Program Overview

Emergency Planning and Management (IRDR0002)

Key Information

• Faculty: Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
• Teaching department: Risk and Disaster Reduction
• Credit value: 15
• Restrictions: N/A

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

This module provides an introduction to emergency planning and management for crises, major incidents, and disasters. It offers a grounding both for students pursuing careers in emergency management or business continuity and for others who need to understand the context and impacts of emergencies in sectors such as insurance, humanitarianism, and disaster risk reduction.

The module covers the principles, processes, and research methods involved. Students will learn to understand vulnerability, risk, and impact, and plan for emergency response. They will learn to critically evaluate the dynamics of emergency situations and the systems used in emergency response. They will learn about the logistical, administrative, and policy contexts of emergency planning and management, and how to communicate effectively in emergencies.

Topics the module covers might include:

• What makes a good emergency plan
• Evolution of emergency management
• Vulnerability, risk, and resilience
• Scenario methodology
• Case-study methods
• Command systems
• Emergency operations centres
• Interoperability
• Warning and evacuation
• Social media

Examples could be drawn from contemporary practice and case studies of past and present emergency management.

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

• Intended teaching term: Term 1
• Postgraduate (FHEQ Level 7)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person
• Methods of assessment:
  • 50% Exam (2 assessments)
  • 50% Coursework (2 assessments)
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of students on module in previous year: 66
• Module leader: Dr Dan Haines

Last Updated

This module description was last updated on 10th March 2026.