (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2011).

Davey, Eleanor, Borton, John and Foley, Matthew. HPG Working Paper: A history of the humanitarian system. Western origins and foundations (London: Overseas Development Institute, 2013) 

Fazal Tanisha. Wars of Law: Unintended Consequences in the Regulation of Armed Conflict (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2018).

Ibhawoh Bonny, ‘Humanitarians and Abolitionists’ in Human Rights in Africa. New Approaches to African History (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2018).

Irwin, Julia. Humanitarianism. A Very Short Introduction (Oxford: Oxford University Pres, 2026). 

O'Sullivan, Kevin, The NGO Moment: The Globalisation of Compassion from Biafra to Live Aid (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2021). 

Salvatici Silvia. A history of humanitarianism, 1755-1989. In the name of others (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2019).

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £29,200 per annum.

For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

• Find out more from student finance
• Eligible UK students can apply for bursaries and scholarships
• Funding for EU and international students is on our country-specific pages
• Many students work part-time or complete a student internship