Course summary

All countries face a wide range of hazards 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 disaster is increasing around the world. This is especially true in lower-income contexts, 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 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.