Risk, Disaster and Resilience MSc/PG Dip

Students will learn about and explore the characterisation, quantification, management and reduction of risk, disasters, and their associated impacts, from a broad range of scientific, technical, socio-economic, political, environmental, ethical and cultural perspectives. Through this multidisciplinary approach, students gain expertise in analysing complex challenges, enabling them to become future leaders who drive policy change and innovation.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of six core modules (90 credits), two optional modules (to the combined value of 30 credits) and an independent research project (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, six core modules and two optional modules, but no independent project), full-time nine months, part-time two years, is also offered.

All 6 core modules must be taken.

• Integrating Science into Risk and Disaster Reduction
• Natural and Anthropogenic Hazards and Vulnerability
• Emergency and Crisis Planning
• Emergency and Crisis Management
• Risk and Disaster Reduction Research Tools
• Research Proposal and Appraisal

Choose two options (to the combined value of 30 credits) from a list which may include the following:

• Conflict, Humanitarianism and Disaster Risk Reduction
• Post Disaster Recovery
• Adapting Cities to Climate Change
• Disaster Risk Reduction in Cities
• Earthquake Seismology and Earthquake Hazards
• Decision and Risk (Statistics)
• Risk and Contingency Planning (Security and Crime Science)
• Risk Power and Uncertainty (Anthropology)
• The Variable Sun: Space Weather and You
• Climate Risks to Hydro-Ecological Systems
• Perspectives on Terrorism (Security and Crime Science)

All students undertake an independent research project of 10,000-12,000 words which culminates in a research project and poster presentation.

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, directed reading and practical problem-solving exercises and a real-time disaster scenario event, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and tutorial-style dialogue between students and lecturers. Assessment is by independent and group oral presentations, written examination, coursework essays, and the independent project. Practical applications of critical and creative problem-solving will be encouraged and assessed throughout.

A series of one-day UK-based field trips are available.